Tips for Looking After your Radiators

Here are some tips on how to make sure you're getting the best performance out of your radiators.

Most of us can live our daily lives safe in the knowledge that we'll always be warm and dry when we are on our homes or places of work. But do you know what to do when your central heating develops a problem. Can you diagnose it yourself or will you need to call out an expensive engineer. Save time and money and teach yourself a few DIY do's and don'ts for looking after your radiators properly.

How to Bleed Radiators

Radiators in family homes probably put up with a lot more wear and tear than office buildings. From the danger of potential dents to the metal or paintwork caused by thrown toys, to the constant burden of heavy wet towels or clothes hung over them to dry, our radiators sometimes need a little bit of tender loving care. If you notice that your radiators aren't heating up correctly or the heat is uneven with the thermostat full on then try bleeding them. If it's full of air instead of hot water then it'll feel completely cold. While the rest of your radiators will be hot to touch. Have a small bowl or bucket at hand before you start, as well as reducing the pressure of the central heating first and switching it off. Using your bleed key, a small tool that fits the valves at one end of the radiator, open this valve carefully to let the air out, but not the water. Only turn it a fraction at a time, and make sure your tighten it up well again afterwards. Lastly remember to top your heating system pressure up again once you've finished.

Painting Radiators the Easy Way

Unless your radiators are relatively new sometimes they'll need repainting to freshen up the colour and condition of the paint. Draining, then removing the radiator before painting will help you get the best result but if you can't take it off the walls, then remember to let it cool down completely before you start. And keep it turned off until the paint is dry. Mask off any areas you don't want paint on and cover carpets etc. Using sandpaper smooth down any bumps on the surface then wash it thoroughly. Treat yourself to a specially designed radiator brush to make cleaning the inside of the panels a less gruesome job. If there is any rust get rid of it first, then use an oil based undercoat or metal primer, before getting on with the job. A last tip is to purchase an angled radiator paintbrush as it can fit into the awkward places easier than a standard brush.

Need a New Radiator? Call Simply Radiators Now!

Sometimes not even the best cared for radiators will work and if yours is just too far gone to repair visit Simply Radiators for a fantastic range of new designer, flat panel, or cast iron radiators at great prices. Email us at info@simplyradiators.co.uk or call our sales office direct on 01908 566906.