Everyone should be concerned about the performance of their heating because if their radiators are not operating at their optimum level, they are wasting energy and, ultimately, money.
While it is important to keep them clean, free of obstruction and bled, the experts at Best Heating claimed that ensuring your heating system is “balanced” is “paramount to efficient radiator performance”.
Balancing radiators means adjusting the valves to level the water flow and ensure your radiators heat up at the same speed.
A balanced heating system ensures that each of your radiators heat up consistently and evenly – meaning your system is operating at its most efficient level.
When you balance radiators, you allow more water to flow to the colder radiators and restrict the flow from the radiators that are too hot.
For example, if the radiator in the kitchen heats up quickly but the one in the lounge takes forever, then your radiators need balancing.
Claiming that it’s a “pretty easy DIY job” the experts shared how households can balance their radiators themselves.
Start by closing all the valves on each of your radiators, then slowly turn each of them on in small amounts – working your way from the one closest to your boiler.
The engineers pointed out that the one nearest your boiler may need a quarter turn to open, then the next a little more, before you reach the radiator that is furthest from your boiler, which should be opened fully.
Doing this you can avoid the radiator nearest to your boiler being burning hot, and the one furthest away being lukewarm or even cold.
The pros said: “This method of balancing can be done in a few minutes, and will ensure your radiators will turn hotter faster – leading to lower bills and cosier spaces.”
If you are still suffering from balancing problems or having issues with radiators not heating up properly after following the steps shown then you may have a weak pump and or sludge in the system that is restricting the free flow of hot water around the system.
Check the water coming out when bleeding the radiator, if it’s black then that’s a sign of sludge in the system.
Another telltale sign is cold spots on the bottom-middle section of the radiator. If you suspect your system is blocked up then you may need to add some sludge remover to the system.
