As winter really kicks in along with the post Christmas holiday blues, get more out of your cosy nights in. Here is with our guide to ensuring you have efficient radiators that are hot to trot!
Writing this looking out of the window at driving rain and biting cold, I’m reassured by the lovely warm radiator keeping me cosy indoors.
Follow these tips to make sure yours do the same!
1. If your radiator is only getting hot at the bottom then trapped air could be the issue. To get rid of the air and allow the radiator to work to full effect it needs bleeding. Use a radiator key in the bleed valve and twist to open allowing the air to escape. DON’T do this when the heating is on, or the radiator is still hot. Also, ensure to use a cloth to catch any dribbles which may also escape when the air is released. Once water starts to come out then close the valve. We would recommend bleeding radiators a couple of times a year.
2. Check the positioning of your radiators. Traditionally they’re placed under windows – take care not to block the heat with heavy curtains or you’ll lose the benefits. Radiator foil can be fitted behind the radiator to bounce heat back into a room, but it’s only effective with solid panel radiators.
3. Do you have TRV’s (Thermostatic radiator valves) fitted to your radiators? These valves allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms. Up to date controls including TRV’s and room thermostats help the system to work more efficiently and to improve performance.
4. If you’re planning to upgrade or replace radiators check a BTU calculator or ask a Gas Safe Registered Heating engineer for advice. BTU’s or British Thermal Units are the measurement of radiator output. Online calculators will help you work out the category of radiator you need to achieve the desired result. They take into account the number of outside walls, room direction etc. These factors will all play a part in how cold a room is.
5. Don’t use your radiator to dry clothes – this makes for less efficient radiators. It blocks the air flow from the radiator around the room, thereby costing you more. Use a separate airer instead to hang clothes.
If you’d like to arrange boiler servicing to ensure your heating system is running efficiently contact us on 01273 507988.
