A heating system should work efficiently and heat your space evenly when you want it to. If an individual radiator in your home stays cold and you’ve wondered why––or what to do about it––keep reading! In this post, we discuss how to fix one cold radiator.
Stuck Valves
A common cause for an individual cold radiator comes in the form of a stuck thermostatic valve. This valve controls the flow of hot water to your radiator and can seize with age.
To troubleshoot this issue, locate the valve––typically a control knob next to the base––and remove its head to reveal the pin underneath it. After pressing down on this pin, it should rise again once your hand is removed. If the pin is already in a depressed position or won’t budge, it’s likely stuck.
Taking care not to apply excessive force, you can use a pair of pliers and grease to free the pin. If you are unable to do so, have a professional take a look.
Air in the System
If one or more radiators in a hot-water system remain cold, it could indicate air in the system. Trapped air collects at high points, which can lead to an uneven distribution of heating water.
To troubleshoot, open all radiator thermostats and run them at maximum temperature for 15 minutes. Next, turn off the circulation pump and allow radiators to cool fully (about an hour). At this point, you’ll want to bleed the system.
Starting with the radiator nearest 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 water drippings, then use a bleed key or screwdriver to loosen the valve. Never open the valve fully––one quarter to half a turn should do it. You should hear a hissing sound as air escapes, and some water might drip or jet out. Wait for this to stop completely, then re-tighten the bleed valve and wipe up any spillage on the radiator or pipework. You’ll want to repeat this process for every radiator, then turn the boiler on and check for adequate water pressure, adjusting if necessary.
Remember, if excessive force seems to be required for any of these steps, it’s time to put down the tools and call an HVAC professional. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating more costly problems!
Not Sure How to Fix One Cold Radiator? Call a Professional!
If the problem persists, or you’d like to skip the troubleshooting, call a professional! SBPHA/C proudly serves Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia, Delaware or Chester County. Contact us or call 215-584-2098 today for all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs