How to Bleed Your Radiators

Over time, air can get trapped in your radiators, causing them to be less efficient. Bleeding your radiators removes this air, ensuring they heat up properly and help you save on energy costs. This is a straightforward task that only requires a radiator key and a little time.

Materials Needed:

• Radiator key (or flathead screwdriver, depending on your radiator type)
• Small bowl or cloth (to catch any water)
• Towel (to protect flooring)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Turn On Your Heating System
   • Start by turning on your heating system and allowing the radiators to heat up fully. This helps identify which radiators have trapped air; they’ll feel cool or have cold spots, especially at the top.
2. Turn Off the Heating
   • Once you’ve identified the radiators that need bleeding, turn off the heating system. Let the radiators cool down to avoid any risk of hot water spilling out.
3. Locate the Bleed Valve
   • Find the bleed valve on the side or top of each radiator. It typically looks like a small round valve with a square or flat groove.
4. Open the Valve
   • Place a bowl or cloth beneath the valve to catch any water.
   • Insert the radiator key (or flathead screwdriver) into the bleed valve and turn it counterclockwise slowly—just enough to open it slightly. You should hear a hissing sound as the trapped air escapes.
5. Wait for Water to Appear
   • When water begins to flow out steadily, it means all the air has been released. Turn the valve clockwise to close it tightly, being careful not to over-tighten.
6. Check the Radiator Pressure
   • After bleeding the radiators, check your boiler’s pressure gauge. If the pressure has dropped, you may need to top it up to the recommended level (refer to your boiler manual for instructions).
7. Turn the Heating Back On
   • Once all radiators have been bled and any pressure adjustments are made, turn your heating back on. Check each radiator to ensure they are heating evenly.

Additional Tips:

• Bleed radiators at least once a year, preferably at the start of the heating season, but ideally once every three months.
• If you’re constantly needing to bleed your radiators, it could indicate a deeper issue in the heating system; consider consulting a heating professional.