Why are my radiators not working?

How do radiators work?

Radiators heat your home through the process of convection, where your boiler uses gas to heat water. Cool air is pushed from the bottom of the room, and with the most common type of radiator, this cold air rises through the convector fins at the back and is heated up. This process occurs in a circular motion to shield against the cold air coming from the windows in your home. As the heated water from your boiler passes through the radiator it cools down and goes back to the boiler.

How warm your home becomes depends on the size and surface area of the radiator and the greater the surface area is, the warmer your home will be.

Solutions to fixing your broken radiator

If you feel like your radiator is showing any of these signs, it may be time to bleed your radiator. We recommend bleeding your radiators immediately if you notice anything unusual or begin to hear unfamiliar and strange noises.

Your radiator needs bleeding because air can collect and builds up in your heating pipes and radiators. Air build-up in your system will usually lead to a radiator that is cold at the top and warm at the bottom, a sure sign that it needs bleeding.

Also, if you don’t bleed your radiators when they required, your system will use more energy than necessary, and the air in the system can lead to further problems like leaks and debris within your radiator. However, it’s important to note that over bleeding your radiators can cause your boiler pressure to fluctuate.

Our experts have crafted a guide demonstrating how to bleed your radiators in 7 easy steps.

Is there still a problem with your radiator?

If your radiator continues to show signs of problems despite bleeding it to remove air, it may be worth getting a heating expert’s opinion on how the matter can be fixed. They will be able to inspect the radiators further and suggest solutions to ensure that your heating system continues to operate as efficiently as possible.

All Glow-worm Club Energy installers are Gas Safe registered and have extensive experience, ensuring you receive the best advice regarding your heating system.