Are your radiators making unusual noises? In this blog, BOXT’s central heating experts look at the different noises your radiator can make, what they mean and how to tackle them.

<p>Noisy radiators are a lot like noisy neighbours; nobody wants them!</p>
<p>Whilst certain sounds can be pretty normal, indicating little more than water flowing through the radiator pipes in your home, other noises can signify more serious issues.</p>
<p>If this happens to be the case, identifying the issue and getting it fixed promptly is crucial. Radiators are a vital feature of our heating systems here in the UK, so finding that they're not working correctly can be a huge headache.</p>
<p>Knowing how to repair your radiators starts with knowing what's causing them to make a noise in the first place. To help make this process easier, our central heating experts have compiled a list of the most common reasons why your radiators might be making noise, what these noises sound like and the steps you'll need to take to address them safely.</p>
<p><strong>In this guide, we'll cover:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="#h_8293888940841701258984143" rel="follow">Clicking noises</a></li>
<li><a href="#h_4249002842591701258994525" rel="follow">Gurgling noises</a></li>
<li><a href="#h_87856513044381701259004410" rel="follow">Banging noises</a></li>
<li><a href="#h_36242777346151701259013344" rel="follow">The sound of water running</a></li>
<li><a href="#h_65730852547911701259039188" rel="follow">Whistling and hissing noises</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Why are my radiators and or pipework making a creaking or clicking sound?</h2>
<p>Creaking or clicking sounds can normally be caused by the pipework or the radiators themselves expanding and contracting as the heat in the system affects their structure. This noise can be caused by numerous issues.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Radiator brackets may have been fitted too tight</strong> which can produce noise as the radiator expands against them.</li>
<li><strong>Pipework that is supported incorrectly and has too much movement </strong>in it as the pipes expand.</li>
<li><strong>Pipework that is fitted too near a joist notch</strong> or other surfaces, such as a floorboard, again causing noise as the pipework expands and rubs against it. &nbsp;</li>
<li>Clicking could be <strong>caused by solid debris within the system</strong> being pushed round the system and hitting the wall of pipework or radiator.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Why is my radiator gurgling?</h2>
<p>If your radiator is making a gurgling sound it usually indicates there is trapped air within the system or the velocity of the water in the system being too great. &nbsp;Below are some causes of these issues.</p>
<h3>1. Water velocity</h3>
<p>If the water is flowing too quickly it can create turbulence and unsettle your radiator, causing gurgling or whooshing sounds as it passes through radiators and pipework. This can be caused by how the system has been piped up. On older appliances or systems with fixed speed pumps, the gurgling may be caused by the pump moving too much water for the size of the system it is connected to.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>2. System pipework configuration</h3>
<p>If you have an open vented system, there could also be issues with how it is piped up. If the pipework is not configured correctly, it will cause air to be drawn into the system which then can end up causing noise within the system and radiators when it gets trapped. The only way to rectify this is to get a professional to re-pipe the system to prevent this happening again.</p>
<h3>3. Corrosion within the system</h3>
<p>If your system has corrosion within it due to the reaction between dissimilar metals and water, this process can produce gas which, just like air, &nbsp;can cause noise and other system issues. This can be resolved by having the system flushed and treated with chemicals to prevent this happening again.</p>
<h3>4. &nbsp;Low system water pressure</h3>
<p>Low water pressure within your sealed central heating system could also cause air and noise within the system. Check for leaks and repressurise your system. &nbsp;If the issue persists you would need to contact a professional heating engineer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why is my radiator banging?</h2>
<p>A banging radiator can be caused by a number of factors, including:</p>
<h3>1. Loose or faulty components</h3>
<p>Loose pipes, fittings, or radiator brackets can cause the radiator to vibrate or move when the heating system is in operation.</p>
<h3>2. Water flow issues</h3>
<p>Problems with water flow, such as a blockage or restricted flow due to sediment buildup or &nbsp;more commonly a faulty pump, can lead to banging noises as the water struggles to circulate properly, which causes the water within the boilers heat exchanger to overheat and start to boil.</p>
<h3>3. Air in the system</h3>
<p>Air trapped in the heating system can create an air lock which can potentially stop the water flowing and lead to banging noises. To fix this issue, try bleeding the radiator that's making noises using your radiator key.</p>
<h2>Why is my radiator hissing?</h2>
<p>This could be caused by an open bleed valve allowing air to be released from the radiator. To stop this, simply close the valve. If this does not stop the noise contact a professional Gas Safe registered engineer to replace the bleed valve.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>DIY fixes for common radiator noises</h2>
<p>If your radiator is making a noise, a simple DIY fix could get everything working properly again. If you don&rsquo;t feel comfortable carrying out any of these yourself, always seek professional help to avoid making any issues with your radiators worse.</p>
<h3>1. Bleed your radiators</h3>
<p>Bleeding your radiators will get rid of air pockets and enable hot water to circulate around your central heating system more efficiently.</p>
<p>To bleed your radiators, you&rsquo;ll need a radiator bleed key and an old jug to catch any water that escapes.</p>
<p>Before you start bleeding your radiators, make sure your central heating is turned off, and the radiators are cool. Then, put the radiator bleed key into the bleed valve, placing the jug underneath to collect any water.</p>
<p>You should twist the key anti-clockwise until you hear a hissing sound (this is the air escaping), and tighten up the valve once the water starts to leak out. You&rsquo;ll have to repeat this on each radiator that you think needs bleeding. &nbsp;If you have multiple radiators to bleed, start with the one furthest away from your boiler.</p>

We cover everything you need to know, including how to know if they need bleeding, why they need bleeding and how to bleed them.

Check out our full guide:

How to bleed your radiators

<h3>2. Tightening loose fittings</h3>
<p>If you think loose fittings could be the cause of any clunking or banging noises, the first thing you need to do is carefully inspect the pipes, brackets, and fittings connected to the noisy radiator. If anything is moving in ways it shouldn&rsquo;t, tighten them using a wrench or spanner.</p>
<p>Just make sure your heating is switched off before starting to avoid burning yourself.</p>
<h3>3. Check your water pressure</h3>
<p>If your boiler&rsquo;s water pressure is low, it can lead to air becoming trapped in your heating system.</p>
<p>Typically, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> pressure should be between 1-2 bars, with the optimal range being highlighted green on the pressure dial and red indicating high and low pressure.</p>
<p>Read our full guide on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-pressure" rel="follow">boiler pressure</a> for more information.</p>
<h3>4. Check for leaks</h3>
<p>As well as causing leaks, cracks in pipework can introduce air into your heating system. If you suspect a leak or notice any water dripping, you must act quickly to avoid damages getting worse.</p>
<p>DIY and hardware shops will sell pipe repair kits that you can use to fix cracks or leaks without replacing pipes; however, if the problem persists, you must call in a Gas Safe registered engineer to assess and remedy the affected area.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>5. Replace your radiators</h3>
<p>Sometimes, no amount of fixes will stop a noisy radiator from making a racket. Older central heating systems and radiators are especially prone to making whistling, clicking, gurgling or banging noises, and in these situations, the only real solution is to replace your radiators with newer models.</p>

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Why is my radiator making a noise?

There are a number of reasons a radiator can lose efficiency, from neglect to more general issues that simply happen over time. Like most frequently used appliances, a radiator needs checking  every once in a while.

