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Summer weather means that the heating is likely to be off, providing the perfect time to get radiators ready for the winter months. From turning off the valves to replacing a new one, Andrew Collinge, Heating Product Manager at BestHeating has shared top tips on how to replace radiators around the home.
BestHeating has said that checking radiators in the summer can help Britons make huge savings on energy bills in the winter.
According to the company, modern radiators can be up to 50 percent more efficient than those installed several years ago, meaning that benefits will outweigh the cost of buying a new one.
New radiators, which use around 24 percent lower water content, can result in a reduction of more than 10 percent on energy bills.
Mr Collinge explained: “Before replacing a radiator, you need to make sure that the central heating has been turned off so there is no heat heading through the pipes.
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The expert added: “Then use an adjustable spanner to loosen one of the cap nuts that connect your radiator to the valve.
“You might need a second spanner to hold the valve body securely and prevent the valve from turning and buckling the pipework.
“Having cloths available is smart in case there is a large amount released.”
To bleed the radiator, Mr Collinge said to open the bleed valve at the top of the old radiator, loosening the connecting nut cap between the valve and the radiator to drain the water into the bowl.
He said: “The water may look filthy. Carry on until no more water is draining from the radiator. Once the water stops dripping, disconnect the valve at the opposite end of the radiator.”
Perhaps the biggest job, removing the radiator is actually quite simple.
Mr Collinge explained: “Take the radiator off the brackets, tilting it to drain any remaining water, then squeeze a cloth, old rag or some tissue into the outlets at either end of the radiator to stop leakage.
“If the current brackets don’t support the new radiator, take them off the wall and replace them with more suitable ones.
“You might need a second spanner to hold the valve body securely and prevent the valve from turning and buckling the pipework.
“Save more money by fitting some reflective radiator foil to the wall behind the new radiator. This reflects heat back into the room and is good when positioned near cold outside walls.”
After this step is complete, it is time to install the new radiator.
The expert added: “Learning how to replace and install a new radiator can prove to be a valuable skill that will help you become more knowledgeable when it comes to making updates to your home as well as saving you potentially hundreds from the improvements made to your heating.
“If replacing multiple radiators, it is a great idea to have a notebook with you as you can keep a tab on anything you do differently to each radiator such as a difference in the amount of lockshield valve turns you make.
“If you don’t feel competent or confident in your plumbing skills it may be best to call a qualified plumber as you don’t want to face problems down the line due to a substandard job.”
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