How do I avoid having to bleed my radiator regularly?

If your radiator is cold at the top, then this is usually an indication that it needs bleeding.  Why set yourself up to have to do this time and again, when you can install an automatic bleed valve which will bleed your radiator for you without you having to lift a finger!

Automatic Radiator Bleed Valve

Of course, if you're constantly having to bleed your radiators, it would be advisable for you to call in the professionals, as it may be that there is an underlying cause that needs attention.  You should only need to bleed your radiators once or twice a year.

How Do I Bleed my Radiator?

So, the days are warming up nicely and you're only using your central heating later in the evening when the chill develops in the air.  Marvellous!  But what if your radiators aren't getting so warm at the top?  You may be getting a build up of air in your radiators.

Make sure that before you finally switch off your central heating system for the summer, you do the final "health" checks for your system, reducing the likelihood of having to call out a professional when you switch your heating back on in the autumn.

This article on How to Bleed a Radiator should help you tackle the task.

Of course, if you're thinking about having your central heating replaced, or updating or installing a radiator, it's best to get it done over the summer months, as you won't be sat in the cold, waiting for the job to be done.  Take time to plan what you want, find a reputable plumber, choose your products and get the job done.

Plumbers and Heating Engineers are always over-subscribed between September and November, as heating systems are switched on for the first time since the spring and play up.  Make sure you get your boiler serviced during the summer and avoid the frustration of waiting days or even weeks for an engineer when you need him most.

New Reina Illusions Collection Arrives

You thought radiators had to be square, white and boring?  Think again!  Those fun-loving people down at Reina have come up with the fantastic Illusions Collection; stainless steel radiators in a huge variety of unusual and innovative shapes and sizes.

There's the Pyramid radiator, for those of you who want to add a bit of Middle Eastern flavour to your living room.  Just don't tell Dr Who!

Their Positive radiator, unsurprisingly in the shape of a Plus, for those days when you need to be lifted out of the doldrums.

And the very well named Dynamic radiator, effortlessly combining generous curves with straight and unyielding lines.

This is just a small sample of the Illusions Collection.  To see more of these revolutionary designs, visit our main shopping site and while you're there, why not take a look around some of our other designer radiator ranges?

This blog is brought to you by the chaps and chapesses at www.TradePlumbing.co.uk. Do contact us if you need some help.

Cats on Radiators

 Cats have long-been known to be heat-seeking creatures, loving the warmth of a radiator.  Take a look at these moggies enjoying their rest on radiators.

 

How cute is this kitten, snuggled around the radiator pipe? I think he'll have problems when he grows up!

 

This chap doesn't look too comfy on this old radiator, but he certainly doesn't want to give up the warmth.

 

This cat has found a space between the panels of a modern radiator, where he can fit his front legs to help him to stay on top.

 

Another modern panel radiator - this cat has found a way to perch on it.

 

Is this a very big cat or a very small radiator? You decide!

 

This cat is modelling the five column traditional radiator.  As you can see - plenty of room to snooze.

 

This cat seems to appreciate the detailed intricacy of the design on this victorian style radiator.

 

Very Funny! Who stole my legs?

 

This cat appreciates the tasteful interior decoration - is that lemon with aquamarine?

 

Guess which cat is "top mog"... the one on top of the panel radiator!

 

As you can see, even the narrowest radiator can be a warm perch for a cat.

 

Aaaah! The purrfect place for a snooze whilst waiting for a fax to arrive!

We really hoped you enjoyed these pictures of cats on radiators.  Where does your moggie like to snooze?

Buying a new Central Heating Radiator

If you're looking online for a new central heating radiator to replace a radiator in your home, you will probably type "Radiator" into Google and be disappointed that some of your search results don't end up providing you with Central Heating Radiators, but offering you other types of radiator.

To find radiators for your home, you should search for "Central Heating Radiators" and you will get the standard white ones seen in most homes in the UK.

A handy tip for you is to check the heat output you need for your radiator - don't simply replace your current radiator for one of the same size - if the radiator you're replacing is over 5 years old, you may find that greater design has improve the efficiency of domestic radiators and you won't need such a large one.

To check out how much heat you need, use a Radiator Calculator, which will take your room dimensions and other contributing factors into account and recommend the number of BTUs you will need.

How to deal with old radiators

If you're about to dispose of some old radiators, take a quick look at what other people have done with theirs.  Check out the Old Radiators article.



This blog is brought to you by the chaps and chapesses at www.TradePlumbing.co.uk. Do contact us if you need some help.

New Design Ideas for Radiators

This article gives you the lowdown on the newest radiators on the market for those looking for the designer edge.

Take a look at the Designer Radiators article.



This blog is brought to you by the chaps and chapesses at www.TradePlumbing.co.uk. Do contact us if you need some help.