As winter has hit in full swing, many of us are well-versed in keeping our homes snug and warm. Yet, there can be times when your home doesn’t heat up as quickly as you’d like.
There are methods to ensure your radiators are operating at their maximum capacity and you’re getting the most from your heating system. Many radiator issues stem from a simple problem that can be easily rectified – no need for specialist tools or equipment, and it won’t break the bank.
If you find one room is consistently colder than another, experts suggest “balancing” your radiators to ensure they heat up evenly, as per Plumbing Force. Balancing your radiators is slightly more technical and requires some patience – but the plumbing firm suggests it could benefit you in the long run.
It involves opening radiator valves, turning off the heating, adjusting the radiator’s temperature and recording the temperature of the pipework. If you’re still game for the task, you’ll need a radiator bleeding key, a lock shield valve adjuster or adjustable spanner, a screwdriver, and a digital thermometer or multimeter with a thermometer function.
Here are the steps to balancing your radiators:
- Turn off your heating systems.
- Bleed your radiators.
- Go through your radiator valves.
- Create a basic map of your radiators.
- Turn the heating system on and take notes.
- Turn it off again and wait until it’s cold.
- Turn the heating back on again.
- Adjust the valves on the first radiator .
- Check the temperature of the radiator.
- Check the temperature of the pipes.
- Repeat until you finish all radiators.
Plumber Force advises that you should attempt to balance your radiator annually or as regularly as necessary. Here are the steps to balance your radiators: Of course, if the DIY steps don’t work, you might have a larger issue, so it’s crucial to call in a professional, reports the Express.
“Always call professional plumbers when in doubt. If there is uneven heating even after bleeding, signs of corrosion, or leaks in the pipework – do not attempt to do it by yourself,” advised Plumber Force. “These are not DIY friendly. Contact your local plumbers from Plumbingforce for these extreme cases.”
For a more detailed guide, visit the Plumber Force website.