How Often Should I Bleed My Radiators

How Often Should I Bleed My Radiators?

Keep the Warmth Flowing, Not Just Bubbling Up Top

Radiators are brilliant. They keep your home warm, cosy, and comfy all through the colder months. But sometimes? They get a bit… grumpy.

If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, or making odd gurgling sounds, they’re not haunted—they just need a good bleed.

But how often should you do it?

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🩸 What Does Bleeding a Radiator Even Mean?

Great question. Bleeding your radiator simply means releasing trapped air from the system.

Over time, air builds up and stops hot water from flowing evenly. When that happens:

• Your radiators won’t heat properly

• Your system has to work harder

• You pay more for less warmth

Luckily, bleeding a radiator is quick, easy, and makes a big difference.

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📅 So… How Often Should You Do It?

Here’s the golden rule: check and bleed your radiators once a year—usually right before winter.

But also:

• Do it any time you notice cold spots

• Especially if they’re cold at the top, hot at the bottom

• Or if you hear bubbling, hissing, or gurgling noises

It’s one of those small jobs that saves big in the long run.

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💸 Why Bother? Here’s What You’ll Gain

Bleeding your radiators isn’t just about comfort—it also helps your heating system run efficiently.

Here’s what you get:

• Faster, more even heat

• Lower energy bills

• Less strain on your boiler

• Cosier rooms, quicker

And the best bit? It’s free. All you need is a radiator key and a towel.

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🛠️ How to Bleed a Radiator (In 5 Easy Steps)

If you’re up for a DIY moment, here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off your heating and wait for the system to cool.

2. Grab your radiator key and a cloth or towel.

3. Find the bleed valve—usually at the top side of the radiator.

4. Slowly turn the key anti-clockwise until you hear hissing (that’s air escaping!).

5. Once water starts dribbling out, tighten the valve again. Done!

Repeat for any other radiators with cold spots.

Pro tip: After bleeding, check your boiler pressure. You might need to top it up slightly.

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📌 When NOT to Bleed Your Radiators

There are a couple of times to hold off:

• If your boiler pressure is very low

• If you’re unsure how your heating system works

• Or if you’ve bled them and they’re still not heating properly

In those cases, it’s best to call in a pro. Something bigger might be going on.

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✅ Recap: Why and When to Bleed

• ✅ Do it once a year—especially before winter

• ✅ Also do it whenever radiators aren’t heating evenly

• ✅ It improves heating, saves energy, and keeps bills down

• ✅ Super easy to DIY with just a key and a towel

Your radiators will love you for it.

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🚿 Warmth You Can Actually Feel

Cold patches? Gurgling noises? Sky-high heating bills?

Bleeding your radiators could be the fix. It’s fast, free, and helps your whole system run better. So don’t put it off—your toes will thank you.

And if it all still feels like a mystery, you can always call in a heating expert to take care of it for you. Easy peasy.