If air gets in your radiators it can be irritating. Here's how to solve the problem.
We tend to forget our central heating even exists in the summer but this is just the time when air can build up, making radiators a lot less efficient. In fact, you can be paying up to 35 per cent more on your heating bill in the worst cases. Sometimes these air locks produce a clicking sound as they pass through the valves. Even if there's no annoying noise, check that there are no cold spots at the top of your radiators.
If so, you need to bleed the system to get rid of trapped air that forms these cold pockets. Radiators shouldn't need frequent bleeding. If they do, air is getting in and you need a professional to check over the system.
Switch off your central heating and open up any thermostatic valves by turning them to the highest number on the dial. You'll need a radiator key, bought for a few pence from a DIY store, and a towel to catch any drips. Start upstairs, as this is where most of the air will be trapped. Put the key over the square valve in the top end of the first radiator and turn anti-clockwise slowly.
If air is trapped in the radiator, you'll hear a hissing sound as it escapes. As soon as water begins to drip out, close the valve. Give your heating a quick 15 minute blast on a high temperature setting and check there are no leaky valves.
If the problem is cold spots at the very bottom of a radiator you have a slightly more serious problem but still one worth trying to repair with a DIY remedy before calling in a heating engineer. The cool areas are a sign of rust and sludge build-up that's sitting in the bottom of the radiator. You may need to remove the radiator and flush it out with a hose but it's worth trying a water treatment first. Check www.fernox.com for the correct product for your type of boiler.
This usually means your radiators aren't properly balanced. The nearest radiators to the boiler are taking more than their share of the hot water from the system. This is really a job for a heating engineer.
Find a trusted plumber in your area using MyBuilder.
Your Comments
Post your comment
Please note: In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in to Channel 4:
Sign In Here or Register Here
Comments closed
Comments are closed at the present time
Comments
Thank you for your comment!
Your message will be reviewed and the best ones will be published below.
If you intended to make an official comment to Channel 4 please contact us.
Comments