<p>With the cost of living crisis affecting all of us in one way or another, it's fair to say that everyone in the UK is keeping a much closer eye on their monthly spending habits.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Despite government schemes to lessen the effects of rising wholesale oil and gas prices, our energy bills have risen to astronomical highs in recent times, leaving many of us in search of ways to make our homes more efficient.</p>
<p>Now, you'll be happy to hear that you don't need to look as far as you might think in order to improve the energy efficiency of your house, flat, or bungalow. With the majority of modern central heating systems relying on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types" rel="follow">radiators</a> to carry heat around a home, some simple upgrades can make a world of difference.</p>
<p>In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the DIY fixes that can reduce the amount of energy lost through your home's radiators and, in turn, help to keep your bills lower. Don't worry, none of these tips are too time and energy-consuming. There are things you can do to increase your radiator performance within minutes.</p>
<h2>What causes radiators to lose efficiency?</h2>
<p>There are a number of reasons a radiator can lose efficiency, from neglect to more general issues that simply happen over time. Like most frequently used appliances, a radiator needs checking&nbsp; every once in a while.</p>
<h2>How to make radiators more efficient</h2>
<h3>1. Clean your radiators</h3>
<p>This one may seem a little odd, but you'd be surprised by how much difference giving your radiators a bit of a spring clean can make to their energy efficiency.</p>
<p>Depending on the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types">type of radiator</a> you have, dust buildup can affect how cold air flows through it, which in turn, can affect radiators and how much hot air you get out of them. If you're struggling to get through to some of the tougher-to-reach parts of the radiator, try using a hairdryer to push any dust buildup through.</p>
<p>Dust builds up fast, and as hot air rises in your home, it can get deep into awkward places in no time. Be sure to clean your radiators as often as you would clean any other part of your home to help tackle this!</p>
<h3>2. Power flush the system&nbsp;</h3>
<p>This process involves paying a qualified professional to drain your system by attaching a large pump to it and flushing the system out using the large pump and water pressure to force out any build-up of sludge or magnetite. Once this is completed, you will get a better performance all round from your system, especially if your radiators or pipework are partially restricted.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3. Bleed your radiators</h3>
<p>If your radiator is feeling warm at the bottom and cooler at the top, the chances are it needs to be bled. You can follow our step-by-step <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-bleed-a-radiator">guide to bleeding radiators</a> to make sure this is done properly.</p>
<p>However, just because one radiator needs to be bled, it does not mean you should do all of them, bleeding all of the radiators in your home can actually do more harm than good.</p>
<p>If you bleed a radiator with no trapped air inside, you risk your boiler pressure dropping too low and your whole central heating system failing. Trust us, you do not want this to happen.</p>
<h3>4. Keep an eye on your boiler pressure gauge</h3>
<p>If you feel like your radiators are underperforming, it makes sense to track back to the source of your central heating system.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">Boilers</a> are pretty helpful, in the sense that the pressure gauge is often colour-coordinated. So, if you take a look at the boiler, you can see the little dial, the dial should be in the green zone, often between 1 and 2.</p>
<p>If the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-pressure">boiler pressure</a> is lower than this, your system isn't operating properly. In this case, you'll have to look into potentially bleeding your radiators and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-pressure">re-pressuring your boiler</a>.</p>
<h3>5. Don't cover your radiators</h3>
<p>This is the cheapest and fastest way to up your radiator's performance.</p>
<p>Although this one is largely considered common sense, it's worth checking if you're looking to get the most out of your radiator.</p>
<p>Remove any objects on them or underneath them, whether that's clothes or furniture sitting too close. The reason to do this is that radiators work on the principle that warm air rises by natural convection. Cold air is drawn up the radiator at the bottom and rises out warm at the top.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Any objects placed on or under the surface area of the radiator will almost certainly interfere with this process, so be sure to keep your radiators clutter-free.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We know putting clothes on the radiator seems like a quick fix to get them dry quickly. In reality, you&rsquo;re wasting valuable energy and creating a safety hazard.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">6. Use radiator reflectors</h3>
<p>For radiators fixed onto external walls, it can benefit to buy some reflectors to prevent heat loss to the outside world.</p>
<p>These work because when a radiator is fixed to an external wall, especially under a window, it exudes heat from the front and the back. In turn, you could be losing around 50% of your heat from the radiator to the external wall, which is not ideal.</p>
<p>These reflectors, placed in the space between the wall and the radiator can push the hot air back into your home, preventing you from wasting energy in places where you don't need to.</p>
<p>You can buy radiator reflector foil online for as little cost as &pound;6 per roll, making it well worth the investment.</p>
<h2>Need more help with your radiators?</h2>
<p>If you've followed all of these steps and are still having trouble with your radiator efficiency, it's worth <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/contact-us">getting in touch</a> with one of our experts to see what we can do to help.</p>
<p>More often than not, an engineer can identify any problems and then give the proper advice to solve the issue. You may require a replacement, which will feel unfortunate at the time but save you money in the long run.</p>
<p>If you think there's something wrong that you can't fix, speak to our team as soon as possible.</p>
<p></p>

How to make radiators more efficient

With winter just around the corner, BOXT have identified the many different ways you can improve your home's energy efficiency to help you save money. 

<h2><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/m24Avq06TEmPJ29wQLpw" alt="DIY Home Energy Audit"></h2>
<h2>DIY methods to make your home more energy efficient</h2>
<p>With winter fast approaching, many of us will soon be using our boilers and central heating systems much more. Late summer to early autumn is the perfect time to conduct an energy audit on your property to ensure you are as prepared as possible for colder weather.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whilst October saw the price cap lower once again, energy prices are still way above the levels they were prior to the current energy crisis. An energy audit is a great way to ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible to help lower the cost of your energy bills.</p>
<p>Whether you need to invest in a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">new, energy-efficient boiler</a> or make smaller changes, such as installing insulation and energy-efficient lightbulbs, our experts at BOXT have identified the many different ways you can improve your property's energy efficiency and save money this winter.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to prepare your home for winter energy bills</h2>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/bSaHuLfoS2OkEQgaPVhC" alt="undefined"></p>
<h3>1. Ensure you have the best boiler for your home</h3>
<p>This especially applies to a lot of older properties, where your boiler might be outdated and have a low-efficiency rating. However, an A-rated boiler can save you up to &pound;630 a year on your energy bills, so it starts paying for itself rather quickly. You may also consider installing programmable heating controls, such as a Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which could save an additional 10% on your energy bills.</p>
<h3>2. Check your radiators</h3>
<p>Presumably, you won&rsquo;t have used your heating too often during the summer months. However, such inactivity can result in your heating not working efficiently come winter, as your radiators can have a build-up of trapped air. To prevent this, leading up to the approaching winter, you should <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-bleed-a-radiator" rel="follow">bleed your radiators</a> to check for any cold spots and ensure your heating will work properly during the colder months.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3. Service your boiler</h3>
<p>Be sure to have your boiler serviced at least once a year, and while there is a cost involved, it is undeniably cheaper than a new boiler. A boiler service will keep your manufacturer's warranty intact, and your Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to catch any potential risks before they cause significant damage to your boiler. &nbsp;You can also get <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/home-cover" rel="follow">home cover</a> for your boiler to spread the cost of your annual service, and help ensure you don&rsquo;t forget about it!</p>
<h3>4. Reflect your radiators</h3>
<p>Installing reflector panels behind radiators that are on external walls will help to ensure heat is reflected back into the room instead of bleeding heat into and through the wall. They are relatively cheap to purchase and straightforward to install, they can save you around &pound;19 a year on your energy bills.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>5. Check your boiler pressure</h3>
<p>Regularly checking your boiler&rsquo;s pressure level is a must, as it gives you a good idea of the state your heating is in. The ideal boiler pressure is 1 to 1.5 bars when your heating is off and can rise to 2 bars of pressure when your heating is on. If the gauge displays a reading outside of this range, you may need to <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-pressure" rel="follow">repressurise your boiler</a>, or bleed your radiators.</p>
<p>However, if you cannot resolve the issue yourself, you should have a certified engineer look at your boiler.&nbsp;</p>

