Heating expert shares top tip on using radiator valves
Catherine Storer, executive director at construction training provider, Essential Site Skills, said: “Radiators are the lifeblood of our home’s heating potential, keeping us cosy in these colder days leading up to Christmas and beyond.
“These mid-autumn months see many of us turning our radiators on for the first time since last winter.
“We expect them to work as they always have, but for many, this doesn’t happen. Try using this 70p tool to bleed your radiators and you might find that they come back to life.
“Radiators are relatively simple technology. Hot water circulates them, heating the metal frame and, eventually, the rest of the room.
“Over time, however, pockets of air can sneak in, stopping the flow of hot water, and making your radiator much less efficient.”
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Bleeding radiators is like giving it a “breather”, according to the expert, letting all the trapped air out and letting the hot water warm up the home quicker and easier.
The expert said that radiator keys can cost as little as 70p and can be found at any major homeware shop, or online.
She added: “Our heating bills are higher during this time of year as it is, so that money should be at least be put to better use for us and our families.”
To bleed a radiator, gently turn the key in an anti-clockwise direction until you hear a hissing sound, which is the gas escaping.
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Once the gas has escaped, water will start to come out which is a cue to quickly re-tighten the value.
This process can be repeated on each radiator which needs bleeding and no areas of the radiator should remain cold.
If there are still cold spots after bleeding a radiator, a professional may need to be called for draining and flushing them out.
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Bleeding radiators regularly is a great and affordable way of keeping the home “warmer for longer”.
To save further on heating bills, the expert advised investing in draught excluders, loft insulation and cosy furnishings.
Catherine noted: “Lots of heat is lost from our roof and doors, so blocking cold air passages and keeping heat in where possible goes a long way.
“Heavy materials like rugs and curtains are great at stopping heat from escaping, blocking draughts from gaps in the floor.”
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