Doing this simple task that takes just minutes will help make your house feel much warmer
I’d become incredibly frustrated with having the heating on at home, only to discover that some of my radiators were merely lukewarm or even cold. I have a new boiler after the previous one broke down, so I was certain the boiler couldn’t be the problem, particularly as other radiators functioned perfectly well.
I had heard about bleeding radiators but was always deterred from looking into it further, as it seemed like a messy and complex task best left to a plumber. However, with half the radiators in my house not warm enough and the weather outside becoming chillier, I decided to take the plunge and do the job myself.
It really couldn’t have been simpler – or had a more immediate effect. Heat surged through my radiators within seconds.
I couldn’t recommend this more highly if you find your radiators are cold or lukewarm despite the heating being on. I only needed two things and there was no mess involved.
Bleeding a radiator involves releasing trapped air. It’s this trapped air that prevents the water from circulating through the entirety of your radiator and heating it up, meaning you’re getting far less heat despite the central heating being on, reports the Express.
One vertical radiator I had in my bathroom was only warm in the bottom third, while the rest was stone cold.
Firstly, check which of your radiators are partially or fully cold or lukewarm. These are the ones you’ll need to bleed.
Switch off your central heating and let the radiators cool down. This is to prevent any potential scalding from hot water that might be released when you bleed them.
Locate the valve at the top of your radiator (usually on the side but sometimes on the top). This is where you will attach your radiator key or screwdriver.
Have your cloth and bucket ready.
Turn it anti-clockwise. As you do this, you’ll hear a hissing sound – this is the air escaping from the radiator.
When the hissing ceases, or water appears, tighten the valve back up again. I didn’t require a bucket and simply caught the small amount of water released with a small towel.
Once tightened, with the heating switched back on, you should feel the warmth flowing through your radiators and your house should feel significantly warmer.
