Servicing a radiator means conducting tasks to keep it running effectively for as long as possible. Regular servicing can help prevent costly breakdowns, and keeps your home warm throughout the year, especially in the winter months.
What Is Radiator Servicing?
Radiator servicing involves a range of tasks, including:
- Checking the pressure
- Checking the thermostat
- Inspecting pipes
- Bleeding the radiator
- Adjusting the valves
- Checking for leaks
- General cleaning
How Often Should I Service My Radiator?
It’s a good idea to service your radiator at least once per year. A yearly radiator service is a legal requirement for landlords. Experts recommend that the best time to do this is just before winter, so any issues can be rectified before the colder temperatures.
How To Service Your Radiator
1. Radiator Bleeding
Before you attempt to bleed your radiator, make sure it is turned off and has had time to cool down. You can then place a jug and a towel underneath the bleed valve . To do this, you’ll need your radiator bleed key, or a screwdriver. Turn this anti-clockwise so that you hear a hissing noise – this is the air escaping!
The sound will soon stop and water will pour out of the radiator, which you can collect in the jug and towel you have placed. Once the water has stopped, you can re-tighten the valve.
You can easily check if your radiator needs bleeding by checking the temperature at the top – if you turn it on and it remains cold, it might need bleeding.
2. Checking For Leaks
Inspecting your radiator and pipe connections is the best way to spot leaks. Signs of rust or water are tell-tale signs of a leaky radiator! Although small leaks usually only require valve tightening, larger leaks may need to be seen by a professional.
3. Inspect Valves
Valves play a crucial role in regulating the temperature of your radiators. Firstly, your radiator valves need to be open, so that hot water can flow through them and heat the radiator properly. If your valves are closed, your radiator may not heat up as effectively, and won’t stay as warm for as long.
4. Checking Your Boiler Pressure
Having low boiler pressure could be a sign of a leak in your central heating system. Meanwhile, having a high boiler pressure can put your valves under strain… which can also cause leaks!
It’s easy to check your boiler pressure – simply look for the pressure gauge and check if the needle is pointing to the green section.
5. Checking Your Thermostat
Ensuring your thermostat is reading the correct temperature can be crucial for monitoring energy use throughout your home. An easy way to check is by setting your heating to a high temperature, and checking your thermostat after approximately 15 minutes. If your thermostat doesn’t record it, it’s likely your thermostat has a problem and may require an engineer.
6. Cleaning Your Radiator
Cleaning your radiator isn’t just important for hygiene – it can save you money on your energy bills! A build-up of dust can prevent heat escaping from your radiator into the room. When a room isn’t heating up, many of us turn to crank the temperature up further, adding your bill. Plus, radiators are magnets for dust, so a regular clean is even more important!
Upgrade Your Boiler For Free
If you have an old, inefficient boiler, you may notice your radiators aren’t working properly. You can upgrade to a more efficient and eco-friendly heating system with the help of ECO4.
ECO4 is a government-backed energy-saving grant that gives eligible households free support. Measures include free solar panels, free insulation, and a free air source heat pump.
To find out more about energy-saving grants, click the button below.
