Radiators not producing heat like they used to?
The problem could be in the valves.
If you’ve noticed that radiators in your home aren’t producing heat as well as they used to or aren’t functioning at all, the culprit might be the valves. The good news: it’s a fairly simple fix.
Radiators have been around for generations and while many properties today opt for hot air systems, the comforting warmth of radiant heat has its own benefits. For starters, it’s non-dry, unlike air systems, meaning your family won’t be burning though as much skin moisturizer and chapstick during dry winter months. And unlike air systems they don’t stir up dust and allergens or require routine vent cleaning. What’s more, if you have multiple radiators in your home, you have the option of switching some off, conserving energy and saving you money on utilities at the end of the month. Plus they have a great retro look and offer the perfect spot to warm bath towels, dry wet winter clothing, or rest against a pillow while relaxing. They can even provide shelving space or live inside a neat radiator cover, which keeps them quiet and out-of-sight.
Sometimes though, radiators lose their efficiency or stop working altogether. This can happen to a single unit or entire sections of a property. Thankfully, troubleshooting this issue doesn’t necessarily mean the radiators themselves need to be replaced. The issue could be in the valves.
Radiator Valves:
Radiator valves manage heat output to a single radiator unit. You’ll notice these attached to a threaded section of pipe coming from the floor or wall leading to the radiator itself. Replacing this valve could be a simple fix to brining a single radiator back to life!
Zone Valves:
Like the name suggests, zone valves regulate heat to “zones” of a home or building. When a zone valve fails, the areas managed by that valve stop getting the heat they should, affecting certain units or even an entire floor of the property. So if you’re scratching your head as to why some apartments are toasty warm while others don’t get the heat they need, find out where the valve is and have it checked. Zone valves run around $100, an affordable solution to what may seem like a complicated problem.
Once you’ve returned your radiators to their former glory, your family can keep enjoying them like past generations!
Have a radiator and want to change its appearance?