Why is my radiator not heating up?
With the UK just recording its coldest night of this winter, along with widespread frost, we are doing everything we can to stay warm as bitter temperatures continue.
As this wintry weather tightens its grip , it’s likely that most of us will be putting the heating on at some point over the coming days and weeks. But with household bills continuing to rise, it’s important to make sure that every penny you’re spending on energy counts.
Freezing temperatures outside can impact our heating systems, so it’s important to be aware of the signs that something isn't working as normal, to make sure you’re getting the most out of your boiler and to know when there’s a problem.
For radiator and central heating advice this winter, Adam Clark, from My Local toolbox, shares everything to know about your heating system...
Why is my radiator not heating up?
The most common reason for your radiator struggling to heat up is having trapped air, says Adam, and this can be identified if the radiator feels warm at the bottom but cold at the top.
He tells Country Living: “You can release the trapped air by bleeding the radiator; use a radiator key to open the bleed valve a little until you hear it hissing, and then close it as soon as the water is flowing steadily.
“If no radiators in the house are heating up, rather than just one, there could be an issue with your boiler, so check for pressure issues or error codes. Make sure the pressure is within the recommended range – which should always be somewhere between 1 and 2 bars.
“When the weather is freezing, like it is in a lot of the UK at the moment, you might have frozen pipes. You can thaw the pipes by carefully using a hairdryer on a low setting, and insulate them to prevent it happening in the future”
Adam says if the radiator still isn't working once you've checked these issues, speak to a qualified heating engineer who can diagnose and solve the problem.
What is the best temperature for central heating?
According to Adam, the best temperature for your central heating to be set at is between 18°C and 21°C.
He adds: “Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can reduce your heating bills by as much as 10% – but it's best to stay around 21°C if there are elderly, young children, or people with health conditions in the house.”
Can you bleed radiators with the heating on?
Adam warns that you should never bleed radiators with the heating on. He says: “Even if the radiator you're trying to bleed isn't hot, it can still result in serious burns from the water that may come out.
"Always turn off the heating and allow all the radiators to cool down before trying to bleed them."
Before you go, don't forget to read our guide on boiler hacks as well as three heating mistakes that might be making your home colder.
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