While temperatures are yet to plummet to freezing across the US, HVAC experts recommend preparing ahead and bleeding your radiators now to ensure they heat up quickly and efficiently when the time comes to switch them on.
It will not only boost heating efficiency, they say, but could help you catch defects that would otherwise leave you shivering mid-winter.
Here, we explain exactly why now is the time to bleed radiators, and how it can shave money off your winter energy costs.
Homeowners Urged to Bleed Radiators This October
As Eli Zimmer, director of operations at Luxaire HVAC Services, advises, you always want to get your radiator, or whatever heating system you have, prepped for the cold season before it actually hits.
In fact, it's a vital part of preparing your home for a freeze, particularly if you want to swerve any home maintenance mistakes never to make in winter.
'If there is an issue or some damage that you don’t already know about, for example, this gives you the chance to address it before temperatures really drop,' explains Eli. 'Even if there aren’t any issues or damage, it’s best to get everything prepared and in the best shape for cold weather ahead of time. That’s why bleeding your radiator now, or soon, can be wise.'
Doing so, adds Eli, will also ensure your radiator heats up properly when you switch your heating on. 'When you bleed it, what you're doing is releasing air that's trapped inside,' he says. 'This trapped air means that the radiator cannot fill completely with hot water, which ultimately prevents it from being able to heat effectively and evenly,' and makes it harder to keep a home warm all day.
Additionally, says Chris Hunter from ServiceTitan, bleeding radiators now will also help you to save money at home by cutting energy bills.
'It’s important to do it ahead of time for air to escape, helping your radiators heat properly when winter arrives,' he says. 'By making radiator bleeding part of your routine, you’ll keep your system running efficiently and avoid high energy costs.
Although it is best practice to bleed your radiators before turning the heating on for the first time in the fall, you can do it at any point, so long as the radiators are cold, assures Megan Doser, owner and CEO at Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric. This allows you to make the most of your energy use, she explains.
'Bleeding radiators later, when you already use your heating daily, won't do anything dramatic – you just end up bleeding your radiators anyway, but with more effort since you have to turn the system off and let it cool first,' she explains.
'Bleeding radiators means removing trapped air that blocks hot water from circulating properly in the first place, and this means your radiators radiate as much heat as they can, so you don’t need to raise the temperature on the thermostat more and more – you get the maximum heat output and energy efficiency.
'You don't need any fancy or expensive tools,' she continues, but you will need a bleed key. The RLECS Universal Opening Key available at Amazon is a very decent option, especially if you want a tool that does more than bleed radiators – like opening meter cabinets, adjusting water valves, or accessing control panels,' she suggests.
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This radiator key is made from high-quality steel for a corrosion-resistant surface that's suitable for a whole host of valves.
You'll need a bucket on hand when you drain your radiator. This one is collapsible, compact, and easy to store.
These radiator bleed keys are easy to use and turn, and are constructed from solid brass.
This radiator reflector will boost the temperature of your home without using any more energy, and is unaffected by both humidity and moisture.
Cleaning behind your radiators will also boost their efficacy. This brush is sturdy and fits into narrow gaps and crevices with ease.
This reflective radiator foil saves money on energy bills by reducing heat loss, and is easy to install for all-season thermal protection.
Meet the Experts
Knowing how to drain a radiator can also ensure that your heating system runs efficiently, and it should be done regularly.
