When temperatures drop, many of us rely on our heating systems to keep our homes warm, safe and comfortable. Finding out you have a house radiator not heating up can be stressful, but don’t fret! In this post, our experts share 5 troubleshooting tips you can try before calling a pro.
5 Radiator Troubleshooting Tips
Whether you find one cold radiator or your whole system needs some love, there are several steps you can take at home before calling a pro. Let’s dive in.
- Check the Thermostat
Sometimes the problem is just that simple. Be sure to check that your system’s thermostat is on and set to your desired temperature. Some radiators have thermostatic valves, in which case the thermostat is a valve located on the radiator itself.
- Inspect Your Heating System
If none of the radiators in your home seem to work, there could be an issue with your heating system overall. Check that the power is on and that there are no obvious signs of leaks or damage around your boiler. Ensure there are no tripped breakers, or if you have a gas furnace, check the pilot light.
If you are unable to locate or fix the issue, have an HVAC expert take a look.
- Bleed Your Radiators
If one or more radiators in a hot-water system remain cold, you might be dealing with trapped air. A common symptom occurs when the top portion of one or more radiators remains cold, even when the bottom heats up.
To troubleshoot, open all radiator thermostats and turn them to maximum temperature for 15 minutes. Next, turn off the boiler and circulation pump and allow radiators to cool for roughly one hour.
Starting with the radiator closest to the boiler, find the bleed valve (located at the top of the radiator on one of its ends). Lay down towels and a container to catch any water that drips or sprays out. Use a bleed key or screwdriver to loosen the valve and give it one quarter to half of a turn (do not open it all the way).
You should hear a hissing sound as air escapes, and some water might come out. Wait for this to cease completely, then re-tighten the bleed valve and wipe up any spillage on the radiator or pipework. Repeat this process for every radiator, then turn the boiler back on and check for adequate water pressure, adjusting if necessary.
- Check Your Valves
If your entire radiator is cold, check to ensure that the valves located on the left and right side of each radiator is open. Thermostatic valves need to be on and set to the desired temperature. In some cases, thermostatic valves can seize up, causing a radiator to remain cold. Contact a heating expert to diagnose and repair the issue.
- Check for Blockages
As scale and sediment builds up in your system, it can create blockages that prevent even heating. A common sign of build-up is when the top of a radiator heats up, but the bottom portion remains cold.
A professional HVAC technician can flush your system to clear out any blockages.
House Radiator Not Heating Up? Get Radiator Repair in Montgomery County
If you are unable to diagnose or resolve the issue, contact a professional right away. The team at SBPHA/C is on call and ready to help. If you live in Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia, Delaware or Chester County, contact us online or call (215) 584-2098 for all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs.