It’s important to prepare your apartment for the change in weather. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your heating is working efficiently and effectively.
What to do if your heating isn’t working
There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your boiler.
Check for simple fixes: If your heating isn’t working, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot it. Sometimes, simple solutions like changing a battery to your thermostat may solve the problem.
Use online resources: If you need a little more help, engineers have taken to YouTube to provide video troubleshooting guides for various boiler models. This can be a great resource to help you sort out any issues you may be experiencing.
If you’re feeling uneasy about handling the heating, it’s okay to inform LDG to call in a professional. If your tenancy is with LDG, the best way to get the issue resolved is by submitting a maintenance request through your ‘My Property File’ account. This way, you can track the progress of the repair and rest assured that a professional is taking care of the problem.
Common problems – easy fixes
Check the pressure
If you encounter a situation where your heating system is not functioning, it may be due to a loss of pressure in the boiler. To determine the pressure levels, check the built-in pressure gauge on the boiler. Ideally, the pressure should be around 1.5 bar for most boilers to function properly.
To rectify the issue, some boilers may be easily re-pressurized, while others may require the use of a filling loop and the removal of a key. To help you with this process, consider searching for instructional videos on YouTube, using keywords such as “re-pressurizing my boiler” and your specific boiler model.
Check the radiators
A common issue that many experience with their heating systems is the build-up of trapped air in radiators that have not been in use for some time. This can lead to a lack of heat or the presence of localised cold spots in the radiators. The solution to this issue is to “bleed” the radiators.
To do so, it is recommended to turn the thermostat on for at least 30 minutes, ensuring that the dials on the radiators are set to an appropriate level if they were previously turned down. After the radiators have been properly warmed, each radiator should be thoroughly checked to ensure that it is uniformly warm. If any of the radiators are only warm at the bottom, this indicates the presence of trapped air that needs to be released.
How to bleed a radiator?
1. Time to give your radiators a break! Turn off the heat and let them cool down completely.
2. You’ll need a radiator key, which is easily available at your local hardware store for around 50p.
3. Place a cloth and a bucket under the valve (the smallest square nut at the top of the radiator).
4. Carefully hold the key with a cloth and slowly turn it anti-clockwise to open the valve, but don’t unscrew it completely.
5. You should hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops and close the valve. Water may also leak out, so keep the bucket handy!
6. Don’t forget to check your boiler’s pressure, as bleeding your radiators may cause a drop in pressure.
7. Turn your heating back on and check for any cold spots. Your radiators should now be feeling warm and toasty!
Set the temperature
Especially now, when conserving energy is on everyone’s minds, we have noticed a growing number of tenants inquiring about how to effectively set up their radiators to only function during specific times of the day. Whether it be to reduce moisture levels in the morning or provide warmth in the evening, understanding how to properly adjust the thermostat is a valuable skill. If you find yourself in need of assistance, instructional videos on YouTube can be a helpful resource.
If you experience difficulties with your thermostat, such as incorrect readings or failure to activate when intended, there may be a simple solution. We recommend checking if the battery needs to be replaced. This is a common issue that our Property Management team encounters and often a new battery can make a significant impact on the performance of your heating system.
Our experienced Property Management team at LDG has a wealth of knowledge about various popular boiler models and the ability to resolve a variety of heating issues. If you require additional support, please contact us today!
