Overview
- Homeowners are urged to bleed radiators as a quick, five-minute task done twice a year to clear trapped air that causes cold tops, gurgling and rooms staying chilly.
- The basic bleed method involves switching heating off to cool, opening the bleed valve with a radiator key until hissing stops and water flows steadily, then closing the valve.
- For rooms heating unevenly, plumbers recommend periodic radiator balancing using a bleed key, lockshield adjuster or spanner, screwdriver and a digital thermometer to set consistent temperatures.
- Simple adjustments such as moving bulky furniture away from radiators and fitting a shelf above them can direct warmth into the room, while reflective foil backings are disputed or advised against.
- Households should seal gaps around windows, doors and baseboards with caulk to retain heat, and call qualified plumbers or Gas Safe-registered engineers if bleeding or balancing does not resolve leaks, corrosion or persistent uneven heating.