With winter approaching, households looking to heat their homes faster are being urged to stop putting foil behind radiators and instead try a plumber-recommended alternative. The advice comes from Plumbing Force, which suggests "balancing" radiators to ensure they heat up evenly.
Many radiator problems stem from a simple issue that can be fixed without specialist equipment or tools, and it should not cost much. If one room always feels colder than the rest, balancing the radiators can help them warm up more quickly and efficiently.
What Is Radiator Balancing?
Balancing radiators is a slightly technical process that requires patience. Plumbing Force says it could save money and hassle in the long run. The process involves opening radiator valves, switching the heating off, adjusting the radiator's temperature, and noting down the temperature of the pipework.
To complete the task, you will need a radiator bleeding key, a lock shield valve adjuster or adjustable spanner, a screwdriver, and a digital thermometer or multimeter with a thermometer function. Plumbing Force recommends attempting to balance radiators once a year, or whenever necessary.
Steps to Balance Your Radiators
Plumbing Force outlines the following steps for balancing radiators: turn off the heating systems, bleed the radiators, go through the radiator valves, create a basic map of the radiators, turn the heating system on and take notes, turn it off again and wait until it is cold, turn the heating back on, adjust the valves on the first radiator, check the temperature of the radiator, check the temperature of the pipes, and repeat until all radiators are finished.
If DIY attempts prove unsuccessful, there may be a more significant problem, making it essential to call in the experts. "Always call professional plumbers when in doubt. If there is uneven heating even after bleeding, signs of corrosion, or leaks in the pipework - do not attempt to do it by yourself," advised Plumbing Force. "These are not DIY friendly. Contact your local plumbers from Plumbing Force for these extreme cases."
