A simple device could potentially save you hundreds of pounds each year while improving the efficiency of your home heating. Government statistics show that over 70 per cent of UK households depend on radiators as their main source of heat.
However, without regular upkeep, these radiators can develop a range of problems. One key way to ensure your radiator is effectively warming your home is by bleeding it.
Air often becomes trapped in radiators, causing them to take longer to heat a room – a clear indication of this is if the bottom of the radiator is warm but the top is cold. However, you’ll probably need a radiator key to bleed your radiator properly.
Fortunately, these keys can be bought for as little as £1 on websites like Amazon and eBay. This small investment in a tool could potentially save you over £100 annually, depending on when your radiator was last serviced.
It’s crucial to ensure your radiator is heating your home correctly. The NHS recommends maintaining a minimum home temperature of 18C for health and warmth.
It also advises Brits to keep their windows closed on winter nights as breathing in cold air can increase health risks and the likelihood of chest infections. Citizens Advice also suggests that individuals with health conditions, which could worsen in colder climates, should not set their thermostat bel
How to bleed your radiator.
Firstly, turn off your heating. Given the significant amount of hot water that radiators can contain, it’s crucial to turn off your heating and wait for around 30 minutes to an hour before attempting to drain one. Draining a radiator can be a messy task, so ensure you place towels and any containers that can catch water (like Tupperware tubs or buckets) under the pipes on either side of your radiator.
You’ll need to close the thermostatic radiator valve and the lockshield valve on either side of your radiator by turning them clockwise – in some instances, you may require a spanner for this step. Keep a record of how many turns it takes to fully secure these.
Once the thermostatic radiator valve is entirely closed, you can begin disconnecting and loosening the nut that connects it to the radiator, which will result in a water leak. Next, locate the bleed valve and have your valve key ready.
Now you can prepare your radiator valve key, ready to insert it into the bleed valve at the top of the radiator and start to turn anti-clockwise. You will hear a hissing sound, indicating that the trapped air is escaping.
Allow a little water to follow the trapped air, when the bleed turns from a small trickle to a steady flow, tighten the valve again. Once you’ve released the trapped air, you can reopen the valves on either side of your radiator and repeat this process for any radiators that need attention.
After completing this, you can turn your heating back on and enjoy the benefits of a more efficient heating system.