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As the unsung hero of the home, radiators are often taken for granted and only receive any attention when things go wrong. Therefore, to keep your home warm and cosy for years to come we’ve answered some of the most common queries we receive when it comes to radiator maintenance. Afterall, your central heating system is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever own, so it pays to give it a little tlc once in a while.
Do radiator covers block heat?
It goes without saying that if you place something in front of a radiator then it will likely restrict the amount of heat emitted, but the good news is that radiator covers won’t block heat entirely. They may contribute to slower air circulation therefore it may take longer to heat the room but rest assured the radiator is still doing its job, so we advise resisting the urge to increase the temperature in the short term as this will have a negative effect on your heating bills and efficiency.
If a radiator cover is for you but your room needs a little boost of heat then why not fit a foil reflector behind the radiator to allow more heat to be reflected into the room.
Can radiators be painted?
Absolutely! A simple, yet effective way of updating your radiators is to paint them, or better yet spray paint them as this will result in a more even coverage. With so many options available, the choice is yours when it comes to colours, just make sure you choose a radiator specific paint that is designed to withstand heat for longevity.
Can radiators leak gas?
Radiators themselves are not filled with gas therefore if you suspect a gas leak it will not be directly from your radiators. It could however be a number of appliances including the boiler, therefore if you do suspect a gas leak then we recommend contacting a plumber immediately.
When should I bleed my radiators?
We’re all familiar with the phrase “if it's not broken, don’t fix it” which is great under normal circumstances but when it comes to heating systems sometimes a little forward planning goes a long way. Throughout the summer months, your heating system has been left unused so it's not uncommon for most problems to occur at first frost, therefore by giving your radiators the once over before the cold sets in, you might just avoid any issues and more importantly cold radiators.
Other signs your radiators may need bleeding include gurgling sounds, trouble heating up or cold spots eg hot at top but not bottom of the radiator.
When bleeding radiators should the heating be on?
Only when testing your radiators should the heating be on, this will give you an indication as to which ones need bleeding but it’s vital that your heating is turned off when you begin to release the air or you run the risk of burning yourself.
When do radiators need replacing?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to replacing radiators, as long as you are happy with their performance, there is no real need to change them. It’s only a question of efficiency that may push you into replacing them sooner. A trusty radiator can stand the test of time for decades but it's worth noting that technology evolves therefore newer designs are likely to be more efficient and therefore cost effective.
Why place radiators under windows?
If we rewind to a time when single glazed windows were the only option, radiators were often placed beneath a window to counteract any cold drafts as they would be met with the warm air which would then circulate the room. Thankfully windows are much more efficient these days, therefore you can pretty much fit a radiator wherever the wall space permits. People may still opt for traditional placement underneath a window but this purely for aesthetics as its no longer a necessity.
What radiator valves do I need?
The quickest way to decipher what kind of valves you need is to look at the pipes that connect your heating system to your radiators.
Straight valve - If the pipes come out of the floor, you will need straight valves.
Angled valve - If the pipes come out of the wall, you will need angled valves. These are commonly at a 90 degree angle to connect the pipe to the radiator.
When you know which valve you need you can then decide whether you prefer a TRV (Thermostatic Radiator Valve) which enables you to control the temperature or a manual which can either be turned on or off, there is no way of controlling temperature with a manual valve, it simply lets the hot water through.
Why are radiators cold at the bottom?
The main culprit for this is when air is trapped within the system therefore preventing the water from heating the whole of the radiator causing cold spots, so the way to resolve this is to bleed your radiators.
For further info, read our Radiator Buying Guide for advice on roundtop radiators and more. For help on choosing radiators valves and other parts, contact our team on 01543 675211.