How to repressurise your boiler

center

<h2>How to increase the energy efficiency of your home</h2>
<p>There are many things to consider when you are setting about making your home more energy efficient. Firstly, you have to determine where the issues are and where your home is losing the most energy.</p>
<p>From there, you have to assess your budget and how long it will take until these changes start to pay for themselves through energy bill savings. And, of course, whether you have the time and ability to do these tasks.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/niFBP0ADSVKKj2cyLlqA" alt="undefined"></p>
<h3>1. Properly insulate your home</h3>
<p>According to the Energy Saving Trust, a quarter of your home's heat is lost through your roof if it is uninsulated. It should be a relatively simple job to do if you&rsquo;re applying the insulation to the loft floor. The recommended material is mineral wool, which should have a minimum depth of 270mm. As such, even if you do have an insulated loft, it might be worth topping it up if it is below the minimum depth.</p>
<p>You could also consider installing wall insulation; however, this is a much more difficult task than doing the floor of your loft and is best to be installed by a professional.</p>
<h3>2. Check for draughts</h3>
<p>While ventilation for your property is important to prevent dampness and condensation, uncontrolled ventilation leading to draughts results in a waste of heat and energy. Thankfully, checking for these draughts is relatively easy. The areas you should check are windows, doors, your loft and any cracks or gaps on walls or fittings. Products such as sealant foams and strips can be bought relatively cheaply from hardware stores, and applying them is typically straightforward, especially if you&rsquo;re already comfortable with DIY projects. Simply sealing any draughts can save you up to &pound;50 on your annual energy bill.</p>
<h3>3. Insulate hot water pipes and tanks</h3>
<p>If you have a hot water cylinder that isn&rsquo;t insulated, it could cost you more to heat or re-heat your water. Thankfully, buying a cylinder jacket is cheap and easy to fit. You should make sure that the jacket is at least three inches thick.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And to build on that, you could also insulate any accessible hot water pipes. You can do this by simply cutting appropriate lengths of foam tubing and fitting it around your pipes. Doing this to your boiler and pipes can start paying for itself in under a year, saving you up to &pound;70 on your annual bill.</p>
<h3>4. Fit DIY secondary glazing on windows</h3>
<p>All homes built after 2002 are now required to have double-glazed windows, at the very least. However, there are still plenty of older properties that still have their single-glazed windows, which are more susceptible to condensation as well as being poor at retaining heat. If you own your property, you could simply replace your windows with double or triple-glazed windows. However, this may not be viable in rented properties, so alternatively, you can purchase something such as an acrylic sheet that you can fit over your window.</p>
<h3>5. Energy-efficient lights</h3>
<p>Fitting more energy-efficient bulbs is an easy and cheap DIY method to improve the energy efficiency of your home. The cost is typically anywhere from &pound;5 to &pound;20 for an LED bulb; fitting it will take just a few minutes, and they use around 90% less energy compared to incandescent light bulbs.</p>
<h3>6. Install programmable heating</h3>
<p>With the progression of technology comes the additional control you can have over your home, specifically, the temperature and energy usage of your home. Firstly, you can install a programmable thermostat, which allows you to set a schedule for the temperature of your home; and smart thermostats will allow you to do so from your phone.</p>
<p>You can also add thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to your radiators, which allow you to set each individual radiator&rsquo;s temperature separately, and there are also smart TRVs available which allow you to set schedules from your smartphone.</p>
<h3>7. Appliances, the nitty gritty</h3>
<p>This isn&rsquo;t so much a DIY task as it is being more conscious of your usage and appliances' energy rating. When buying appliances, they usually have energy efficiency ratings, similar to houses. Where possible, you should try to purchase appliances that are highly rated for their energy efficiency.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Additionally, you should turn off appliances at the socket when they aren&rsquo;t in use. This especially applies to smartphone chargers, which can use energy even when nothing is plugged in.</p>
<h3>8. Furnishing for energy efficiency</h3>
<p>Furnishing can also affect how energy efficient your home is. From the kind of flooring you have to your curtains, they affect how much heat your home retains. Hardwood and tile flooring are the least effective ways to retain heat; a thick carpet is far better. However, if you can&rsquo;t lay carpet down, a thick rug or two is a good alternative. In terms of curtains, you should attempt to get heavy, thick curtains, which will keep the heat in and any draughts out.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Andy Kerr at BOXT has commented:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>&ldquo;With winter just a few months away, the news that energy prices are falling is welcomed. Though, despite this, prices will still be significantly higher than they were during the winter of 2021, and the cost of living remains high; as such, people may struggle again this winter.</p>
<p>&ldquo;However, there is a range of simple DIY jobs you can do to help increase the energy efficiency of your home, which in turn will help further reduce the price of your energy bills. Little jobs such as insulating hot water pipes and cylinders and sealing any draughts can have a noticeable effect on your energy usage and therefore cost. Doing a DIY home energy audit is still a great idea, with potentially little financial investment required.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

Choose your new energy efficient boiler today

<h2>Methodology</h2>
<p>To begin, we looked at a range of guides to inform you on how to best improve the energy efficiency of your home. These guides for the best DIY methods to improve your property's energy efficiency were from <a href="https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/5-easy-ways-to-improve-your-homes-energy-efficiency-auF1Q3i01nNE" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Which</a> and <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-assessments" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Energy.gov</a>.</p>

DIY Home Energy Audit

Ever walk into one of your rooms and notice how unusually cold it is? Your heating is on and all your other rooms seem to be nice and toasty

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ever walk into one of your rooms and notice how unusually cold it is? Your heating is on and all your other rooms seem to be nice and toasty. What&rsquo;s causing this? It can all get a bit baffling but BOXT is here to shed some light on the problem.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This guide should help you deal with this particular problem and hopefully find out what&rsquo;s causing your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types" rel="follow">radiator</a> to stay cold. Try out these simple checks, you might even be able to fix the radiator all by yourself.&nbsp;</span><b></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/hot-water-no-heating" rel="follow">hot water but no heating</a>, check out our expert guide.</span></p>
<h2><b>How's your pressure?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-pressure" rel="follow">Low boiler pressure </a>is quite common for most households. It always seems to drop and at the most inconvenient time, but when it does all you have to do is top it up and it&rsquo;ll only take a minute. Simply go to your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> and find the pressure gauge. If the needle is anywhere in the red section then there&rsquo;s your problem.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Topping up a boiler&rsquo;s pressure is different for every boiler manufacturer. For more modern boilers a filling loop is used. If you have a Worcester Bosch you&rsquo;ll notice a blue lever. Pull it down whilst keeping an eye on the needle on the pressure gauge. The perfect boiler pressure is between 1 and 2 bars.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D5144ge-xmY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p>
<h2><b>Bleed your radiator.</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another quick and easy way to try and get your radiator up and running again is by giving it a quick <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-bleed-a-radiator" rel="nofollow">bleed</a>. Basically, it means that there may be some trapped air in your radiators which stops the heat from circulating, bleeding it releases this air. Here&rsquo;s how you do it:</span></p>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Turn off the heating</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Find your radiator key and turn the valve at the top of the radiator</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">You&rsquo;ll begin to hear a hissing sound, this means the trapped air is escaping</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the hissing stops, retighten the valve</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Turn your heating back on</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check radiator&nbsp;</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HwzhxCnFp9Q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p>
<h2><b>Check your TRV's.</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A common problem we can all face with our radiators is a faulty thermostatic <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-valves" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">radiator valve</a> (TRV). These are found at the side of your radiator and go from 1-5. To turn the heat up or down you simply need to twist it. However, the head of these valves can sometimes break or in most cases stick.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best thing to do would be to contact a professional as it may be a bit tricky to fix the problem on your own. If you live in a rented property, contact your landlord who&rsquo;ll be able to fix the problem for you.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><b>Check your thermostat.</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have a few radiators that aren&rsquo;t heating up as they should, it could be a thermostat issue. It could be faulty or it may need a quick reset. There are many different types of thermostats all with their own unique way of being reset.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To reset a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/improve-energy-savings-with-your-google-nest-learning-thermostat" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Google Nest thermostat</a>, simply hold and press down the ring for a few seconds until it turns off - then release. If the problem continues to wreak havoc then try calling Google Nest support on, 808 169 2307.&nbsp; For those of you who have an <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-repair-your-esi-programmable-room-thermostat" rel="follow">ESi room thermostat</a>, here&rsquo;s how you reset it. Press and hold the &lsquo;reset&rsquo; button for three seconds then release. Give it a try, it just might work.</span></p>
<h2><b>Time to contact BOXT.</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you&rsquo;ve done all the above and your radiator still isn&rsquo;t firing up, then give us a call on 0800 193 7777. When you ring that number you&rsquo;ll be put through directly to one of our in-house engineers. They&rsquo;re the heating specialists who will help you with any <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/home-cover" rel="follow">boiler-related issue</a>, so be sure to pick their brains. Alternatively, if you don&rsquo;t have time - why not drop us a message on our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk" rel="follow">Live Chat</a>? You&rsquo;ll get an instant response, and our engineers will help you in any way they can, from simple <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/boiler-servicing" rel="follow">boiler services</a> to full-blown <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/boiler-replacement" rel="follow">boiler replacements</a>.&nbsp;</span></p>

