Even though forced air heating is more common in American residences, most UK homes are still heated by radiant heating systems.
Some people might think that radiators are old-fashioned, but they provide consistent and comfortable heat. Radiators keep rooms warm without drying out the air as warm air heating does. They also last for a long time. Radiator maintenance is easy, but it’s important to do it right if you want your system to work well.
Want to know how to take care of your radiator? Read on to find out which tasks you can do yourself and which ones are better left to a professional.
How Radiators Do Their Job
Hot water powers radiant heat. The water in a closed system made up of a boiler and pipes is heated by the boiler to more than 87 degrees Celsius. A pump moves the hot water through the pipes and into strategically placed radiators, which heat the air around them.
When the water has cooled, it goes back into the boiler. This closed system always recycles water by heating it up again after it has been used. This means that your system works well and uses little energy.
Radiant heat is great for your home, which is one of its biggest benefits. Forced air systems may be more powerful, but they also dry out the air around you and push dust and particulate around your home. Radiant heat is also more stable.
Most old radiators are made of cast iron, which is very heavy but keeps heat for a long time. Steel is a lighter, cheaper material that is used to make newer radiators.
Radiator Maintenance
Radiator systems are very easy to take care of. All they need is some basic maintenance each season to keep working for years to come. Follow these steps to make sure that your closed system is working properly:
Make the Radiator Leak
Even though a boiler and the pipes that connect it are a closed system, air can get out of the water over time. Since air is lighter than water, it rises to the top of the radiators and forms pockets of air. As part of your seasonal maintenance, it’s important to bleed this excess air out of the system.
The first step is to turn off the system and wait for the water to cool. You could also do this maintenance right before you turn it on for the first time when the weather is still warm.
There should be a small valve near the top of each radiator. They may have a special key or be able to be turned by hand. Turn your valve counterclockwise while holding a bowl under the hole below the bleed. Listen for a hiss as air escapes.
When you turn the valve, the air will be forced out because the system is under pressure. Leave the valve open until water comes out, then turn the valve key counterclockwise to close the valve. Don’t worry if the water in the lines looks murky or dirty.
Check the Boiler Pressure
After all the air is out of the system, check the boiler pressure. Open the boiler’s service panel and look for a temperature gauge and a pressure gauge. Depending on the manufacturer, a cold boiler should show 1.3 bar, and a hot boiler should show 1.5–1.8 bar.
If your boiler falls below these pressure limits, you may need to add more water to the system. You can open the cold water pipe that goes into your boiler to let more water in, but you should keep a close eye on the pressure gauge as you do this. When the gauge reaches 1.3 bar, turn off the cold water valve.
If you accidentally bring the pressure above 1.3 bar, your system will have a pressure relief valve. Be aware that this valve will let water out to keep the system in balance, and put a large bucket under it to catch any water that spills out. You can also use this valve to let water out if your gauges are already showing too much water.
Upkeep of the Combustion Chamber
The fire that heats the water comes from a combustion chamber in your boiler. If the chamber gets too full of waste, it might not work well. Since cleaning out the chamber could start a fire, it’s best to have a professional service this part of your system every few years.
Stay Warm & Safe
With these tips, you’ll have a better idea of what radiator maintenance you can do each year to keep your system working well. A system that is well taken care of can last for decades without much work.
Before doing any of these maintenance tasks on your radiator, make sure the water has cooled down and is safe. Even though radiators are very safe, if maintenance is done on a hot boiler, hot water or steam can cause serious burns.
Visit CBJ Passaic Plumbers today if you’re looking for designer radiators of high quality.