Radiators which feel cold at the top and warm at the bottom is normally a sign that air is trapped in the heating system and can be dealt with by ‘bleeding’ the radiator to release the trapped air. You may also be able to hear pipes banging and gurgling. Ensuring your radiators are operating correctly can save you money.
Your step by step guide to bleeding a radiator:
- Firstly, turn the central heating system on and while you are waiting for the radiators to heat up, make sure you are prepared and have the radiator bleed key and an old towel to hand
- Check all your radiators to see which have cold spots, then turn the central heating off
- Go to your first radiator which needs bleeding, starting at the lowest level radiators first and locate the bleed valve
- Put your towel beneath the radiator ready to catch any escaping water
- Inert the radiator key, turn anti-clockwise and listen for the tell tale hissing
- When all the excess air has been let out, the hissing will stop and turn the key clockwise to close the valve
- Then move on to your next radiator!
If the valve should not work or the key breaks off, please contact us for advice.