We fix 70% of issues for a one-off fixed £89 fee

Is your radiator not heating up? Here's what could be the problem

Learn how to balance your radiators to get rid of cold spots and improve the efficiency of your central heating system in this step-by-step guide from BOXT.

<p>Nothing is more frustrating than coming home, turning on the central heating and putting your feet up, only to discover that something is wrong with your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types" rel="follow">radiators</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you find that some radiators in your home are staying cold and others warming up, then the heating system may need balancing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You needn&rsquo;t panic, though! An unbalanced heating system is actually a fairly common issue that can affect heating systems of all types. Fortunately, with the correct knowledge and skills, more often than not this issue can be easily rectified.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This guide explains why it&rsquo;s important to balance your central heating system, how to identify radiators that are unbalanced, and provides the step-by-step process for how to fix radiators should they need balancing.</p>
<h2>Why do you need to balance your radiators?</h2>
<p>When radiators become unbalanced, it means they&rsquo;re not all heating up at the same time and to the same temperatures. Nine times out of ten, this is caused by your boiler&rsquo;s water flow and occurs when hot water is being unevenly distributed around your home.</p>
<p>It sounds simple but, in practice, it&rsquo;s a pretty annoying issue. Some of your home&rsquo;s radiators might be screaming hot, turning your sitting room into a sauna, whilst others will have cold spots meaning they won&rsquo;t be able to provide enough warmth for you to relax comfortably. On top of this, the rate at which your radiators heat up will differ. You might find that, after turning your central heating on to its highest setting, the radiators in your bathroom heat up almost instantly, whilst those in your lounge or bedroom take far longer.</p>
<p>The way to fix these issues and restore your home&rsquo;s temperature to one that Goldilocks would approve of (not too hot, not too cold, just right), you need to balance your radiators.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/x9CwZWbuRzqhAFI3z6ev" alt="engineer working on a radiator"></p>
<h2>How to tell if your radiators need balancing</h2>
<p>Don&rsquo;t worry, you won&rsquo;t need an expert opinion to know whether your radiators are unbalanced or not.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can perform simple temperature checks yourself by monitoring the rate at which your radiators are heating up and noting whether some get hotter quicker than others.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can also check for any cold spots across the surface of your radiators by placing your palm on each corner in turn. If one area feels cooler to the touch than the rest, it&rsquo;s highly likely that your radiators need balancing.</p>
<h2>How to balance your radiators</h2>
<p>In order to successfully balance your radiators, you&rsquo;ll need the following items:</p>
<ul>
<li>A digital thermometer</li>
<li>Your radiator bleed key</li>
<li>Your radiator lockshield valve key</li>
<li>An adjustable spanner</li>
<li>Something to make a note of each radiator&rsquo;s temperature (a pen and paper or your smartphone)</li>
</ul>
<p>*Note that the amount of time it takes to balance an entire central heating system will depend on how many radiators it has; the more radiators, the more time you&rsquo;ll need to set aside to complete the job properly!</p>

How to balance your radiators

left

<h3>1. Turn off your heating</h3>
<p>It&rsquo;s important to start with a completely cool heating system to ensure accuracy.</p>
<h3>2. Open all lock shield radiator valves</h3>
<p>Next, open the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-valves" rel="follow">radiator valves </a>on the radiators that are unbalanced. The valves are located at the bottom left or right-hand corner of your radiator and you&rsquo;ll need to turn them anti-clockwise as far as they&rsquo;ll go.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If the valves haven&rsquo;t been opened in a while, they might be a little stiff. If this is the case, blow the dust off your toolbox, dig out a spanner, and use it to rotate the valve a quarter of a turn before continuing by hand.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The same applies to lockshield valves, although you&rsquo;ll need to remove the plastic cap first before attempting to open the valve. Once all the valves have been opened, you can then turn your central heating back on.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3. Note if some radiators are heating up more that others</h3>
<p>Once your radiator valves are opened up, you&rsquo;ll need to monitor which radiators heat up first, and if any are not heating up/not getting as hot as others.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is common that the radiators closest to the heat source (i.e. the boiler) will heat up faster than radiators further away.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>4. Allow your heating to cool down</h3>
<p>Allowing the heating system to cool down before rebalancing radiators is crucial for safety and accuracy. If this system is too hot, it can lead to inaccurate readings, potential leaks and damage. Cooling down ensures precise adjustments and even heat distribution.</p>
<h3>5. Adjust the fastest radiator</h3>
<p>Return to the radiator you identified from step 3 as the one that heated up the fastest. Next, close the lockshield valve completely and then reopen it slightly (about a quarter of a turn).</p>
<p>Once the radiator has started to heat up, you'll need to take some measurements with your thermometer. First, record the temperature of the pipe immediately next to the lockshield valve, then record the temperature of the pipe on the opposite side of the radiator (usually next to the thermostatic valve).</p>
<p>In order for a radiator to be balanced properly, there must be a 12&deg;C temperature difference between either side. To achieve this, you&rsquo;ll need to open the lockshield valve very gradually until the difference between the two temperature readings is exactly 12 degrees.</p>
<h3>6. Repeat for other radiators</h3>
<p>Armed with your digital thermometer, repeat this process of opening the lockshield valve and adjusting as required for the remaining radiators in your home. Do this until all the radiators are back to working order and measure a difference of 12&deg;C between each pipe.</p>
<p>Check that your balancing efforts have been successful by going around your house or flat and making sure that all the radiators are heating up at the same rate and to the same level.</p>
<h2>Should you bleed or balance your radiators?</h2>
<p>Don&rsquo;t worry! No radiators were harmed in the writing of this blog post.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether it&rsquo;s in the context of a property we rent or own, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-bleed-a-radiator" rel="follow">bleeding a radiator</a> is something we&rsquo;ve probably all heard of, if not attempted, at some point or another. But what&rsquo;s the difference between bleeding and balancing a radiator? And how do you know if you should do one or the other?</p>
<p>When a singular radiator in your home has cold spots at the top, bleeding it is a good idea. &nbsp;It could be an isolated issue with that particular radiator due to air being trapped inside.&nbsp;<br>Balancing the radiators needs to be done when you have issues with radiators getting a poor flow rate of water going through them, this will result in poor radiator performance. Whilst it will take a little longer to perform a proper balancing of your home&rsquo;s radiator system, it&rsquo;s definitely recommended if the issues are caused by your central heating&rsquo;s water flow rate and are affecting your entire home.</p>

<h2>When is it time for a new boiler?</h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;ve gone through our steps and are still having problems, then there may be a blockage in your system. In which case, you&rsquo;ll need a professional to power flush out your system and advise on the best course of action. Or you may need a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/boiler-replacement" rel="follow">new boiler</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For any <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a>-related questions, why not drop us a message on our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/" rel="follow">live chat</a>? You&rsquo;ll get an instant reply from one of our in-house experts. From central heating to boiler replacements, they know their stuff and are more than happy to help.</p>
<p>Receive a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">fixed price quote</a> in 90 seconds and find the perfect solution to any of your heating problems.</p>

Find a brand new, A-rated boiler that's perfect for your home in just 90 seconds

A radiator that's cold at the bottom is often a result of a blockage or a build-up of sludge. BOXT share advice on how to diagnose and treat the problem.

