Radiators, the faqs...

Radiators are in majority of homes throughout the UK and each household at some point will have an issue.

Frequently asked Questions:

Radiators are hot at the top but not at the bottom
👉 Likely caused by sludge or debris build-up at the bottom. System cleansing or powerflushing can help.

Radiators are cold in patches
👉 Caused by air pockets or sludge. Bleed the radiator first; if not resolved, a system cleanse may be needed.

Radiators are cold at the top but hot at the bottom
👉 Caused by trapped air. Bleed the radiator to release the air.

Will a system filter remove sludge from an old system?
👉 Partially. A system filter captures circulating debris/sludge but won’t remove heavy deposits already settled in radiators or pipework. A cleanse is recommended first.

How will a system cleanse help with my radiators heating up?
👉 Removes sludge, rust, and scale, improving water flow and radiator heat output. Helps ensure even heating and system efficiency.

Can you cleanse an old system with very old radiators?
👉 Yes, but with caution. Older radiators may be fragile and may leak when disturbed. A professional assessment is advised before cleansing.

How to powerflush a heating system
👉 A specialist machine pumps cleaning chemicals at high velocity through the system to dislodge and flush out sludge/debris. Should be done by a qualified engineer.

If you turn the radiator valves off, does the boiler still fire up?
👉 Yes, the boiler will still fire if demand is called by the thermostat. However, if all radiator valves are closed, it may cause issues (short-cycling or overheating).

How to balance my heating system
👉 Adjust each radiator’s lockshield valve to ensure even heat distribution. Typically, radiators furthest from the boiler are opened more; those closer are restricted to balance flow.

Designer radiators
👉 Radiators with modern or stylish designs that provide heating while enhancing décor. Function like standard radiators but often with varied heat output depending on style.

Towel radiators
👉 Radiators designed to heat towels and small spaces (e.g. bathrooms). Available in plumbed, electric, or dual-fuel versions.

How to keep my house warm whilst being energy efficient
✅ Insulate walls, loft, and floors
✅ Use thermostatic radiator valves
✅ Lower boiler flow temperature (~55–60°C for condensing boilers)
✅ Close doors, draw curtains
✅ Only heat rooms in use
✅ Use programmable thermostat with zoning if possible

Our knowledgeable team can advise on your heating and radiator issues. Give us a call and see how we can help you.