Measure whether the return temperature is below 55°C (this is essential for condensing to occur, and for your boiler to be operating at its advertised efficiency). Turn the central heating off and wait for at least two hours for the system to completely cool off. Locate the radiators bleed valve Usually located on the side of the radiator, at its top. If you're bleeding multiple radiators, start with the one on the ground floor furthest from your boiler. The first job to do is to go around all of your radiators and bleed them to ensure that there is absolutely no air in your heating system that could effect it as you balance the system. As you may have guessed, each TRV has it’s own in-built thermostat. Depending on what the thermostat is set to (it’s set by turning the numbered dial to the desired temperature setting), once the ambient temperature in the room reaches this level, the TRV will control the flow of hot water to the radiator, reducing it and saving you energy and money.

The best tool to use to take these measurements are special thermometers which clip onto the radiators pipes and measure the difference in temperature between them. The proper name for radiator thermometers is Differential Thermometers and in the digital age these have become so advanced that the temperature of both the incoming and outgoing radiator pipes can be measured, at the same time, with one thermometer. With some central heating systems, occasionally one or more radiators get quite a bit warmer than others within the system. When this happens it usually means that your central heating system is out of balance.

Why do Radiators Need Balancing?

Place a container under the valve This is to catch any water that may drip out of the valve. Also hold the spare cloth or towel under the valve. As we are going to be individually balancing each radiator and recording temperatures the first job to do is to draw a very rough plan of your heating system and radiators so that you can then mark which heat up the fastest and what temperature each gets to. When radiators do not heat up at the same speed, it means some areas of your home will be colder than others, resulting in a non-efficient heating system that can leave you feeling warm in some rooms of the house and cold in others. What Is Radiator Balancing? To bleed a radiator, slowing open the bleed valve at the top (either side is fine) and wait for the air to flow out and water start to flow. For a full guide on how to bleed your radiators see our project here.

Balancing your central heating system involves adjusting the flow of hot water through your radiators to ensure that each room in your home is heated evenly. This can be done by adjusting the valves on your radiators, which control the flow of water. By balancing your central heating system, you can increase the flow of hot water to the colder areas of your home and decrease the flow of hot water to the warmer areas, resulting in a more even distribution of heat throughout your home. Once the cap has been removed you will then see a small slotted screw cap. You can then use a flat head screwdriver or pair of pliers to turn this valve on and off. Misuse of Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) If TRVs have been fitted to radiators around your home, and not adjusted correctly, this can lead to system-balancing issues. Now that you have fully balanced your heating system and it is working at peak efficiency it’s best to keep it this way.

Types of Heating System

When it comes to types of radiator supply there are essentially 2 different types; The single pipe central heating system and the 2 pipe central heating system. Single Pipe Central Heating System In this guide we run through the method of balancing radiators and central heating systems to ensure all radiators het at the same rate and to the same temperature. Why do Radiators Need Balancing? Your can’t balance your system when it’s hot or even warn so ensure everything is stone cold before you start.