In much of Italy temperatures have dropped sharply in recent days, it’s almost time to turn the radiators back on, even if those with central heating will have to respect the national calendar.
But for the radiators to be at their maximum efficiency, it is very important to carry out a simple operation that should not be underestimated: that is, proceed with the venting.
This is because in radiators that have remained unused for several months, there is a accumulation of airwhich hinders its correct functioning. This is a very simple process, which takes a few minutes. Let’s find out how to vent radiators.
Venting radiators: the steps to follow
Necessary
For this operation you need:
How to proceed
- First you need to make sure that the heating system is turned off and that all thermostat valves are open. To open all the radiators to their maximum, just turn the knob (thermostat), which is located at the top of the radiator in correspondence with the copper pipe coming out of the wall.
- The second step is to slowly open the radiator vent valve. This valve The valve is generally located at the top of the radiator on the side opposite the thermostat. To open it, it would be better to use the special key supplied with the radiator. If you don’t have it available, you can buy it in a hardware or plumbing store. Use the wrench to open the valve by slowly turning it counterclockwise. By doing so, air will begin to escape along with some water droplets. Continue opening until the jet is stronger.
- Now it’s time to close the vent valve. When the water jet has become uniform it means that there is no more air. At this point it is possible to close the valve by rotating it in the opposite direction to that of opening.
- Now check the boiler pressure. The pressure gauge needle must be between 1 and 2 bar. If the needle registers a figure higher than 2, it means that the radiators have not been completely bled.
- Finally, turn the boiler back on and check the correct functioning of the radiators.
Why is it important to vent radiators?
The presence of air in radiators reduces the heating system’s ability to distribute heat evenly, causing possible cold areas and a consequent waste of energy. According to the Ministry of Ecological Transition (MiTE)one of the ways to optimize energy consumption and reduce emissions is to ensure that the system works efficiently, avoiding waste due to uneven heating. Venting radiators allows you to solve the problem of trapped air, improving thermal efficiency and reducing bill costs.
Performing venting regularly is a practice that is part of good maintenance of heating systems. According to theItalian Maintenance Association (AIMAN)keeping the system in optimal conditions guarantees long-lasting efficiency, preventing failures or malfunctions. Furthermore, this process helps avoid the accumulation of rust and sediment in the pipes, which could clog the circuits and reduce the life of the system.
How to recognize when it is necessary to vent radiators?
A typical sign that the radiators need to be vented is unevenly distributed heat, with the bottom part of the radiator hot and the top part cold. Alternatively, you may hear bubbling noises caused by trapped air bubbles. These signals, along with a visible pressure drop on the boiler pressure gauge, require immediate action to avoid inefficiencies that can increase energy consumption.
Don’t forget to clean them
Remove dust and dirt accumulated in radiators to prevent them from spreading into the room along with the heat. In fact, when the radiators are turned on, the heat circulates the air and also raises the dust particles hidden between the elements. Carry out this cleaning when the radiators are cold, paying particular attention to the spaces between the pipes and the rear sections, even better if you use a compressor or a suitable vacuum cleaner, finally complete with a wash, preferably with steam.
