Winter preparations

Save money on heating by winter proofing your radiator

It’s time to turn up the heat in your home, but if your radiators aren’t working properly it could mean cash out the window. Here are 4 easy steps you can take to ensure your radiators provide an optimal heating solution that will save energy, time and money during the cold season:

Step 1: Check if the radiator is working properly

Turn your radiator thermostat temperature settings all the way up. The entire radiator should warm up. If it does, you’re good to go. But if the radiator only partially warms up or worse, not at all, you need to take further action.

Step 2: Bleed your radiator

If your radiator isn’t working properly, turn down the heat and carefully loosen the bleed screw – at the top of the radiator – either by hand or with a pair of pipe wrench pliers. Have a cloth ready for potential leaks. You should hear hissing sound, indicating air being forced out by water. When the water begins to squirt out, retighten the screw. (Note: If no water comes out you may have to refill the expansion tank.)

Step 3: Massage the radiator valve

You’ve tried Step 2 with no success; your radiator valve might be blocked. Remove the thermostat with an Allen key or by turning counterclockwise (on newer models). Gently push in on the exposed radiator valve pin with the flat end of the Allen key. The pin should move in 2-3mm and bounce out again.

If the radiator thermostat valve pin is stuck, gently alternate between tapping the valve’s side and moving the pin in and out until it frees. Check for leaks and reattach the thermostat.

Step 4: Contact an expert

If you’ve performed Steps 1-3 and your radiator still isn’t working properly, please contact your local heating technician. Their expert advice can help troubleshoot your challenges and have you feeling warm all over in no time.