<p><strong>1. Switch off your heating.</strong><br><strong>2. Lay sheets underneath the radiator.</strong><br><strong>3. Turn off any valves.</strong><br><strong>4. Bleed &amp; drain the radiator.</strong><br><strong>5. Switch heating back on.</strong><br><strong>6. See results.</strong><br>&nbsp;<br>Have you noticed that one or more of your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types" rel="follow">radiators</a> are cold at the bottom? This is often the result of a blockage or a build-up of sludge. Blockages can lead to leaks and further headaches, so it&rsquo;s best to try and get the problem fixed as soon as possible. Luckily, it&rsquo;s nice and easy so you might be able to fix it yourself. &nbsp;<br><strong></strong></p>
<h2>How do I know my radiator isn&rsquo;t working?</h2>
<p>All you have to do is make sure your heating is switched on and at a reasonable temperature on the thermostat, but not too high. If you have thermostat <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-valves" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">radiator valves</a> make sure you twist them on. Then have a feel around all the radiators in your home. Check for any cold spots near the top and bottom.</p>
<p>You&rsquo;ll also notice when your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-not-heating-up" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">radiators aren&rsquo;t working</a> as a room in your home will be unusually cold - even when your thermostat is high.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Here&rsquo;s how you fix it:<strong></strong></h3>
<h4>1. Switch off your heating.</h4>
<p>Radiators can get quite hot, so make sure that your heating is fully switched off.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>2. Lay sheets underneath the radiator.</h4>
<p>Lay down some sort of sheet you don&rsquo;t mind getting a bit wet or ruined. This is to protect your carpet or flooring just in case water starts to leak. If water does leak a little bit, don&rsquo;t panic it&rsquo;s completely normal.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>3. Turn off any valves.</h4>
<p>Make sure that all the radiator valves are tightly closed.</p>
<h4>4. Bleed &amp; drain the radiator.</h4>
<p>Simply watch this video on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-bleed-a-radiator" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">how to bleed your radiator</a>:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HwzhxCnFp9Q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><br>&nbsp;<br><strong></strong></p>
<h4>5. Switch heating back on.</h4>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve bled your radiator, you can then turn the central heating back on from the boiler.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>6. See the results.</h4>
<p>Now, your radiators should be working as normal without any cold spots. Double-check by having a feel around your radiators.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong></strong>7. Still having issues?</h2>
<p>If your radiators are still cold at the bottom then it may be time to get professional help. Give us a call on, 0800 193 7777 and speak directly to one of our senior engineers. Happy to offer any advice and share their boiler expertise.</p>
<p>Alternatively, why not drop us a message on our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk" rel="follow">Live Chat</a>? You&rsquo;ll get an instant response from our engineers who&rsquo;ll help you through any <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> problem.&nbsp;</p>

Is your radiator cold at the bottom? Here's how to fix

From June 15th 2022, the Building Regulations for England changed, meaning whenever someone upgrades the boiler in their home, every room should have Thermostatic Controls.

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From June 15th 2022, the Building Regulations for England changed, meaning whenever someone upgrades the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> in their home, every room should have Thermostatic Controls. But what does that mean?&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Simply put, it means every room should have <span style="text-decoration: underline;">either</span>:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">a thermostat, or </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types" rel="follow">radiators</a> with </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-valves"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which mean that you can control the temperature of each radiator individually. This saves energy from being wasted to heat rooms that you&rsquo;re not using or that don&rsquo;t need to be kept as warm as others.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do I need to have Thermostatic Radiator Valves in every room?&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The regulations state that all new homes in England, and every home where the heat generator (i.e. a boiler) is replaced, should have thermostatic controls in every room.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A thermostatic control basically means something that controls the temperature. This can either be:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/smart-thermostat-v-traditional-thermostat"><span style="font-weight: 400;">thermostat</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s not recommended to put a thermostat in every room of the house, as TRVs will do the job of controlling the temperature in each room and don&rsquo;t cost as much as a thermostat.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As long as you have your thermostat in a central location, ideally, on an interior wall away from any direct sunlight or drafts, it will work with your boiler and the TRVs to maintain your designated temperature throughout the home. </span></p>
<p><strong>It&rsquo;s important to note that if you have a radiator in the same room as the thermostat, you don&rsquo;t need to have a TRV on that radiator.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How do Thermostatic Radiator Valves work?&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The TRVs change the flow of the water in the heating system when the temperature reaches a certain point, preventing the radiators from getting any hotter.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the temperature rises, the head of the valve expands, which moves a pin to close the body of the valve and stops any more water flowing through.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the temperature cools down again, the head of the valve contracts, allowing more hot water to flow into the radiator.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What are the benefits of Thermostatic Radiator Valves?&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When used correctly, there are a number of reasons why it is beneficial to use TRVs with your radiators.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><b>Save money on bills</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Because your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> isn&rsquo;t using as much energy to heat up the full heating system, it means that your energy bills will be lower too! In fact, studies have shown that households could save over 40% on their energy bill by using TRVs - well worth the investment!</span></p>
<p><b>Save energy and reduce carbon emissions</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As TRVs allow you to control the temperature of individual rooms separately, it means your system isn&rsquo;t heating every room up to the full temperature on your thermostat, and therefore the boiler doesn&rsquo;t have to generate as much heat as without TRVs, and so it doesn&rsquo;t use as much energy.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><b>More comfortable for you</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being able to set the temperature of each room separately means that you can be sure that the rooms in your home will be the </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/what-is-the-ideal-room-temperature-in-the-uk"><span style="font-weight: 400;">optimum comfortable temperature</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, depending on what you prefer. For example, you might want to keep the living room warmer while you&rsquo;re watching TV on an evening, and at the same time, the bedroom can be kept slightly cooler so you get a nice restful night&rsquo;s sleep without getting too hot!</span></p>

What are Thermostatic Radiator Valves and do I need them?

We at BOXT have made this handy guide with everything you need to know about radiators. Read on to find out more!

