The start of the heating season is a good moment to look after the condition of your central heating installation. One of the simplest, and at the same time most effective, ways to improve its efficiency is… venting the radiators. A few minutes is enough to significantly improve thermal comfort in the home and reduce energy use. Find out why it is worth doing and how to carry out this process step by step.
Radiators with trapped air are a common problem in the heating season. The presence of air in the installation means that radiators do not heat evenly; they are often only partly warm or make worrying noises (e.g. gurgling or hissing). As a result, thermal comfort in the rooms drops, and energy use rises, because the boiler or heat pump has to work longer and harder. In addition, with air in the radiators, heating installation components are exposed to faster wear. Venting the radiators restores their full output and helps prevent unnecessary costs.
How to vent radiators
It is a simple procedure that you can carry out yourself. All you need is a few basic tools and a little caution.
Step-by-step instructions
- Switch off the heat source; remember that venting is done with cold radiators and the circulation pump switched off (if there is one in the installation).
- Prepare tools such as a radiator bleed key (or a flat screwdriver), a container for water, and a towel or cloth.
- Set the radiator thermostatic valves to the fully open position.
- Start with the highest radiators (e.g. in the attic), because air collects at the highest points of the installation. Then move to the next floors, finishing with the lowest radiators.
- Place the container and towel under the bleed valve of the selected radiator.
- Gently unscrew the bleed valve until you hear the characteristic hiss of escaping air.
- When water starts to flow from the valve, close it carefully.
- Repeat the procedure for every radiator in the house.
After venting all the radiators, check the pressure in the installation. If it is too low, top up the water in accordance with the operating instructions of the boiler or heat pump (e.g. using the filling valve), to the value recommended by the manufacturer.
Remember, do not vent radiators when they are hot, because there is a high risk of scalding! Make sure that the valves are tightly closed after venting. If after restarting the heating system one of the radiators still does not heat, the process should be repeated or you should contact an installer.
It is worth remembering that regular venting of radiators is a quick, free way to improve heating performance. Heat then spreads evenly, heating appliances run for less time and more efficiently, and household members can enjoy greater comfort — not only because of pleasant warmth in the home, but also because of lower bills. Venting radiators is a simple task, but its impact on the household budget and the environment should not be underestimated.
You will find more tips and technical information in Akademia Ciepła – Termet S.A. on YouTube.