Did you know that home radiators are the second most popular way to heat a home? If your home has a radiator, you want to do everything you can to keep it going strong. Otherwise, you’ll need to budget thousands of dollars for a new one.
Read on to learn the top signs that you need to replace your home radiator!
Listen for Unusual Noises
Do you hear a strange clanking noise coming from your home radiator? While it’s not unusual to hear some start-up sounds when your radiator gets going, stronger noises are unusual.
The noises could mean that air bubbles are lodged in your radiator. Noises can suggest high water pressure, too, and you’ll need a technician to adjust your valves. The good news is that these are fixable issues through boiler repair that won’t require radiator replacement.
Noises also could point to bigger and more expensive issues, such as problems with your boiler. A trained technician can check your boiler and replace any damaged valves or gaskets that cause unwanted noises.
Watch for Leaks
When water starts emerging from your home radiator, you have a problem. Puddles or water droplets indicate that a slow leak exists somewhere within the equipment. And leaks, which often occur due to corrosion, generally mean it’s time to buy a radiator.
You may be able to achieve a temporary fix by sealing the point of the leak, but you won’t get a long-lasting solution. Look at the radiators at QBIC when it’s time to buy a radiator replacement!
Monitor the Radiator’s Temperature
Is your radiator cool to the touch? For cold radiators, you may need to bleed them.
There could be too much air in the radiator that keeps water from moving. So, you’ll want to begin the bleeding process with the radiator that is most distant from the boiler.
Use your radiator key to loosen the valve. And continue until you’ve addressed each radiator unit.
While bleeding a radiator is a routine part of getting your home ready for winter, it shouldn’t be something you’re constantly doing. If you are, you’ll want to call a service technician to see if there’s an internal mechanism that needs replacing. If a new part or flushing the system doesn’t work, however, you may need radiator replacement.
Check for Higher Utility Bills
If you’re paying too much in your monthly utility bills, your radiator may be the culprit. Older appliances tend to be less efficient over time. And a radiator usually lasts around a decade.
You’ll want to determine if an individual radiator or the boiler is the root of the issue. Spending over $1,000 on a new radiator unit — or several times that for a boiler — probably sounds steep. But you’ll save on energy costs over time!
Consider Replacing Your Home Radiator
A home radiator is an effective way to keep your home toasty during the cold months. But if you notice leaks, noises, or temperature swings, you may need to check a radiator buying guide. Also, keep your eyes on your bills to see if your radiator is not working as efficiently as it should.
Find more tips to stay warm. Check back for new articles soon!
