Energy bills: Homeowners can save money by bleeding radiators - step-by-step guide
DIY experts have shared how homeowners can bleed their radiators to help save money on their energy bills.
B&Q explains how to bleed a radiator
Bleeding radiators can help homeowners save money on their energy bills by making radiators more efficient. Radiators that need bleeding have air bubbles trapped inside them which prevents warm water from circulating around them. Key signs of a radiator that needs bleeding are odd noises such as gurgling or banging and cold spots on the radiator.
Radiators that need bleeding take longer to heat and won’t heat a room as efficiently as a fully-functioning radiator.
So how can can homeowners bleed a radiator? Experts from WD-40 have shared their step-by-step guide.
Equipment:
Radiator key or flathead screwdriver
Rag/towel
Thick gloves
Container
Turn on your heating
One of the first things homeowners should do is turn their radiators on fully to see if they need bleeding.
When the heating is on fully, homeowners should go around their home and touch the radiators and feel for cold spots wearing thick gloves.
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They should touch the radiator for long enough so the heat radiates through the gloves but doesn’t burn the hands.
Find which radiators need to bleed first
Check each radiator at the same time as one may need to be bled more than the other.
However, homeowners should ideally start with radiators on the ground floor.
Switch off the central heating
Once homeowners are aware of which radiators need bleeding, ensure the radiator intake valves are open, but the heating is fully switched off.
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Let the radiators cool down
Check all the radiators are completely cooled down with no warm areas.
Radiators should not be bled if they are still warm.
Locate the bleed valve
Now, homeowners need to find the bleed valve which is either on the left or right of the radiator at the top and is usually a circular shape.
Preparation
Homeowners will want to protect their carpets and flooring with rags or towels before bleeding a radiator.
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Water can sometimes escape unexpectedly so preparation is key.
It’s also important to have the correct radiator key or a flathead screwdriver to open the valve.
Loosen the valve
The radiator key or flat screwdriver should be inserted into the valve by being slotted into the square groove.
Next, turn the bleed screw anti-clockwise for one quarter to a half turn until there is a hissing sound.
Once the hissing sound has stopped, water may come out the radiator.
The water should be caught in a container or with some rag until it comes out in a steady stream rather than in small bursts.
This is the sign that the air has been released.
Close and secure the bleed valves
Use the key or screwdriver once again to tighten the bleed screw in a clockwise direction and use a cloth to dry the pipes and stop rust forming.
Turn on the heating
Once all radiators are bled and the valves are closed, the heating can be switched back on.
When the radiators are completely hot, go around and check how much heat is coming out the radiators.
Check the boiler pressure
Homeowners should also check boiler pressure as removing air can cause it to drop.