When the cold weather hits, there’s nothing better than a warm, cosy home. But if your radiators aren’t heating properly, you could be wasting energy and money without realising it. Cold patches, strange noises or radiators that take ages to warm up are all signs that something’s not quite right.
A few quick checks can make a huge difference to how well your heating works. Taking a bit of time to get your radiators ready for winter helps your boiler run more efficiently, keeps your rooms evenly warm and can save you from costly repairs later on.
Why Radiator Maintenance Matters
Radiators are easy to forget about until they stop working properly. But when they’re full of air or sludge, the hot water can’t circulate as it should. This means your boiler works harder, using more gas and pushing up your bills.
Giving your heating system a bit of attention before winter helps it perform better and keeps your home comfortable for less.
1. Check for Cold Spots
Turn on your heating and let it run for a while. Then, carefully feel along your radiators. If you notice a cold spot in a radiator, it’s a clear sign that something is blocking the flow of hot water.
A cold spot at the top usually means air is trapped inside, which can be fixed by bleeding the radiator. Cold at the bottom often points to sludge build-up, which may need professional cleaning. Either way, tackling the issue early will make your system more efficient and your home warmer.
2. Bleed Your Radiators
Bleeding radiators is simple and can make a big difference. All you need is a radiator key and an old towel.
Turn off your heating and wait until the radiators are cool. Place the key on the small valve at the top and slowly turn it until you hear a hiss – that’s the trapped air escaping. Once water starts to come out, close it tightly.
Afterwards, turn your heating back on and check the boiler pressure. If it’s dropped, top it up slightly according to your boiler’s manual.
3. Watch Your Boiler Pressure
Your boiler pressure plays a big part in how well your heating system works. When the system is cold, the pressure gauge should usually sit around 1 to 1.5 bar.
Some boilers have colour indicators instead of numbers – for example, green for normal pressure and red for too low or too high. If the needle is sitting in the red zone when the system is off, it’s worth checking the manual or topping up the water slightly using the filling loop.
If the pressure is too low, your radiators might not heat properly. If it’s too high, there could be too much water in the system. You can normally adjust it yourself, but if the pressure keeps changing, it’s best to ask a heating engineer to take a look.
4. Give Your Radiators Space
If furniture is pushed up against your radiators, the heat can’t circulate properly. Try moving large items like sofas or beds a few inches away and make sure curtains aren’t covering them.
You can also add reflective panels behind radiators on outside walls. These bounce heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall, making your home feel warmer and helping you save on bills.
5. Listen for Noises and Look for Cold Spots Again
Once your radiators are bled and running, keep an ear out for gurgling, knocking or tapping sounds. These noises can mean there’s still air or sludge moving around in the system.
If you notice the same cold spot in radiators coming back, or if certain radiators never seem to heat up properly, it might be time for a power flush. Power flushing removes built-up debris, restoring proper circulation and improving the overall efficiency of your heating system.
6. Book a Heating Check or Service
Before the coldest weather arrives, it’s worth having a quick heating check from a qualified engineer. They’ll make sure your boiler, valves and system pressure are all working safely and efficiently.
Regular servicing not only helps prevent breakdowns but also keeps your heating running smoothly all winter long.
Keep Your Heating System Running Smoothly
A little radiator maintenance can go a long way. Checking for cold spots, bleeding trapped air and keeping an eye on boiler pressure helps your home stay warm and energy-efficient.
If you find persistent cold spots in your radiators or hear unusual noises, it’s worth booking a professional power flush to get everything flowing freely again. These simple checks only take a short time but can make a big difference – keeping your home cosy, your heating reliable and your bills under control all winter.