How to Bleed a Radiator for an efficient heating system

Although we have had relatively mild weather so far this winter, the temperatures are beginning to dip especially at night time. If you are turning on your heating oil but notice that your radiators are not warming up correctly, it may be time to bleed them.

Generally, you will notice when you run your hands along the radiator, that it is warm at the bottom but still cold at the top.

 

So, how do you bleed a radiator? It’s simple!

First of all, for safety, turn the heating system / boiler off and allow for the system to cool down.

You will need a radiator key (if you don’t have one, you can pick one up relatively cheap in your local hardware store) and a towel. If you are bleeding a radiator on a nice white carpet, I would always out down a towel or a small basin on the ground also just in case J

Locate the bleed valve of your radiator – this is usually located on the side of the radiator at the top.

Insert the key into the valve, holding your towel underneath to catch any water. Turn the key anticlockwise, you will start to hear a hissing noise as the air is released from the radiator. Once water starts to dribble out, close the valve again by turning the key clockwise.

Once you are happy that you have the valve closed tightly, turn the heating back on and your radiator should now heat up fully.

Here is a handy little video showing you how to bleed a radiator from Woodie’s DIY which you may find useful.