Your home’s heating system is an essential feature, keeping you cosy throughout the year by supplying on-demand hot water and distributing warmth via radiators. It operates nearly all the time, but if you notice a radiator that’s not warming up properly, it might be time to bleed it.
Bleeding a radiator is a simple way to release any trapped air in your heating system, enhancing its efficiency and potentially reducing your heating bills over time. Experts at Vaillant note that after allowing the radiator to cool, the bleeding process should only take about five minutes per unit, reports the Express.
Ryan Calvert from Hiatt Hardware has offered advice on how to bleed your radiators effectively, making them “hotter” and helping you “save money on your heating bills”.
How to bleed a radiator
To safely bleed a radiator, remember that they can contain very hot water, so it’s crucial to turn off your heating and wait between 30 minutes to an hour before starting. Be prepared for potential spills by placing towels and containers like plastic tubs or buckets under the radiator pipes.
Next, you’ll need to close off the thermostatic radiator valve and the lockshield valve on either side of your radiator by turning clockwise (with a spanner if needed) and keep track of how many turns it takes to secure these fully.
Once the thermostatic radiator valve is fully shut off, you can begin disconnecting and loosening the nut that connects it to the radiator, causing a water leak.
Now use a radiator key by inserting it into the bleed valve at the top of the radiator and start to turn anti-clockwise. You will hear a hissing noise, indicating that the trapped air is escaping.
Let a little water follow the trapped air when the bleed turns from a small trickle to a steady flow, and tighten the valve again. This tool “can reduce your energy bills by 20%.”
Once you have released the trapped air, you can reopen the valves on either side of your radiator and repeat this process for any radiators that require attention.
Once complete, you can turn your heating on and enjoy the benefits of a warmer radiator.