Rawlins Paints Blog Industrial Paint Tips, Guidelines & DIY Articles
Get Ready To Turn The Heating On!
As the crisp autumn air begins to bite and the nights get longer, have you switched your heating on yet? It’s that time of year when we start to rely on our radiators to keep our homes warm and cosy. However, many of us neglect essential radiator maintenance during the warmer months, only to find that when we need our heating the most, it’s not performing as well as it should.
This year, the clocks go back at 2am on Sunday, 27th October 2024, marking the official shift into shorter, colder days. Before that date arrives, it’s the perfect opportunity to give your radiators some much-needed attention. In this guide, we’ll cover all aspects of radiator maintenance, from bleeding and balancing to checking for cold spots and even giving them a fresh coat of paint. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to ensure your heating system is running efficiently and your home stays warm throughout the colder months.
Why Autumn Radiator Maintenance Matters
As the clocks change and we head into the colder part of the year, your heating system becomes a critical part of your home’s comfort. After months of inactivity, radiators can become inefficient due to air pockets, sludge build-up, or imbalanced water flow. Without regular maintenance, these issues can lead to uneven heating, increased energy bills, and in some cases, damage to your system.
Taking time now, in early autumn, to maintain your radiators can save you from a costly breakdown when you need your heating the most. Regular maintenance can also prolong the life of your radiators and improve their efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your heating system all winter long.
How to Bleed a Radiator
One of the most common issues with radiators is trapped air. Over time, air bubbles can build up inside your radiators, preventing hot water from circulating properly. This leads to cold spots and reduces the radiator’s efficiency. Bleeding a radiator is a simple process that can fix this problem and restore full heating power.
Steps to Bleed a Radiator:
- Turn off your heating system and let the radiators cool completely.
- Locate the bleed valve, usually found at the top of the radiator.
- Using a radiator key, turn the valve anti-clockwise. You will hear a hissing sound as the trapped air escapes.
- Once water starts to dribble out, quickly tighten the valve back up.
- After bleeding all your radiators, check your boiler’s pressure gauge. If it’s too low, you may need to adjust it using the filling loop (the ideal pressure is usually between 1 and 1.5 bars).
By bleeding your radiators, you’ll not only get rid of cold spots but also improve their overall efficiency.
Check for Cold Spots
After bleeding your radiators, it’s important to check for any remaining cold spots. These are usually a sign of a more serious issue, such as sludge build-up within the system, which can block the flow of hot water.
How to Check for Cold Spots:
- Turn on the heating and let the radiators warm up fully.
- Run your hand along the surface of the radiator. If the bottom of the radiator is hot while the top is cold, trapped air could still be the issue.
- However, if the radiator has random cold patches, this could indicate a build-up of sludge or debris in the system.
Sludge build-up prevents water from circulating freely and affects the radiator’s efficiency. In this case, you may need a power flush, a professional cleaning service that clears out sludge and restores the system’s full functionality.
Monitor Water Pressure
Your boiler’s water pressure is a vital factor in keeping your heating system running smoothly. Low water pressure can lead to inefficient heating or prevent your radiators from working altogether. It’s important to regularly check your system’s pressure to ensure it’s within the recommended range.
How to Check and Adjust Water Pressure:
- Look at the pressure gauge on your boiler. The ideal pressure should be between 1 and 1.5 bars.
- If the pressure is too low, you can use the filling loop to add more water to the system. Slowly open the valve and let water flow in until the pressure reaches the correct level.
- Once done, make sure to close the valve securely.
If your system frequently loses pressure, it could indicate a leak, and it’s best to call in a plumber or heating engineer to investigate the issue.
How to Balance Radiators
Radiator balancing ensures that all radiators in your home receive an even distribution of heat. When radiators are unbalanced, some rooms may be much warmer than others, leading to inconsistent heating and higher energy usage.
Steps to Balance Your Radiators:
- Turn off your heating and let the radiators cool.
- Open the thermostatic valve fully on all radiators.
- Turn the heating back on and observe which radiators heat up first. Those that heat up faster may need their flow restricted.
- Adjust the lockshield valve (usually on the opposite side of the thermostatic valve) to control the flow of hot water. You’ll need a radiator key or an adjustable wrench for this.
- Slightly close the valve on the radiators that heat up the quickest, balancing the system so all radiators warm up evenly.
