How to bleed a radiator: Step-by-step guide anyone can follow to keep homes warm
HOW to bleed a radiator is not only a life skill, it can save you money. A step-by-step video guide can help you around the house.
Npower explain how to bleed your radiators
Bleeding a radiator is a relatively simple task homeowners should know, as if radiators aren’t giving out as much heat as they used to, it could be because air is trapped in them.
Being able to do this yourself will help save on call-out fees for workmen.
But many people are nervous to give it a go, fearing they will make a mistake and ruin their radiator.
So Npower have filmed a handy step-by-step video guide to show the best way to bleed a radiator.
If the bottom of the radiator is hot and the top is cold, that is usually a clear sign that you need to bleed the radiator
Advising what to look out for, Pete, NPower engineer said: “If the bottom of the radiator is hot and the top is cold, that is usually a clear sign that you need to bleed the radiator.”
STEP ONE
First of all, turn your central heating off, and get a cloth. The cloth is needed to soak up any water that comes out of the radiator.
STEP TWO
When the radiator has cooled down, insert a radiator key into the valve. It will take around an hour for the radiator to cool completely. The valve will be on the side or rear of the radiator. Radiator keys are available from most hardware stores.
How to bleed a radiator: Simple step-by-step video guide anyone can follow
How to bleed a radiator: Feel the top and bottom to see if one end is hot and one end is cold
STEP THREE
Turn the key anti-clockwise either a quarter or half a turn, until you hear a hissing noise.
This is the sound of the trapped air being released. Keep going until water flows out, as this signals all of the air has been released.
STEP FOUR
Use the key to tighten the valve back up, and turn the central heating back on.
After you have bled the radiator, check the pressure gauge on your boiler to ensure there is still enough pressure.
How to bleed a radiator: Turn the heating off before starting to bleed it
How to bleed a radiator: Insert the key and turn to let air out
If you are looking for other ways to keep your home warm this winter and save money on your energy bills, Npower have other tips.
There are many ways to fight expensive bills, although some of them will cost money.
Now energy supplier Npower has revealed one trick both homeowners and renters can do to boost the temperature in their home without spending a penny.
They advised to “make the most of natural heat”, and said: “If you’ve got a conservatory or patio doors that catch the sun, keep the curtains open during the sunniest part of the day and let the warmth in."