Trapped air in your gas central heating system can cause your radiators to circulate heat inefficiently. This often results in uncomfortably cold rooms and increased energy costs due to the underperformance of radiators. The good news is, there is a simple fix for this occurrence: bleeding your radiators.
Bleeding radiators is a quick and easy DIY task that can drastically improve the efficiency of your gas central heating system. This process releases the trapped air in your radiators, allowing hot water to fill every part of your radiator and heat your room effectively.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bleed your radiators effectively.
**Materials Needed**
• Radiator bleed key
• Cloth or towel
• Bucket or small container (optional)
**Steps**
1. **Switch Off Your Heating**
For safety reasons, ensure that your heating system is switched off. This prevents hot water from circulating in the radiators while you work on them.
2. **Locate the Bleed Valve**
On one side of your radiator, you’ll find a bleed valve. This is often at the top corner. Fitted with a square bite in the middle, the valve is designed to be turned with a radiator bleed key.
3. **Protect Flooring and Walls**
Place a cloth or towel below the bleed valve to capture any water that might escape. If you’re working on a large radiator, you may also want to have a small bucket to hand, in case of a larger water outpour.
4. **Turn the Bleed Key**
Place your bleed key on the valve and slowly turn anti-clockwise. You’ll soon hear a hissing sound. This is the trapped air escaping. Remember, safety first! Be cautious, do not rush this process.
5. **Wait for Water**
Once all the trapped air has been released, water will begin to drip or spurt out. At this point, quickly close the valve by turning the key clockwise.
6. **Check Pressure**
Once all radiators are bled, check the pressure on your boiler. If the pressure is too low, you may have to top it up using your boiler’s filling loop.
Remember to check your radiators regularly, especially during colder months, to ensure that your gas central heating system is working efficiently. As with any DIY task, if you feel uncomfortable performing this upkeep, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with a qualified professional. By taking preventative measures and addressing the small issues before they escalate, you can enjoy a warm and cosy home atmosphere while also saving on energy costs.