Most of us only think about our radiators when they stop working properly. A cold patch. A strange noise. A room that never quite seems to warm up. But staying ahead of these small issues with regular care can make a noticeable difference—not just in comfort, but in energy bills too.
Looking to improve your home heating efficiency? These simple radiator maintenance tips—grounded in expert advice from Nick Duggan, Managing Director at The Radiator Centre—cover the basics of bleeding, flushing, and cleaning your radiators so they keep doing what they’re meant to do: quietly and consistently warming your space.
1. Bleed Your Radiators to Release Trapped Air
A radiator that’s cold at the top and warm at the bottom is usually a sign that air is trapped inside the system. That air needs to be released so hot water can circulate freely.
Nick explains:
“If you notice that some of your radiators are not heating up evenly, or there is a gurgling sound coming from the direction of your radiator, it often means that air has become trapped in the system.”
Bleeding them is straightforward—you just need a radiator key (or a flathead screwdriver for some models), an old towel, and a bit of patience. Always switch the heating off before starting. Turn the valve slowly until you hear a hiss. Once water starts to dribble out, close it up. Check your boiler’s pressure gauge afterward—it should sit between 1.5 and 2 bar when cold.
I keep a radiator key in a kitchen drawer for this exact purpose. It’s a five-minute task that makes a surprising difference.
2. Flush Your System When Making Changes
If you’ve recently added a new radiator or made changes to your system, it might be time to flush it. Flushing removes sludge and debris that can clog pipes and reduce efficiency.
Nick is clear on its importance:
“Whenever you do anything with your heating system—change a radiator, etc.—you need to flush in order to remove any potential debris which could prove harmful to the boiler.”
Most heating systems are closed, meaning they generally only need flushing when there’s been an update or repair. But when it’s needed, it’s not a DIY job.
“This is something that really needs to be carried out by a qualified plumber… better to have someone who knows what they are doing and has the correct equipment.”
3. Keep Radiators Clean
Surface dust might not seem like a big deal, but it creates a barrier that affects heat output. I try to make radiator cleaning part of my seasonal reset.
Nick advises:
“The first step is to give your radiators a quick vacuum to remove any surface dust and then wash them with a damp cloth.”
Most marks will come off easily, thanks to the durable powder-coated finish on many modern radiators. If not, a bit of cream cleaner and a soft cloth will usually do the trick.
Add it to your seasonal deep-clean list. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a job worth doing.
Radiator Maintenance FAQs
How often should I bleed my radiators?
Radiators should be bled at least once a year, ideally before the heating season begins. If you hear gurgling sounds or notice cold spots at the top of a radiator, it’s a sign air is trapped and bleeding is needed.
Why is my radiator cold at the top but hot at the bottom?
This is usually caused by air trapped in the system. Bleeding the radiator allows the air to escape and restores full heat circulation.
What is radiator flushing and do I need to do it?
Radiator flushing removes built-up sludge and debris from inside your heating system. It’s typically only necessary when making changes to your system, like adding or replacing radiators. A qualified plumber should carry out the process.
Can I flush my radiator myself?
Flushing a radiator involves draining the system, cleaning out internal sludge, and refilling it—something best left to a professional plumber with the right tools and knowledge.
How do I clean a radiator properly?
Start by vacuuming off any dust, especially between fins or behind the unit. Then wipe with a damp cloth. Most marks will come off easily, but for stubborn spots, use a cream cleaner and a soft cloth.
Do dirty radiators affect heating efficiency?
Yes. Dust acts as insulation, preventing proper heat transfer into the room. Regular surface cleaning helps your radiator perform more efficiently.
What’s the ideal boiler pressure after bleeding radiators?
After bleeding, check your boiler’s pressure gauge. It should typically sit between 1.5 and 2 bar when cold. If it’s too low, you may need to top it up using your boiler’s filling loop.
Have You Checked Your Radiators Lately?
Radiator maintenance isn’t about grand overhauls—it’s the small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference. A bit of bleeding, a quick clean, a check for cold spots… it all adds up. And with energy costs being what they are, every degree of efficiency counts.
Take a few minutes this week to give them a once-over. You might be surprised at how much better your home feels—and how much less your boiler has to work.
For more ways to stay warm and save energy, check out our post on 8 Easy Home Heating Hacks From Energy Experts.
Image credits: The Radiator Centre
