A heating expert shared some simple fixes you can try to improve radiator efficiency and keep your home warmer before calling in a professional
As freezing temperatures grip Britain, countless families will be cranking up their heating systems around the clock. Chilly spots throughout the house can be deeply uncomfortable, particularly when the heating is running at maximum capacity, which might suggest an underlying issue, reports the Express.
Plumbing expert Zhelyazko Yanchev from Fantastic Services explained: “Water heating systems circulate hot water through pipes and radiators throughout your home. There are plenty of ways to make radiators hotter and heat up faster, without buying a new boiler and using expensive or specialist tools.
“Hot water radiator systems are very simple and the problems are likely as simple, too.”
1. Clear up
The initial step families should take is removing any items placed on top of or beneath the radiators. The specialist noted that radiators operate on the principle that heated air rises through natural convection.
“Any objects placed on or under them will almost certainly interfere with this process, so be sure to keep your radiators clutter-free,” the expert advised.
2. Dust
Substantial accumulations of dust and fluff can block the fins of a radiator, diminishing the heating system’s effectiveness. Fins are upright tubes that carry cooling water and can be effortlessly cleaned with a lengthy, slender duster.
3. Balance radiators
The specialist said: “If one room is always colder or its radiators take a long time to heat up, you may need to balance the radiators. Doing this ensures that they heat up, regardless of how close they are to the boiler.”
4. Radiator fans
Radiator fans are compact electric devices that can be positioned either on top of or beneath your radiator. The plumber explained: “By drawing air through the radiator’s vanes, they help it emit as much heat as possible.”
Should you continue to encounter problems with your radiators and heating system despite following the expert’s advice, it may be necessary to call in a professional to diagnose the underlying issue.
Yanchev continued: “If your radiators are not keeping your house warm in the winter, there may be several causes for this.”
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