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What could be more important than a radiator? It provides you with the comfort you need, so you can step out of the cold and into the warmth. Yet, choosing the right radiator for you and your home can be a difficult task. With a range of radiator types, </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-valves" rel="follow"><span style="font-weight: 400;">radiator valves</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and designs - there&rsquo;s a lot to get your head around. All will be made clear...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before we begin, it&rsquo;s worth talking about your boiler. If you know your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> is particularly old, or you&rsquo;ve been having a lot of trouble with it, then out with the old and in with the new might be the best option. The good news is that with each new boiler installation from BOXT, we&rsquo;ll offer a replacement Stelrad Softline radiator, too, if you need it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We at BOXT have made this handy guide with everything you need to know about radiators. Read on to find out more!</span></p>
<h2>Radiator types.</h2>
<h3>Central, electric, or dual?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are two main types of radiator. In your home you should have one of the following:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Central heating - The central heating radiator is the most common. It fills with water that is heated up by the boiler releasing heat into your living space. Depending on its size and design, rates of heat will vary.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Electric &ndash; This radiator type is a container filled with a thermo fluid. This fluid is heated up using electrical energy from your main electricity supply using a plug socket.&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is also the dual fuel. Not as common today but a type that is worth knowing about. The dual fuel is a mixture of the above types. It is your standard central heating radiator but also has the option of heating through electricity. This is useful if you don&rsquo;t want to fire up your entire central heating system.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3>Radiator or convector radiator?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Normal radiators and convector radiators will heat up your home differently, so it&rsquo;s important to know the difference first.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In your standard radiator, your hot water runs through all the different components. When these are heated, the heat travels through the air - heating your home. These do take longer to heat up than a convector radiator but they are also cheaper and have a longer life.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">With a convector radiator, your hot water circulates through a tube surrounded by either a single or double layer of convector fins. Convector radiators also heat up rooms more quickly and boast a 10% reduction in energy consumption.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s important to remember that both radiator types will keep a house warm. The main difference is how they do it.</span></p>
<h3>Single or double panel?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Radiators have panels for storing the hot water which travels around your home. Some have a single panel which will fit closer to a wall and others will have two panels, which will stick out a bit further. The different types of radiator may also have a single or double layer of convector fins to help increase the surface area.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The single panel radiator, also known as the &lsquo;flat&rsquo; or Type 11 radiator, ensures you have much more space to move around. This is perfect for smaller rooms and hallways where you could do with the space. They&rsquo;re also ideal for heating up smaller spaces quickly. Single panel radiators will also have a single layer of convector fins.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Double panel radiators (or the Type 22 radiator) consists of two panels fixed next to each other, with a double layer of convector fins. This type of radiator is more suitable for bigger rooms - where you may need double the heating power.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Due to the double panel&rsquo;s larger size, they do take up more space. But if you have the room just for yourself, then this may be the best option for you. Some radiators aren&rsquo;t convector radiators, such as those which run on electric alone or some vertical radiators you find in bathrooms.</span></p>
<h3>Horizontal or vertical?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Horizontal radiators are what you&rsquo;ll most likely see in a home. As a way of removing cold draughts, they&rsquo;re commonly placed underneath windows or next to doorways - but can also be placed anywhere in a room. As this shape is the most common, they are less expensive to purchase and there is more choice when shopping around.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Column or vertical radiators are taller and thinner than your usual horizontal shape. They are made from vertical tubes connected at the top and bottom rather than at each side. Because of their size, they can free up a lot of space in a room and fit into smaller spaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As well as a standard vertical and horizontal radiator to choose from, there&rsquo;s also the option of heated towel rails for bathrooms. These have the added ability to heat your towels as well as the whole bathroom they are in.</span></p>

<h2>How many radiators do I need?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, the amount of radiators you&rsquo;ll need in your home will depend on the number of rooms you have. The size of the room can dictate how many radiators you&rsquo;ll need and how much heat will be needed to fill it. Knowing the ideal radiator size and temperature for each room is a good place to start.</span></p>
<h3>Radiator sizing guide.</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many factors you need to consider when thinking about heating up your rooms. This helpful radiator size guide should give you a better idea of the heat output and what is most suitable for your living space.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First of all, you need to work out what your ideal temperature will be for each room in your home. Here&rsquo;s an example:</span></p>
<p></p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Room In Your House</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Temperature</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Living Room</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>20&deg;C</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Kitchen</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>18&deg;C</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Dining Room</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>18&deg;C</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Bedroom</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>20&deg;C</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Bathroom</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>18&deg;C</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Hallway</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>15&deg;C</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once you know your ideal temperatures, you can then work out the size of radiator that will produce the desired heat. For example, smaller rooms that won&rsquo;t take much time to heat up would benefit from a smaller standard radiator, whereas bigger rooms with a demand for more heat would benefit from a double panel radiator.</span></p>
<h3>How to calculate the ideal radiator size</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For a more in-depth guide on radiator sizing, you can use the following table. You&rsquo;ll need to measure each room in cubic feet and enter your measurements into a British Thermal Units (BTU) calculator, which can be easily found online. You can also use this table as a guide:</span></p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Room</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Calculation</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Living and Dining Room</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Cubic feet x5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Kitchen</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Cubic feet x3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Bedroom</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Cubic feet x4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Bathroom</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Cubic feet x3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Double Glazed Windows</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>-10%</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For more information about the right radiator sizes for your home and which size is best for each room - contact your chosen radiator manufacturer.</span></p>
<h4>Choose from a range of different radiator types.</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Radiators come in all shapes and sizes to ensure you always find something to fit your exact requirements. Your boiler works incredibly hard to send heat to your radiators, so knowing your radiator types will most definitely be useful. Follow our radiator buying guide!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you&rsquo;re after a new boiler and are also interested in a brand replacement Stelrad Softline radiator, use our web chat to speak with an expert.</span></p>

A guide to buying radiators: radiator types explained

Radiator valves are essential components to your heating system. Find out how radiator valves work, along with plenty more information with help from BOXT.

<p>When it comes to radiators, valves are the vital components that allow your home to heat up effectively and quickly. With a range of <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types" rel="follow">radiator types</a>, there are a few factors to consider. So, it's important to do your research to understand what it is you&rsquo;re buying.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In this guide, we&rsquo;ll explain everything you need to know, from how radiator valves work to the different types you&rsquo;re likely to come across.</p>
<h2>What do radiator valves do?</h2>
<p>Each <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types" rel="follow">radiator</a> in your home uses radiator valves to control how much heat it emits. It is common to use a thermostat to control the central heating around your home, but radiator valves determine how much heat a single radiator releases.</p>
<p>Radiator valves vary significantly, and the type of radiator valves you have in your home will likely differ depending on how recently they were changed.</p>
<p>From manual to smart thermostatic, we'll take a closer look at the different types of radiator valves you could have in your home.</p>
<h2>The most common types of radiator valves</h2>
<p>When purchasing a radiator, it&rsquo;s easy to overlook the importance of radiator valves. The wrong valve could lead to an ineffective radiator. A valve that fits appropriately is required to get the most out of your central heating system.</p>
<p>Read on to find out the three main types of radiator valves:</p>
<h3>Thermostatic radiator valves</h3>
<h4>What is a thermostatic radiator valve?</h4>
<p>Thermostatic radiator valves (also known as TRVs) provide an easy and inexpensive way to control the temperature of individual rooms around your home. When used correctly, these radiator valves can help reduce the energy and heat you use. This efficiency will help you to <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/simple-ways-to-save-money-on-your-energy-bills" rel="follow">save money on your energy bills</a> in the long run.</p>

Check out our complete guide to thermostatic radiator valves which answers what they are, how they work and how they benefit the home.

Looking for more information on thermostatic radiator valves?

