Radiator Installation, Repair and Maintenance

What are Radiators?

Radiators are devices that transfer heat from hot water or steam through radiator coils to warm up a room, commonly found in homes with a boiler system.

While many houses use a forced-air furnace for heating, others, especially older, vintage, and historic homes, rely on a radiator and boiler combination. However, newer homes are also adopting energy-efficient radiator systems. Whether you are dealing with an older radiator or a modern model, repairing a leaking radiator or installing a new boiler is a significant project that requires the expertise of a professional contractor. In this guide we will go over all you need to know about installing a new radiator or maintaining an existing radiator in your home.

Radiator Installation and Repair

Radiator installation requires the services of a licensed contractor. His or her expertise covers everything from disconnecting wiring and pipes, removing the old radiator, installing the new unit, to reconnecting the wires, pipes, and gas or oil lines, if applicable.

If replacement of existing wiring, pipes, or valves is needed, the contractor should have the credentials to address the installation process from beginning to end including any unforeseen problems.

It is recommended that if a new radiator is being installed that the existing boiler be inspected to ensure it is up to the task of handling a newer and possibly more efficient radiator system. Here are the four types of home radiator heaters.

• Baseboard Radiators
• Cast Iron Radiators
• Column Radiators
• Panel Radiators

Pros and Cons of Radiator Heaters

If your home is fitted with old or antiquated radiators that are unsightly and detract from the décor of your home’s interior, they can be replaced with a stylish wall or conventional model. This way you will retain the efficiency of a radiator with a more modern style of radiator installation.

Most radiators have the option of being in the “on” or “off” position. An added benefit is the use of a TRV valve that is designed to allow the homeowner to set and regulate a specific temperature.

If your goal is to maintain the authentic look of your home while enjoying energy efficiency, it is also recommended that you install a modern and efficient boiler along with new lines and piping to pair up with the original radiator. Prior to buying a new boiler, you should have the current boiler unit inspected to find out if it will accommodate the pressures of a new radiator system. An upgrade may be necessary so you do not run into slow or low water pressure that will not be able to adequately “fire up” the heating process of the radiator installation.

On the downside, if you are contemplating removing a non-functioning radiator versus repairing it and installing a forced-air furnace, keep in mind your home will have to be updated to switch over from one type of heating to another. The upgrades include, but are not limited to, installing dropped ceilings throughout the home for the required ductwork necessary in each room or area to be heated. This can add significantly to what could have been a minimal radiator installation project.

Find Local Radiator Installers

How Do Radiators Work?

The process is relatively simple; steam or circulating hot water are what prompt a radiator to generate heat. As the water is heated, the radiator(s) gives off heat which in turn warms the air in each room(s) either by convection or radiation.

• Radiation – once the hot water has made its way to the radiator, it will “radiate” heat into the area. Radiation is a small percentage of the overall heat produced by a radiator.
• Convection – with this process, heated air from the radiator rises. As it does so, cool air is drawn into the underpart of the radiator. This rising and drawing in motion of the air creates vertical currents that evenly disperse heat into the room.

How Do Radiators Work

Understand in-depth working mechanism of radiators, its parts, and types.

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Radiator and Boiler Maintenance

Where to place radiators?

In order for a radiator, old or new, to function properly, it requires clear and unobstructed air flow. This means the radiator must have ample access for air to travel under, over, and around the unit. Never place curtains, drapes, sheers, or shades in front of the unit. It is also recommended not to block a radiator with large, solid pieces of furniture. If you have a table or other piece of non-solid furniture equipped with legs, the airflow will not be hindered as much. You should still leave several inches between the radiator unit and the non-solid piece of furniture if you choose this option.Keep your radiator and boiler system in good working order with periodic visual checks for leaks or malfunctions of the unit such as crimped or clogged lines.

How to Clean Radiators?

Radiators must be kept clean throughout your home in order for you to get the most from them. Since heat travels from the water or steam in a radiator to the air outside, it is vital that the heat transfer can take place unimpeded. Any dirt or dust that collects on the fins or plate of a radiator serves as an insulator and prevents heat from transferring from inside the radiator to the air outside.

Simply wipe down your radiators on a weekly basis to keep dirt and debris from accumulating on them. They can be washed with plain water most of the time or a mild soap solution when trying to remove more difficult substances. Clean radiators are much more efficient than dirty ones and taking the time to wipe away the grime will save you money over time.

How to Know if a Home Radiator Needs Repair

Bleeding Radiators Problems

This does not mean the system has sprung a leak and is bleeding water into your home. It is a natural process that occurs if your radiator system is not working as it should. If you find your radiators are not warming up a room like they should, the chances are there is trapped air inside the radiator that needs to be “bled” from the system. It is an easy enough repair for a professional contractor on this type of radiator installation project.

Leaking Radiators

This is the real deal type of leak that can range from minor to severe. Where the leak is happening also plays a role in how easy or difficult the repair will be. Between steam radiators and hot water radiators, the steam model is easier to repair. In order to make repairs, the leak must first be located.

Next in the radiator installation process, the radiator must be drained and the leak area cleaned, and then repaired, if possible, by a contractor. There is no magic product you can pour into the radiator that will patch, and hold, a leak. Your contractor will advise you of the best approach to repairing or replacing the radiator.

Hiring a Professional For Radiator Repairs

For a more in-depth maintenance check, hire a professional and certified contractor to run an annual check on the entire system. This will include inspecting for leaks, corrosion on lines, faulty valves, thermostat check, gas or oil lines, lubricating specific parts, if needed, and checking the electrical wiring.

Local Radiator Installers

There are a few things you should do find a reliable local radiator or boiler contractor in your area.

• It is recommended that you request at least three estimates for a repair or installation of a radiator system.
• Ensure each has the proper license, insurance, and certification necessary to handle all areas.
• Verify the contractor’s license is current and if there are any complaints or pending legal issues with the Better Business Bureau.
• Be sure before you sign any estimate or contract that the entire form is filled out – no blank spaces – with the cost of labor, parts, materials, and removal of old equipment, dated, and signed by an authorized person, and that you understand the warranty and after-service agreement.