If, when you turn on the central heating system in your home, you notice that parts of the radiator remain cold, it could be that air has entered the system. The air prevents water from filling the radiator properly, resulting in cold patches. This can cause the heating system to operate inefficiently, causing the temperature in your home to drop and your energy bills to rise. Below is a brief guide explaining how to bleed the air from a radiator.
Get the right tools
To bleed your radiator, you will need to use an Allen key. This is a specially shaped tool which fits into the valve on the top of the radiator. If you do not have an Allen key which is the right size for your radiator, you should visit a hardware store and purchase one. You should avoid attempting to use a screwdriver or other tool to open the valve as you could damage it. You will also need a bucket or other container to catch any water which drains from the radiator.
Prepare the heating system
Before you begin work, you should ensure that your central heating system is turned off and that the water in the radiator is cool. You should lay out an old towel underneath the radiator you are going to drain. You should place the bucket or another container underneath the valve to capture any water.
Open the valve
Insert the Allen key into the radiator valve and turn it anti-clockwise to the open position. If you struggle to open the valve, spray it with some lubricant such as WD40. When you first open the valve, you may hear a hissing noise. This is the sound of trapped air escaping. When all the air has escaped, water will flow from the valve. Once water begins to leave the radiator, you should close the valve using the Allen key.
Test the hot water system
You should drain all of the radiators in your home, starting on the top floor of the system and working down to the lower levels. This will ensure that all the trapped air is released from the system. Once you have done this, you can turn the hot water heating system back on. Once the system has warmed up, you should touch the radiators to check that there are no longer any cold patches.
If you have any concerns about your hot water heating system, you should contact a plumber today.
