Are you getting the most out of your radiators?

During these winter months we are all dependent on our central heating to keep us warm and well. Therefore, it is vitally important that your heating is in good working order and you know how to look after your radiators properly. Are you getting the most out of your radiators?

At Complheat, we’ve put together our top tips to ensure your radiators are maintained and being used to their maximum efficiency to heat your home.

Firstly, installing a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) will allow you to independently control heat in every room of your house. You should try to avoid using any radiator covers and keep them clear. Thermostatic radiator valves can sense the air temperature surrounding them, so enclosing the TRV will make it think that the room temperature is higher than it actually is. Therefore, if the TRV doesn’t know the correct temperature your radiator won’t work to its full capacity.

Covering the radiator also includes drying clothes over them, as this reduces the efficiency of your central heating system. If you must use your heating, you can buy a small clip-on hanger that can hang off the radiator and not restrict the flow of warm air.

You should also avoid tucking your curtains behind radiators as this may restrict the flow of warm air being released. This is because most modern radiators release half of their heat from behind the front panel. In some cases, tucking in your curtains can completely block out this flow of warm air, meaning your room will not feel the benefits from your radiators at all. Move furniture away from your radiator, don’t have your couch pushed up against it or it’s your couch not your room that will feel the benefit. A simple re-arrange of your furniture can have a big impact on the temperature of your rooms.

Why not try putting reflective panels behind radiators? These could help cut energy use and therefore save you money. The idea is that they reflect heat from the radiator back into the room, so it doesn’t escape through external walls. The Energy Saving Trust says homes with uninsulated walls will get most benefit.

Be careful when painting your radiator. Too many coats of paint can really reduce the efficiency of the radiator!

Over a period of time air can become trapped inside your radiators. When they are full of air they don’t heat up properly, which means you won’t be able to heat your room properly. If your room feels colder than it normally does then you may need to bleed your radiator. It’s recommended that you bleed your radiators twice a year.

Occasionally, like all domestic appliances, radiators need to be changed. If you do need to change or add a new radiator, it’s recommended that you stick to the same type of metal as previous. Introducing more than one type of metal radiator in your home can increase the risk of corrosion.

If you are buying a new radiator, we recommend performing a Heat Loss Calculation. By imputing information about your home, you will be able to work out the radiator Watt/BTU outputs required to ensure that your room will be heated efficiently. Plumb Nation have an online Heat Loss Calculator to help you to work it out Heat Loss Calculator

As well as ensuring that you are getting the most out of your radiators by making sure they are working to their maximum efficiency, it is important to make sure your boiler is also working in great condition. You should make sure your boiler is serviced every year; it will keep it working efficiently, save you money in the long term and ensure that your home and water are kept warm throughout the winter and the rest of the year.

If you would like to find out more about our boiler servicing, please get in touch, we would be happy to help Complheat