<h4>How do thermostatic radiator valves work?</h4>
<p>Thermostatic radiator valves consist of two different parts: the head and the body. They can change the flow of water when the temperature reaches a certain point, preventing your radiators from getting any hotter. To do this, the head of the valve expands, moving a pin to open and close the valve's body.</p>
<p>If the room becomes too hot, the valve will close, slowing the water movement to the radiator. If a room becomes too cold, the valve will open to allow more water to flow through.</p>
<p>Each radiator with a thermostatic valve can be amended individually. That&rsquo;s why if you prefer a lower temperature in a certain room, changing it is easy. Simply turn the dial on the valve head (usually found on the side of your radiator) to your desired setting.</p>
<h4>Advantages of thermostatic radiator valves</h4>
<ul>
<li>An environmentally friendly option compared to other radiator valve types</li>
<li>An easy solution for controlling the temperature in each room</li>
<li>Helps to save money on your heating bills by reducing heat in rooms that don't need it</li>
</ul>
<h4>Disadvantages of thermostatic radiator valves</h4>
<ul>
<li>Thermostatic radiator valves can be expensive to buy, but can save money in the long run</li>
<li>These valves can get stuck in a certain position which means the valve won&rsquo;t be able to open or close (depending on the temperature)</li>
<li>A thermostatic radiator valve isn't recommended in bathrooms as the humidity can cause false readings</li>
<li>They also aren't recommended in rooms with wall thermostats</li>
</ul>
<h3>Manual radiator valves</h3>
<h4>What is a manual radiator valve?</h4>
<p>Manual radiator valves are angled taps that you can find at the side of your radiator to turn the radiator off and on.<br>The manual radiator valve is possibly the most simple to operate as well as being the most common type. Depending on how warm or cool you require your room to be, you can easily turn them up and down.</p>
<h4>How do manual radiator valves work?</h4>
<p>Think of manual radiator valves like taps: turn the head anti-clockwise to turn it on and clockwise to turn it off. This adjusts the amount of hot water flowing through the radiator, which dictates how much heat is emitted into the room.</p>
<h4>Advantages of manual radiator valves</h4>
<ul>
<li>Manual radiator valves are the most common type of radiator valve, making them easy to find</li>
<li>There are plenty of styles and colours to choose from</li>
<li>Controlling your heating is simple and easy but does need to be done manually</li>
<li>These radiator valves are cheaper than others</li>
</ul>
<h4>Disadvantages of manual radiator valves</h4>
<ul>
<li>Manual radiator valves make it more difficult to control the room temperature as you simply turn the head up or down</li>
<li>These radiator valves don't come with any automation, so won't adjust the temperature according to the readings</li>
</ul>
<h3>Smart thermostatic radiator valves</h3>
<h4>What is a smart radiator valve?</h4>
<p>Smart thermostatic radiator valves are similar to thermostatic radiator valves as they allow you to control the temperature of each room. However, smart radiator valves take it one step further: they allow exact temperature control of every radiator in your home straight from an app on your smartphone.</p>
<p>To find out what to set the temperature to in each room of your house, our guide on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/what-is-the-ideal-room-temperature-in-the-uk" rel="follow">the ideal room temperature in the UK</a> should help.</p>
<h4>How do smart radiator valves work?</h4>
<p>Smart or wireless radiator valves work alongside a smart thermostat to control your home's temperature. The <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/smart-thermostat-v-traditional-thermostat" rel="follow">smart thermostat</a> connects to a Wi-Fi signal. This enables you to control the temperatures of your radiators from a mobile or tablet device.</p>
<p>Unlike a standard thermostatic radiator valve, where you simply turn the dial to your desired setting, smart radiator valves allow you to choose an exact desired temperature, even when you're away from home. Thanks to an app, you&rsquo;ll have ultimate control of your heating wherever you are.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Advantages of smart radiator valves</h4>
<ul>
<li>You can set the temperature in degrees celsius or Fahrenheit, which is much easier than the scale on a thermostatic radiator valve</li>
<li>Monitor your energy use in the app</li>
<li>Change the settings remotely, whether you're at home or not</li>
</ul>
<h4>Disadvantages of smart radiator valves</h4>
<ul>
<li>SRVs are costly, usually between &pound;35 and &pound;80 each</li>
<li>SRVs require a compatible smart thermostat for full functionality</li>
<li>You have to stick to one brand as most SRVs are only compatible with that manufacturer's thermostat and connecting device</li>
</ul>
<h2>Types of radiator valve fittings</h2>
<p>With lots of different types of radiator valve fittings, it's easy to get confused with which your radiator requires. We've created an overview of some of the most popular radiator valve fittings to help you figure out which your radiator needs.</p>
<h3>Lockshield radiator valves</h3>
<p>Lockshield radiator valves are covered radiator valves, usually at the side of a radiator. They're covered with a plastic cap to prevent accidental alterations. Every radiator has one, as they're an essential component of your central heating system.</p>
<p>This type of valve fitting controls how much water can exit the radiator. Once installed, you shouldn't need to adjust the lockshield valve unless your radiator takes too long to warm up. If required, simply turn the spindle to open the lockshield and allow a greater flow of hot water through the radiator.</p>
<h3>Angled radiator valves</h3>
<p>Angled radiator valves are placed at a right angle (90&deg;) and are one of the most common valve shapes. They're particularly handy for homes with concealed pipework.</p>
<h3>Corner radiator valves</h3>
<p>A corner valve helps to save space. They work similarly to angled radiator valves but can be a little fiddly to adjust.</p>
<h3>Straight radiator valves</h3>
<p>Straight valves are ideal if your pipe runs straight along the wall to the valve. This is commonly used for heated towel rails.</p>
<h3>H-block or twin valves</h3>
<p>H-block vales have a double connection to allow the water inlet and outlet to be located in just one valve to ensure that hot water flow is consistent around the radiator.</p>
<h2>Which size radiator valve do I need?</h2>
<p>If you're trying to figure out which size radiator valve you require, it's important to remember that it&rsquo;s not necessarily the size of the valve itself but rather the size of the connection to the pipework. Of course, if you&rsquo;re short on space surrounding your radiator, the valve size may be something you do consider.</p>
<p>Pipework for radiators can sometimes vary from 8 mm to 28 mm. The most common size is usually 15 mm. Valves tend to be manufactured to fit this specific size, but variation can occur. It&rsquo;s unlikely that you&rsquo;ll find an 8 or 10 mm radiator valve - but adapters are available if you struggle to find the appropriate size.</p>
<p>Do you have a room with a specific theme? Don&rsquo;t want the radiator to ruin the aesthetic? That&rsquo;s not a problem. As well as size, there is also an array of alternative valve styles available for purchase. Choose from brass, chrome, or even more traditional styles. They're all fairly simple to install and replace.</p>
<h2>How to fit a radiator valve</h2>
<p>If you have a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/what-is-a-standard-boiler" rel="follow">standard boiler system</a>, you&rsquo;ll need to seek the help of a registered professional before fitting radiator valves. To fit or change a radiator valve, you must follow several steps to ensure it&rsquo;s successful:</p>
<h3>Step 1: Switch off your heating system and shut off the water</h3>
<p>Before you change the radiator valve, you'll need to switch off the heating system and water supply. This means that water can no longer enter the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a>. Without doing this, the boiler could overheat.</p>
<h3>Step 2: Locate the drain-off valve</h3>
<p>Once complete, you'll need to drain your central heating system. Locate the drain-off valve. Connect a hose to the drain-off valve and position the other end of the hose to allow water to run into an outside drain.</p>
<p>You&rsquo;ll then need to wait for the water to drain completely from your radiator. This can take up to 10 minutes.</p>
<h3>Step 3: Remove the old radiator valve</h3>
<p>To do this, undo the top nut on the existing valve and then spin the bottom nut. This will allow you to remove the valve entirely. Water can sometimes run out at this point, so have a towel ready.</p>
<h3>Step 4: Fit the new radiator valve</h3>
<p>Fitting the new radiator valve will vary depending on the fitting and type you're installing. Because of this, it's best practice to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how to fit the radiator valve.</p>
<h3>Step 5: Turn on the water mains</h3>
<p>Once you've installed your new radiator valve and tightened everything up, it's time to turn the water mains back on. This will refill the system, so keep an eye out for leaks at the new joints. Once refilled, open the new valve to allow water to flow into the radiator.</p>
<h3>Step 6: Bleed the radiator</h3>
<p>Once you're happy there are no leaks, open the bleed valve to let out any trapped air. Trapped air can prevent the radiator from filling with water, so this is an important step to get the most out of your heating system.</p>
<p>If you're stuck on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/how-to-bleed-a-radiator" rel="follow">how to bleed a radiator</a>, we've created a simple guide to take you through every step.</p>
<h3>Step 7: Turn on the boiler</h3>
<p>Get your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> back up and running again. Once your heating system has had time to warm up, look at the radiator one last time to ensure there are no leaks and that the radiator is working as it should.</p>

Radiator valves explained: Types and uses

Discover this guide from BOXT on how and when to bleed your radiators, as well as what to do if bleeding your radiators doesn’t solve the problem. 

