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Why is one radiator cold when I have the heating on?

And simple steps to fix the problem

RADIATORS allow many people to keep their homes warm in the winter months.

As the temperatures drop across the UK many homes will be turning up their heating - but there are ways you can maintain your radiators so they perform at their best.

Radiators are a crucial way for many people to keep warm throughout the winter
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Radiators are a crucial way for many people to keep warm throughout the winterCredit: Getty Images

Why is one radiator cold with the heating on?

Some people may find that a radiator might still be cold in the winter - even after the heating has been turned on.

There are several reasons this can happen but first it is worth checking that both valves are switched on.

If they are and it is still not working, it could be that there is air trapped in the system or a valve stuck in that radiator.

This means hot water cannot reach all areas of the radiators when the heating is on.

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It is also good to confirm that your boiler or heat pump is working properly and on the correct setting.

If that doesn't help, check that there is nothing wrong with your water pressure.

How do I solve the problem?

Tp check if the valve is stuck in the radiator, remove the rotatable head to reveal a raised pin beneath it, according to manufacturer Viessmann.

If you can't depress the pin with your finger or see it rise back up, then this is more than likely the problem.

A spokesperson for Viessmann said: "You can try to free the pin yourself using some pliers and grease until you can move it in and out with ease.

"However, you shouldn't apply excessive force as this may damage the pin."

If the valve seems to work fine, there could be some air in the system.

Bleeding the radiator should quickly solve this problem.

If you encounter any difficulties while bleeding your radiators, it is best to call a professional.

If neither of these courses of action offer a solution, it's time to check your boiler is on the right setting and working properly.

For a combi boiler, this should be set for both hot water and heating - and not in summer mode.

Do also keep an eye out for any "fault codes" that might appear.

Follow user instructions or call an engineer where necessary.

If you have a heat pump, it is worth checking there are no leaves or other debris clogging the outdoor unit.

What temperature should I set the heating to?

Everyone is different and there is technically no right or wrong answer as to the "correct" temperature.

"Room temperature" is defined as "a comfortable ambient temperature" and is generally considered about 20C.

Experts recommend heating your home to at least 18C to maintain good health.

This is especially important for people with reduced mobility, those aged 65 or over, and anyone with a health condition such as heart or lung disease, according to The Met Office.

How do I bleed my radiators?

Bleeding your radiators can improve their efficiency - especially if they have been turned off for a long time over the summer when the weather is milder.

This, in turn, will also save you money on your energy bills, something many people are looking to do in the cost of living crisis.

Thankfully, bleeding radiators is an easy process with a few simple steps:

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  1. Turn off your heating and wait until it is cool enough to touch.
  2. Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator. Turn in an anticlockwise direction until you hear a hissing sound.
  3. The hissing noise is the trapped air escaping. Use a cloth or rag to catch any water that comes out.
  4. Retighten the valve when the hissing stops.
  5. Turn your central heating back on.
  6. Look at the gauge on your boiler to check the pressure. Make sure that it doesn’t drop.
  7. Check that your radiator is now heating up properly and the heat is evenly spread through the radiator.

Experts recommend bleeding your radiators once a year.

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