Radiators often feel cold if certain maintenance tasks haven’t been done(Image: (Image: Getty))

Make your radiators feel 'hotter and heat up faster' with 3 easy plumber hacks

by · ChronicleLive

As the temperature continues to drop dips, heating mishaps become all too common. No one wants to endure a freezing home during the depths of winter, so what can you do if your radiators aren't doing their job?

Fortunately, there are three simple steps you can take to fix the issue and get your radiators efficiently warming your home again. Plus, these can all be done without racking up extra costs on your energy bill.

It turns out that most radiator issues stem from straightforward problems that can be easily sorted without having to call in a plumber. Plumber Zhelyazko Yanchev from Fantastic Services points out that there are "plenty of ways to make radiators hotter, and heat up faster, without buying a new boiler and using expensive or specialist tools".

He further noted: "Hot water radiator systems are very simple and the problems are likely as simple, too." reports the Express

How to improve your radiators

1. Clean and clear in and around radiators:

The plumbing expert suggests that the "fastest and cheapest way" to ensure your radiators effectively warm the room is by keeping them free from any obstructions. They explained: "That's because radiators work on the principle that hot air rises by natural convection. Cold air is drawn up the radiator at the bottom and rises out warm at the top."

Therefore, it's essential to remove any items placed on or under the radiator, as these can interfere with the heating process, making it vital to keep the area around your radiators clutter-free. Just like cleaning them, radiators require dusting to allow air to circulate through them freely. Large dust particles and lint can clog the radiator's centre, diminishing its efficiency.

2. Bleed your radiators.

If you observe that your radiator is cold at the top but hot at the bottom, it's due to "air trapped inside". The air essentially occupies the space where hot water should be. The expert stated: "You can quickly increase the radiator's performance by bleeding this air out."

3. Remove radiator sludge.

Some households may even discover that their radiator is hot at the top but cold at the bottom. If this is the case, it's likely due to sludge accumulation inside. Radiator sludge is a mix of rust, dirt and scale that inevitably builds up over time and circulates through the system.

Sludge is also the primary cause of boiler breakdowns and can quickly age your system, so it needs immediate attention.