Vent the heater for savings: with this simple trick, you reduce heating costs
Many people suffer from a recurring problem during the heating season: the radiator (Heizkörper) does not heat well or makes annoying noises. In this case, you often do not need to call a technician. There is a small neglected button that can solve the problem and also help you save money. The secret is simply to 'bleed' the heating system and release the trapped air inside.
How do you know that it's time to bleed the radiator? Turn on the heating and wait a little until it warms up. After that, you need to check each radiator in the house: If the top part is hot and the bottom part is cold, everything is normal. If the opposite is true: the bottom part is warm or hot and the top part is cold, then you should turn off the heating and start the bleeding process. To bleed, you need a flat screwdriver or a special key for the bleed valve, along with an old towel and a container to collect the leaking water. Why should you bleed the radiator at all? Over time, air bubbles accumulate inside the radiator. You can imagine them as a bubble under the metal surface. This trapped air prevents hot water from circulating properly within the system, creating a cold spot in the radiator and reducing heating efficiency. When you bleed the radiator, these bubbles escape, allowing water to flow freely and making heat distribution even, which means better heating and less energy consumption.
How do air bubbles form? Technically, when water is heated or cooled, the dissolved gases in it are released and turn into bubbles. Small amounts of air can also seep through leaks or loose connections in the heating system. Inside the device, hydrogen gas can form, which over time leads to corrosion in parts of the system, making regular venting more important. Steps to bleed the radiator step by step. It is best to start with the radiator farthest from the boiler in the basement or the farthest point in the house, then gradually work your way toward the boiler. After that, it is advisable to go up to the upper floors and repeat the process. This way, trapped air is pushed out of the system as effectively as possible. Before starting, it is important to turn off the heating system completely as a safety precaution to avoid burns or splashes of hot water. Look for the vent valve, which is often located at the top of the radiator on one side. Place a bowl or towel under the valve so that water does not leak onto the floor. Then, place the appropriate key or screwdriver on the valve and start to open it slightly. You will hear a hissing sound as the air escapes. Leave the valve open until the sound stops and water starts to flow steadily without bubbles. Then close the valve firmly.
Leak inspection and pressure adjustment After finishing each radiator, carefully check the valve to ensure there is no water leakage. If you notice moisture or water droplets, you can tighten the valve slightly, but without overdoing it to avoid damaging it. After venting all the radiators in the house, the pressure in the boiler (Heizkessel) often drops. Therefore, the pressure gauge should be checked and adjusted according to the recommended values in the device manual or from the heating company.
After resetting the pressure to the correct level, turn the heating back on and make sure that all radiators are heating from top to bottom and that any annoying noises have disappeared. With these simple steps, you can improve heating performance, reduce energy consumption, and save money without having to call a technician every time.