Three Applications for a Radiator

1. 1

   To activate the radiator, turn the dial counterclockwise. Most radiators have the control valve near the bottom. It is the valve on top of the pipe leading into the radiator on a steam radiator. It will resemble a small, rounded cap. Turn it all the way to the right to activate the radiator. [1]

   • In traditional steam radiators, this smaller valve regulates the flow of water. Turning the dial counterclockwise turns it off. There is no intermediate setting.
   • Instead of dials, modern electrical radiators frequently have control panels. Start the radiator by pressing the "on" button, then use the panel to adjust the heat setting.

2. 2

   If the radiator has a lockshield cap, use pliers to turn it on. Some caps are not linked to the valve. Pulling the cap up will demonstrate this. If it easily pops off, you'll have to turn the valve manually. Using the pliers, grasp the metal valve and turn it counterclockwise to turn on the radiator. After turning on the radiator, replace the cap. [2]

   • A screw holds some lockshield caps in place. If there is a screw on the top of the cap, loosen it by turning it counterclockwise and removing the cap.

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3. 3

   To regulate the temperature of the radiator, turn the thermostatic valve. Look for a second valve on the opposite side of the radiator. The thermostatic valve is distinguished by a taller cap bearing numbers ranging from 0 to 5. It functions similarly to a dial on any other type of heater. Turn the valve counterclockwise to turn up the heat and clockwise to turn it down. [3]

   • The thermostatic valve regulates the amount of heat that escapes from the radiator. Setting it to 0 prevents heat from escaping but does not stop the flow of water or electricity.
   • Some older radiators may lack a thermostatic valve. You'll notice a vent valve, sometimes with an adjustable component. Because these radiators aren't designed for heat control, have a professional install a thermostatic valve.

4. 4

   To prevent the radiator from freezing, use the frost setting. On the thermostatic control, an asterisk or snowflake symbol represents the frost setting. On the valve, it is usually between 0 and 1. Turn on the frost setting if you are away from home during a period of freezing weather to protect the radiator from damage. [4]

   • The frost setting keeps the radiator at a low heat level, preventing the liquids inside from freezing. The radiator works similarly to any other water pipe in your home. Ignoring it may result in a burst pipe and a large repair bill.

5. 5

   Allow 30 minutes for the radiator to heat up. Radiators take some time to heat up. Many people make the mistake of turning up the thermostat too high and then lowering it too low once they feel the heat. Maintain a consistent middle setting on the dial and adjust it as needed once the radiator is up and running. [5]

   • Water radiators take longer to heat up than electric radiators. Electrical radiators should take about 10 minutes to reach peak efficiency.
   • Remember that every radiator takes time to start working properly. The water or oil first heats up, and then the heat spreads throughout the room.

6. 6

   By turning the control valve clockwise, you can turn off the radiator. Use the control valve to turn off your radiator, regardless of the type. It is the valve that regulates the flow of water to standard radiators. To turn off an electric radiator's power supply, press the off button on the control panel. [6]

   • Turning a thermostatic valve does not completely turn off the radiator. To control the temperature, use the thermostatic valve, but always use the control valve to stop the radiator from emitting heat.

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1. 1

   Put a pan beneath the bleed valve. Look for a small valve that is closed off by a metal nut and screw along the radiator's sides. It will be near the top. When you remove this valve to release steam, it leaks water, so keep a small container nearby. [7]

   • Before attempting to open the valve, turn off the radiator. Check that it is cool to the touch.

2. 2

   Turn a radiator key counterclockwise to open the valve. A radiator key is a small winding-up tool that is typically made of brass. Set the open end of the valve in the center of the valve, then half-turn the key. As the air begins to leak from the radiator, leave the key in place. [8]

   • Radiator keys can be found online or in some home improvement stores.
   • A flathead screwdriver can be used to open some radiators. Twist the screw a little bit. If it does not open, use a radiator key.

3. 3

   After water begins to flow out of the bleed valve, close it. Allow air to hiss out of the bleed valve. Water will eventually erupt from it. Turn the valve counterclockwise until the flow stops. Then, to test it, turn on your radiator. [9]

   • If you have several radiators in your home, take the time to bleed them all. Do this at least once a year to keep everything running smoothly.

4. 4

   If bleeding the radiator doesn't work, clean out the air vent. Locate the small metal valve protruding from the radiator's side. The control knob for a thermostatic valve will be on top of it. Insert a piece of wire into it to clear it out. Rotate the wire to scrape away any mineral buildup around the vent hole. [10]

   • To easily clear the vent, use a paperclip. Straighten out the clip and insert the end into the hole. Other useful items include coat hangers and sewing needles.
   • Painters frequently cover the vent by mistake. If you recently painted your radiator, use a wire, a small knife, a screwdriver, or another tool to remove any obstructing paint.

5. 5

   If necessary, clean the valve by boiling it in vinegar. Turn off the water supply valve on the opposite side of the radiator. The vent can then be removed by twisting it counterclockwise. Place it in a pot on the stove, cover with white vinegar, and cook for about 30 minutes. Replace the valve and retest the radiator. [11]

   • If the valve still does not work, you can buy a replacement online or at a home improvement store.

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1. 1

   Install a foam insulation board in the room to trap heat. Even if your radiator is working properly, a cold room results from poor wall insulation. Select an insulation sheet with an aluminum coating on one side. Place the sheet against the wall, aluminum side facing the radiator. It's not a pretty solution, but it's preferable to attempting to repair an entire wall in the dead of winter. [12]

   • Instead of buying insulation, make your own. Cut a piece of foam insulation at least the size of the radiator with a utility knife. Then adhere aluminum foil to it.
   • The insulation trick also works for nearby doors and windows that let in drafts. The insulation absorbs heat and returns it to your room.

2. 2

   If you have a 1-pipe system, install a thermostatic valve on the vent. The majority of radiators use a single pipe to transport both cold and hot water. These systems frequently have a small vent valve that provides little heat control. Contact a heating expert or plumber to have the new valve installed over the vent. It significantly improves the efficiency of your radiator. [13]

   • The installation should cost between $200 and $300 USD. Because the valve lowers your heating bill, it is well worth the investment.

3. 3

   If your radiator is inefficient, try a different size. The radiator size you require is determined by a variety of factors specific to your home. Choose the room you want to heat first, then calculate the size of the area. A 15 in 23 in (38 cm 58 cm) bedroom benefits from the smallest radiator possible, whereas larger areas, such as living rooms, require something larger and more powerful. [14]

   • Room features make a difference. Radiators lose heat to outside walls, inadequate insulation, and doors and windows. Heat is retained in the room by carpets and furniture.

4. 4

   Install an additional radiator to heat larger rooms. Every room requires its own radiator to be heated. Some rooms require additional assistance to stay warm. Place the radiators on opposite walls, for example, and watch the cold spots vanish as heat flows towards the center of the room. [15]

   • The use of multiple radiators eliminates the requirement for large, bulky radiators.

5. 5

   For portability, connect an electric radiator. The majority of modern radiators are powered by electricity. Electric radiators heat with oil and require little to no maintenance. They are effective and quickly warm up. Furthermore, modern electric radiators are frequently portable, requiring only an outlet to operate. [16]

   • If your home has a steam radiator, you're probably stuck with it unless you're willing to remodel. Steam radiators are similar to electric radiators, but they must be connected to a water line in your home.

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