Few things are more frustrating than cold radiators, especially during the winter months when you depend on your central heating system to keep your home warm. If your radiators aren’t heating up as they should, there’s no need to panic—this is a common issue with several potential causes.

From simple fixes like adjusting radiator valves or bleeding trapped air to more complex solutions such as a system power flush, understanding the root of the problem can help you restore warmth to your home quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of cold radiators and provide practical solutions to get your heating system back on track.

Check Whether the Radiator Valves are Turned On

Radiator valves control the flow of hot water into your radiator. If they are turned off or partially closed, your radiator may remain cold.

• Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs): Ensure the TRV is set to the desired heat level. Sometimes, these valves can get stuck, especially after a period of disuse. Gently twist the valve to ensure it moves freely.
• Lockshield Valves: These are often located on the opposite side of the radiator to the TRV. Make sure they’re not closed too tightly, as they regulate the balance of the system. How to tell if the valve Is open or closed? Turn it all the way to the left, and if it won’t go anymore, it’s closed, and all the way to the right means it is fully open. Lockshield valves get stuck if they haven’t been altered in a long time, and could need replacing.

If you’re unsure about adjusting these valves, consult your heating system’s manual or seek professional advice.

Radiator Cold at the Top? Trapped Air is the Reason

If your radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top, it’s likely that air is trapped inside. This can prevent hot water from circulating properly. Removing the trapped air is called bleeding. Bleeding the radiator is a simple fix:

1. Turn Off the Heating: Ensure your heating system is off and the radiator has cooled down.
2. Locate the Bleed Valve: This is usually a small valve at the top corner of the radiator.
3. Use a Radiator Key: This is a small, specially shaped tool. Place the key into the valve and turn it anti-clockwise. You should hear a hissing sound as the trapped air escapes.
4. Catch Any Water: Hold a cloth or small container under the valve to catch any drips of water.
5. Close the Valve: When all of the air has escaped, water will begin to sputter out of the valve. Once the water starts flowing steadily, tighten the valve by turning it clockwise. All of the air has been removed.

After bleeding, you may need to check the pressure on your boiler and top it up if necessary. When the heating is running again, the radiator should be hot to the top again.

An Unbalanced Heating System Can Create Cold Radiators

An unbalanced heating system prevents an even distribution of heat. This often results in some rooms being too warm while others remain cold. The issue is typically due to improper adjustment of the lockshield valves on the radiators. These valves control the amount of hot water flowing through each radiator and need to be set correctly to balance the system.

Signs of an Unbalanced Heating System

• Some radiators heat up much faster than others.
• Uneven room temperatures.
• Certain radiators remain cold despite the heating being on.

How to Fix an Unbalanced Heating System

1. Turn Off the Heating: Start by switching off the system and allowing it to cool.
2. Adjust Lockshield Valves: Use a spanner to slightly close the valves on radiators that heat up quickly and open the valves more on those that are slower to warm up.
3. Test the System: Turn the heating back on and check if the temperatures are more even across all radiators.

For precise balancing, a professional heating engineer can help.

Signs You Need a Power Flush

If your radiators are cold in patches, or cold at the bottom but warm at the top, there could be a build-up of sludge internally. When multiple radiators in your home are not heating up, it is a sign that debris inside the pipes is hindering the flow of water. Over time, this build up can reduce the efficiency of your heating. The best way to get rid of the debris is to book a power flush service. 

Key Signs You Need a Power Flush:

• Radiators take a long time to heat up.
• Uneven heat distribution (cold spots).
• The boiler frequently shuts down or makes unusual noises.
• High energy bills despite regular use of heating.

A power flush involves forcing a chemical solution through your heating system to clear out sludge, rust and debris. Once completed, the water flows freely inside the heating pipes and radiators, producing an even heat and warmer rooms. This process should be carried out by a qualified professional and can significantly improve the performance and lifespan of your heating system.

In a Nutshell

Addressing cold radiators doesn’t always require professional intervention. You can often resolve the issue yourself by checking valves, bleeding radiators, or balancing the radiators. However, if problems persist, it’s best to consult a heating engineer to avoid further complications. Contact the team at South Coast Heating and Plumbing for advice or to book a service and maintenance check of your central heating system.