Have you noticed that your radiator is starting to emit less heat than before? Do not worry, it is something very common that happens as a result of air entering the water circuit that heats the appliance. Luckily, the solution is very simple and we are sure you have heard of it at some point, but do you know how to purge a radiator so that it returns to its usual operation?
Carrying out this operation on time is easier than you think and has direct consequences on your pocket, on the planet and, of course, on the device itself. Here we explain why it is convenient to purge a radiator from time to time, how to do it step by step and when you should consider carrying out the process.
Why is it necessary to purge a radiator?
The heating system used by these elements is based on a circuit through which hot water circulates, which in turn raises the temperature of the device. The accumulation of air in these circuits hinders the circulation of the water; this is quite common, but it causes the device to not work properly and that is where the need to purge a radiator lies.
How to find out when it is time to bleed a radiator
When it comes to removing the air from these circuits, it is ideal to do it before the beginning of the period in which we are going to use the devices. It is a task that is part of the maintenance of the heating system and, as such, should be carried out every year. However, if you have not done it for any reason, you can purge a radiator at any time, especially if you notice that it is not heating sufficiently.
How to bleed a radiator step by step
Although we call it a maintenance task, purging a radiator is a much simpler practice than it seems. You just need to find the right time to do it, have a screwdriver handy and follow the instructions below. It is something that will take very little time and is worth doing for the benefits it brings.
How to bleed a radiator, on or off?
The first thing to keep in mind when flushing a radiator is that it must be off and cold. In fact, you must also make sure that the boiler is not running at the time of doing so, hence the recommendation to perform this task before the period in which the heating is kept constantly on.
The process to purge a radiator
Look for the valve or bleeder on the side of the radiator and place a container under it to prevent the water from falling to the floor. Then turn the key with a screwdriver and the air contained in the circuit will start to come out. As it is normal, some water will also splash at first, but when the jet is uniform, it is time to close the valve.
If I have several radiators, which one should I start with?
It is very common that in a house there are several radiators. If this is your case, you may have wondered which one to start with when purging them. The recommendation in this regard is clear, always look for the device closest to the boiler to start and perform a tour of each of them to purge the farthest device.
Do central heating radiators also need to be purged?
When we are talking about a central heating system, it is also necessary to purge the radiators. However, in this case you will not be able to do this at any time, but must contact the boiler manager beforehand. If the boiler has already been filled with water, it is possible to do the maintenance. Once all the appliances have been purged, the boiler pressure must be checked to ensure that it is adequate.
Is it necessary to bleed a radiator with automatic valve?
There are radiators that have an automatic valve so that the purging process is carried out without human intervention. It is important that you know this feature of your radiator, because if it is of this type you will not have to carry out this maintenance task in any case.
Benefits of bleeding a radiator
Now that you know how to purge a radiator and know the importance of doing it, it is also important to address the benefits of doing it in a timely manner. Remember that it directly influences the operation of the appliance, so it has consequences on its performance and durability.
Saving on your energy bill
In general, any device – regardless of the energy source it uses – is always more efficient when it is in optimal condition. If your radiator does not heat properly, it will take longer to raise the temperature and therefore consume more energy in the process, which translates directly into additional costs.
Reducing environmental impact
Similarly, we are all aware of the environmental consequences of energy consumption, especially when it does not come from a renewable source. Purging a radiator is a small gesture that can reduce consumption, and in the current climate situation, any action is important, no matter how small it may seem.
The service life of your radiator
As with any other device, unnecessary strain reduces the service life of your radiator. In fact, we are not only talking about a breakdown, but also about its daily operation, which can be impaired if it is not properly maintained. And, if there is an important aspect in the maintenance process of a radiator, it is its purging.
The importance of flushing a radiator at the right time
As you have seen, purging a radiator at the right time can make all the difference to its use. First of all, to maintain a comfortable temperature at home it is necessary that the device works as it should, something that does not happen when air has entered its circuits. This is the same as with any other appliance: if it is not in optimal conditions, it will not perform as it should.
On the other hand, this has direct consequences on consumption, which will be altered by the radiator’s inability to do its job. Higher consumption, increased pollution and higher bills are the most obvious consequences of not purging a radiator in a timely manner. Now that you know how to do it, why not get started?
