When you’ve just moved into a new home, one of the most panic-inducing yet little talked about things is trying to turn your heating on for the first time. All kinds of worries about smoke coming out of the boiler and water leaking everywhere from the radiators might run through your mind!
But when you actually finally flick the switch, it often turns out OK. Really, if you know the heating is in good condition, there’s not much to worry about!
However, there are a couple of things you should be aware of to ensure you’re using your new home’s radiators safely. We’ve made a mini checklist for you below.
Bleed It First
If this is your first time using your home’s heating, bleeding the radiator before turning it on will release any pressure that's built up inside. If the estate agent handed you a packet with all the keys you might need for your new home, you should find the radiator bleed key inside.
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Turn the Valves to the Right Setting
Radiator valves should never be turned up to 10. That’ll never be the right setting! It means your radiator is always burning hot, takes ages to cool down, and your energy bills could shoot up.
Instead, turn the valves to a number anywhere between 2 and 5. This usually ensures the radiator will heat efficiently without ever getting too warm. This also means you can turn the radiator off quickly and have it cool within an hour if you need to do repair work.
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Turn the Central Heating On
With the air out and the valves set correctly, it’s time to turn the central heating on!
Test the Radiator with Your Hand
Don’t place your hand directly on the radiator, just in case the setting is too high.
Instead, hover your hand close to the radiator and see if you feel warmth radiating. If so, your central heating is properly connected to the radiator and you’re safe to use it.
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Listen for Noises
Radiators can make a little noise when they first turn on; this isn’t a problem. However, if the radiator continuously makes noise while the heating is on, it signals an issue.
Most often, turning the heating off, waiting for the radiator to cool, and bleeding it again will resolve air bubbles causing hissing or gurgling noises.
If you hear banging sounds, this usually means a pipe problem. Tighten the valves connecting your radiator to the heating system and see if this fixes it.
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Use these steps when you move in to ensure your radiators run smoothly and safely, and don’t forget to check out Radiator Village for all your heating needs!
