When the chill of the winter months sets in, having a fully functioning heating system is more than just a comfort—it’s a necessity.
One common issue that can impede the efficiency of your home’s heating is air trapped in the radiators. This air can prevent heat from circulating properly, leaving your radiators cold at the top while hot at the bottom.
The solution? Bleeding your radiators.
Here’s a simple guide on how to do it, ensuring your home stays warm throughout the cold season.
Why Bleed Your Radiators?
Bleeding radiators is essential to maintaining an efficient and effective heating system.
Air within the system can lead to increased energy usage and higher heating bills, as your boiler has to work harder to heat your home.
By bleeding your radiators, you remove the air, allowing hot water to fill every part of the radiator and heat your home more effectively.
What You’ll Need
- A radiator bleed key (available at most hardware stores)
- A cloth or towel to catch any drips
- A container to catch excess water
Step 1: Check if Your Radiators Need Bleeding
Before you start, turn on your heating and wait for your radiators to warm up.
Carefully check each radiator for cold spots, particularly at the top. If you find areas that aren’t warming up, it’s likely that air is trapped inside.
Step 2: Turn Off Your Heating
To safely bleed your radiators, ensure your heating system is turned off before you begin.
This prevents more air from being drawn into the system while you’re working and reduces the risk of hot water splashing out when you bleed the radiators.
Step 3: Position Your Cloth and Container
Place your cloth underneath the radiator valve to catch any water that may escape.
If you expect more than a few drips, it might be wise to have a small container or bowl ready to catch the water.
Step 4: Bleed the Radiator
Insert the radiator key into the valve. The valve is usually located at the top side of the radiator.
Slowly turn the key counterclockwise to open the valve. You should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes.
Hold the key until the sound stops and a little water begins to leak out. This indicates that all the air has been released.
Step 5: Close the Valve
Once water begins dribbling out, close the valve by turning the radiator key clockwise.
Be careful not to over-tighten as this can damage the valve.
Step 6: Check the Pressure of Your Boiler
After bleeding your radiators, it’s important to check the pressure gauge on your boiler.
Bleeding the radiators can cause the pressure to drop. If it has fallen below the recommended level, you may need to repressurise your boiler.
Consult your boiler’s manual for guidance or read our blog on how to increase boiler system pressure.
Step 7: Turn Your Heating Back On
Once you’ve finished bleeding the radiators and have checked the boiler pressure, turn your heating back on.
Check the radiators again for any remaining cold spots and repeat the process if necessary.
Step 8: Regular Maintenance
Regularly bleeding your radiators and maintaining your boiler are crucial steps in ensuring your heating system works efficiently.
We’ve written a blog on Boiler Maintenance, to help you keep your boiler running smoothly.
Bleeding your radiators is a simple but effective way to improve your home’s heating efficiency and comfort. It can help reduce your energy costs and enhance the effectiveness of your heating system.
For peace of mind and optimal performance, check out Blue Emergency Cover‘s Home Boiler Cover, from just £10 per Month, which includes annual boiler servicing to keep your heating system in top condition.
Remember, if you’re ever unsure about performing maintenance on your boiler or heating system, Blue Emergency Cover‘s professional’s are just a call away.