<p>Are your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-types" rel="follow">radiators</a> not getting as hot as usual? Are they only warming up towards the bottom or in certain areas? Or are they making some odd noises as they heat up? It may be time to give your radiators a bleed.</p>
<p>Despite this task sounding slightly menacing, all it involves is allowing any pockets of trapped air to escape. If trapped air is left inside your radiators with nowhere to go, it will cause the radiators not to heat up fully and become less efficient. If left long term it could also promote corrosion within your central heating system..</p>
<p>Having to bleed your radiators doesn&rsquo;t automatically mean that there is a larger or more serious issue with your central heating, so don&rsquo;t get on the phone with your engineer straight away. It&rsquo;s simply something that needs to be done regularly to allow your heating system to be as efficient as possible and do its job of keeping you cosy.</p>
<p>Bleeding your radiators semi-regularly (around twice a year) means your central heating can run efficiently, and you can rest easy knowing you&rsquo;re keeping a lid on your energy bills.</p>
<p>So, let&rsquo;s look at how to bleed a radiator. It&rsquo;s quick and easy, so there really is no excuse for neglecting your radiators!</p>
<h2>How to know if your radiator needs bleeding</h2>
<p>Luckily, it&rsquo;s easy enough to spot whether your radiators will need bleeding:</p>
<ul>
<li>Is your radiator cold at the top? If so, this probably means it&rsquo;s time to bleed it. The trapped air rises and gathers mostly towards the top end of your radiator, which causes cold spots at the top of your radiator</li>
<li>Are there any damp patches or condensation surrounding your radiator or above it?</li>
</ul>
<h2>What do you need to bleed a radiator?</h2>
<ul>
<li>A radiator bleed key or screwdriver, depending on the bleed valve type</li>
<li>A cloth or container to catch any leaking water</li>
</ul>
<p>You probably have everything you need around your home already. The only item you may be missing is a radiator key, which you can find in most DIY shops, large supermarkets, or online for a small price.</p>
<h2>A step-by-step guide on how to bleed a radiator</h2>

<h3>1. Identify your boiler type</h3>
<p>If you have a sealed system or a combination <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> make sure you are able to re-pressurise the system before you start if not the system pressure might drop too low, and the boiler may not fire up at all once you have completed bleeding your radiators.</p>
<h3>2. Turn on your boiler</h3>
<p>Start off by turning on your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> as you normally would, allowing your radiators plenty of time to heat up fully. This way, you can quickly identify which radiators need some TLC and which can be left alone, remember we are looking for cold spots at the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">top</span> of the radiator.</p>
<h3>3. Identify which radiators need bleeding</h3>
<p>Have a feel of your radiators to see if they require bleeding. As mentioned above, this is usually the case when there are cold patches at the top whilst warm at the bottom.</p>
<p>If your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-not-heating-up" rel="follow">radiators aren't heating up</a> as quickly as they should be, or you hear gurgling noises, this is also an indication that they might need bleeding.</p>
<p>Why not just bleed all your radiators to be on the safe side, you might ask? This can actually do more harm than good. If you bleed a radiator with no trapped air inside, you risk your boiler pressure dropping too low and your whole central heating system failing - which is not what you want.</p>
<p>But if multiple radiators do require bleeding, start with the one furthest away from the boiler. And if your house is more than one storey, begin by bleeding the downstairs radiators first.</p>
<h3>4. Turn off the heating and wait for the radiators to cool</h3>
<p>Make sure to let your central heating system cool entirely before taking the following steps, or you may end up spilling hot water.</p>
<h3>5. Locate the bleed valve on the radiator</h3>
<p>The bleed valve is usually located at the top of the radiator, on either side. However, this can vary depending on the radiator type. It is round and will have a square section for a radiator key or a slit for a screwdriver.</p>
<h3>6. Place an old cloth or container below the valve</h3>
<p>When you bleed your radiators, water will escape from the bleed valve. So, you'll need a container or cloth to catch the water.</p>
<h3>7. Use a radiator bleed key or screwdriver to release the air</h3>
<p>Depending on the type of radiator, you'll need to use a bleed key or screwdriver to release the trapped air.</p>
<h3>8. Turn the device anti-clockwise so the air can escape</h3>
<p>Next, you can get stuck into your radiator bleeding and remove the air blockages from your boiler. Keep in mind that you shouldn&rsquo;t get carried away and open your radiator valve entirely or keep it open for too long - too much water will pour out, and your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-pressure" rel="follow">boiler pressure</a> will drop dramatically.</p>
<p>Simply turn the bleed valve enough anti clockwise to hear the hissing sound of air escaping. Allow all the air trapped inside to escape until the sound stops and a steady stream of water leaks from the valve.</p>
<p>This means that you have mastered how to bleed radiators and can re-tighten your valve by turning your bleed keys clockwise - well done!</p>
<p>To avoid rust forming around your radiator valve, wipe away any excess moisture or condensation once you&rsquo;ve finished.</p>
<h3>9. Check your boiler pressure is between 1.0 and 1.5 bars</h3>
<p>It's normal for your boiler pressure to drop if you've bled your radiators. If your radiator pressure is below 1.0 bar, make sure to repressurise your boiler using a filling loop or call out a heating engineer to give you a helping hand.</p>
<h3>10. Turn the central heating on</h3>
<p>If your boiler appears fine, it's time for a 'heat test'. Boot up your central heating and have another feel of your radiators.</p>
<p>All being well, there should be no more cold patches, meaning you and your family can feel the full benefits of a warm home and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/simple-ways-to-save-money-on-your-energy-bills" rel="follow">save money on your energy bills</a> - it&rsquo;s a win-win situation.</p>
<h2>Do your radiators still have cold spots?</h2>
<p>Radiator bleeding is a job that should only need doing twice a year. If you have consistent and frequent issues with cold spots on your radiators, despite bleeding them regularly, there is probably a more serious issue that needs attention.</p>
<p>In this case, check around your home, <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a>, and underneath radiators for any leaks that could be causing trouble. Leaks can present themselves as damp patches, puddles or could also be identifiable by rust.</p>
<p>If you can&rsquo;t find any leaks and find a radiator cold at the bottom, you may need your system flushing to reduce the build-up of sludge. Over time, dirt naturally collects inside your boiler, within your pipes and at the bottom of your radiators. Draining this dirty water away can allow the hot water to flow around your home without restrictions.</p>
<p>If you are a boiler novice, which most of us tend to be, it is worth contacting an engineer to help drain and or even <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/power-flush" rel="follow">power flush</a> your system if they are really blocked. They will carry out the process safely, without damaging your home, and help identify any potential leaks and faults around or within your boiler.</p>
<p>Most of the time, an engineer can easily identify any issues and carry out a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/boiler-repair" rel="follow">boiler repair</a>. However, sometimes it&rsquo;s best to accept defeat and choose a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/boiler-replacement" rel="follow">boiler replacement</a> instead - it could be more cost effective in the future, especially if your heating system is breaking down regularly.</p>

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