What To Do If Your Radiators Are Cold

If your radiators are not heating up properly, it could indicate a more serious problem with your boiler. Read our article about what to do if your radiators are cold for more help and advice…

What To Do If Your Radiators Are Cold

There are a number of smaller central heating faults to rule out first.

Check if the thermostat is set too low

If none of the radiators are heating up, check that the thermostat is set correctly. For instructions on how to find the correct setting, see your boiler manual.

Check if the timer isn’t working

If all the radiators are cold, make sure the timer or programmer on your central heating is switched on and set properly.

Check if  the pilot light is out

If your gas boiler’s pilot light has gone out, read the relighting instructions that are usually found printed on the boiler’s front panel.

Check if there is a build-up of sludge

Solving this problem depends on whether you have an open vent system or not. If there’s been a build-up of sludge in your radiators, there are two possible ways to remove it: For conventional heating systems that are unpressurised and tank fed, you can use heating system sludge remover. This is sold at most DIY stores. Simply add it to the feed and expansion tank and then empty and refill the system after a few days. For non-open vent systems, you’ll need to flush the radiators with a hosepipe.

Check if there are sir pockets

Air in the system, rather than one individual radiator, can be a problem. You will know if this is happening because the radiators will get cold as the air pockets move around the system. To remove any trapped air, you’ll need to bleed the radiator.

Check if it is a circulation fault

If none of the above points helps get your radiators warm, there might be an issue with your pump. At this stage, you should take advice from a registered central heating engineer.

L&W Heating and Plumbing

A gas safety check is always recommended to be arranged every year by a reputable Gas Safe registered plumber.  Whatever your heating and plumbing needs: from fixing a leaking tap to a brand-new water saving shower, we can help: call LW Heating and Plumbing today for more information on one of our local numbers below:-

Newton Le Willows Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
Wigan Central Heating Engineers 01942 417220
Warrington Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
St Helens Central Heating Engineers 01744 776140