Ecotricity Explains: How to bleed a radiator
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For more information on cutting your energy costs by making your home more energy efficient, check out our energy saving advice. A recent government study found that 90% of homes in England have a boiler system with radiators as the main way to heat their property. But how often do you bleed your radiators? And how do you actually do it? Check out our full guide below.
When should you bleed your radiator?
There are three key things to look and listen for:
Are your radiators taking longer than usual to warm up?
Are your radiators not warming up as much as they should?
Are your radiators making gurgling noises?
All of these could be signs that you need to bleed your radiator to get rid of built-up air.
How do you bleed a radiator?
Before you start, make sure your heating is turned off and the radiators are cool – otherwise you risk burning yourself with hot water. You’ll also need a cloth and some kind of container to catch any water that comes out, as well as either a radiator key or a flathead screwdriver. Then follow the below steps to relieve pressure in your radiator.
Locate the bleed valve – this is where you need to put the radiator key. Generally, it’s on the side of radiators near the top.
Place the container on the floor below the valve to catch any water that escapes.
Use the radiator key to turn the valve anti-clockwise – at this point, you should hear a hissing sound as air escapes.
When the hissing stops and water starts to leak out, turn the radiator key clockwise to close the valve.
Before you turn your heating back on, check the water pressure gauge on your boiler – it should be between 1 and 2 bars.
You can now turn your heating back on and check your radiator is heating up normally again.
Where can you get a radiator key?
They’re designed as a universal fit, so they work with most radiators – most hardware stores will have them, or you can order them online.
Why should you bleed radiators?
Not only does it remove trapped air, but bleeding your radiators also means your radiators can work as efficiently as possible and you can save money by not having to keep your boiler on for longer to reach the same temperature.
Other ways to heat your home more efficiently
If your radiators have thermostatic valves, turn them down in the rooms you don’t need heating up.
Energy Saving Trust estimates that you can save £90 a year just by turning your thermostat down from 22°C to 21°C - and you likely won’t even notice the difference.
Clean your radiators. It sounds simple, but a build-up of dust in between the panels and inside the radiator can prevent heat from escaping, meaning your radiators have to work harder to heat up the space around them.
Make sure your insulation is up to scratch – prevent draughts and keep the heat in.
Keep track of your energy usage with a smart meter. Not got yours yet? Give our team a call on 0345 555 7100 and we’ll book you in.
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