Considering the kind of summer heat we’re getting in the UK, you probably don’t want to risk your radiators coming on unnecessarily. Turning off the radiators manually could also help keep your energy bills down while the central heating is off.
All in all, it’s a great idea to turn them off right now. However, radiator systems can sometimes be a bit tricky to understand. You know there are two valves on the radiator, but they can feel difficult to turn by hand. Many people think you need tools to operate them properly.
But since we’re experts on radiators, we’re here to answer a few questions:
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Do you need tools to turn off your radiator? No!
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Is it difficult to turn a radiator off by hand? Absolutely not.
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Do you want a quick and simple guide for turning off radiators without needing a toolbox? Of course! Check it out below.
Step 1: Check for a Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV)
Not all radiators have a TRV, but those that do are super simple to turn off. A thermostatic valve usually sticks out the top of one side of the radiator and looks like a dial with numbers on it.
All you need to do is turn the TRV down to 0 (or where it says ‘off’) and walk away. That radiator will now be non-functioning until you want to use it again during the autumn and winter.
This is common on many Single Radiators and Double Radiators.
Step 2: If Your Radiator Has a Dial at the Bottom
If your radiator has a manual valve with a cap located at the bottom, this is what you’ll need to operate.
Turn the manual valve clockwise to ‘close’ it. This stops water from flowing into the radiator, preventing it from heating up.
You’ll find this valve type on some Horizontal Radiators and Vertical Radiators.
Step 3: What If Your Radiator Has No Visible Dial?
Sometimes there may not be a dial at all, but there’s still a valve you can operate by hand—you just need to look a bit harder.
Check for any plastic covers on the valves; these can usually be removed easily to reveal a dial underneath. Turn this dial clockwise like a manual valve, then pop the cover back on.
This is common on models like Flat Designer Radiators and Oval Radiators.
Step 4: Don’t Forget to Check Your Boiler
Even if it’s summer and you haven’t used your central heating in a while, your boiler might still be running at a higher temperature while dormant.
This isn’t a bad sign, but it can add to your energy costs. Check your boiler’s user manual to see if you can reduce the temperature by a few degrees.
This tip applies regardless of your home’s radiator style—whether it’s a classic White Radiator or any other design from Radiator Village.