Balancing radiators helps ensure consistent heating throughout your home, improving comfort and reducing your energy bills.
How to Clean Behind a Radiator
Dust and dirt tend to gather behind radiators, which can reduce their efficiency. Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your radiators in good working order and ensuring they provide maximum heat output.
How to Clean Behind a Radiator:
- Turn off the heating and allow the radiators to cool.
- Use a long-handled radiator brush to reach behind the radiator and dislodge any dust or debris.
- Alternatively, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up the dust once it’s been loosened.
Cleaning behind your radiators not only improves efficiency but also reduces dust and allergens in your home.
Consider Professional Servicing
While DIY radiator maintenance is important, a professional service can catch issues that may not be immediately obvious. An annual boiler and radiator service, ideally in the autumn, ensures your heating system is working safely and efficiently.
What a Professional Service Includes:
- Checking for leaks or damage to the boiler and radiators
- Testing the water pressure and overall system performance
- Cleaning or replacing parts as needed
- Ensuring all safety measures are in place
A professional service gives you peace of mind that your heating system is in top condition and ready to handle the demands of winter.
How to Paint a Radiator
If your radiators are starting to look worn or rusted, a fresh coat of paint can not only improve how they look but also protect them from further damage. Specialist radiator paints are available in 100’s of colours and are designed for metal and high temperatures. Avoid using a cheaper paint, like an emulsion. These will simply flake off of your radiator over time and won’t offer any protection to the surface.
Steps to Paint a Radiator:
- Turn off the heating and ensure the radiator is cool.
- Lightly sand the surface to remove rust and create a smooth base for the paint.
- Apply a metal primer if necessary, especially if there’s visible rust.
- Use a special radiator paint that can withstand high temperatures. Apply thin, even coats, and allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Painting your radiators can give your room a fresh look, and it’s a simple way to prevent further wear and tear.
How to Paint the Walls Around a Radiator
Painting the walls behind or around a radiator can be tricky due to the tight space, but it’s entirely manageable with the right tools.
Steps to Paint Behind a Radiator:
- Use a paint roller with an extended handle to reach behind the radiator.
- For more difficult spots, use a radiator roller or a narrow paint brush designed for tight spaces.
- Apply thin, even coats to avoid drips and ensure full coverage.
Painting your walls can brighten up your room and give it a fresh, clean look, especially if your radiators have just been painted too.
FAQs
What happens if you bleed a radiator with the heating on?
Bleeding a radiator with the heating on can cause hot water to spray out, potentially burning you. Always turn off your heating and allow the radiators to cool before bleeding them.
How often should I bleed my radiators?
Radiators should be bled at least once a year, ideally before you switch the heating back on in autumn.
Why are my radiators still cold after bleeding?
If your radiators remain cold after bleeding, it could be due to sludge build-up inside the system, which may require a professional power flush.
What’s the ideal water pressure for my boiler?
The ideal pressure is usually between 1 and 1.5 bars. If the pressure drops below this level, your heating system may struggle to function properly.
How do I know if my radiator needs balancing?
If some rooms in your home are significantly colder than others, or if certain radiators heat up much faster than others, it’s likely your system needs balancing.
When should I book a professional heating service?
Homeowners should service their boilers every year. Landlords must do so every 12 months. It’s recommended to book a service in autumn so that your heating system isn’t trying to work on a hot day.
Do I need a Carbon Monoxide Detector near my boiler?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector near your boiler. Boilers that burn gas, oil, or solid fuel can produce carbon monoxide if they are not functioning correctly. This gas is odourless, colourless, and highly dangerous, so having a CO detector can be lifesaving.
Place the detector near your boiler but ensure it is positioned according to the manufacturer’s instructions—typically at least 1–3 metres away from the appliance.
Conclusion
With the clocks set to change at 2am on Sunday, 27th October 2024, now is the perfect time to ensure your radiators are in top condition for the colder months. From bleeding radiators and balancing the system to cleaning behind them and even giving them a fresh coat of paint, these simple maintenance tasks can make a huge difference in your home’s warmth and energy efficiency.
If you have any questions or need further advice, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Our team of technical experts at Rawlins are ready to help ensure your home stays warm and cosy all winter long!
Got a fireplace as well as radiators? See our guide on How to Use Fireplace Paint For Fire Surrounds for painting the surfaces around your fire or stove, including hearths, walls, and mantels.