Air in the heating can prove to be a real energy guzzler.
In order to heat effectively, the radiators must be bled regularly.
If there is gurgling in the radiator, there is too much air in the heating system.
The radiators should then urgently be bled.
Below we show why this is so important and how it works.
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To bleed the heater, you either need a bleeder key – or the right tool.
© Stefan Kiefer/Imago
Why should you bleed radiators?
Excess air in the radiator can quickly become noticeable: the radiator then often gurgles or bubbles and it does not get really warm.
The result: Energy costs increase because the remaining water in the radiator has to be heated more to reach the set temperature.
In order to be able to heat effectively, the heating must therefore be vented regularly.
According to
Vaillant.ch
, this saves up to 15 percent in energy costs per year.
Other changes to the radiators will also help you save gas.
When should you bleed your heater?
It is best to start venting right at the beginning of the heating period, which usually falls on October 1 of each year.
But it is also advisable to bleed the radiators if you hear bubbling and gurgling noises or after water has been added.
Instructions: How to bleed the heater
Bleeding the heating is also feasible for laypeople, regardless of whether you live in a rented apartment or in your own house.
All you need is the right tool: Depending on the heater, a vent key or pipe pump pliers.
If you don't have a key, the magazine
Chip
recommends the valve
alternatively to be opened with open-end pliers, a two slotted screwdriver or pointed combination pliers.
And this is how it works:
Switch off the circulation pump and, if necessary, the entire heating system.
If you live in a rented apartment in an apartment building, you have no access to the central heating.
In this case, according to
Vaillant.ch
, it is sufficient to turn off all thermostatic valves to close the heating circuit in your home.
In this case, start the bleeding at point 4.
Wait at least an hour to allow the air to collect in the radiators.
Turn the radiator up to the highest level.
Have a bowl, a towel and the venting key or the appropriate tool (see above) ready.
In a multistory building, start on the lowest floor and work your way up.
Hold the bowl under the valve with one hand while using the tool to slowly open the valve.
An extra towel under the valve can help catch excess water.
If you hear a hiss, air is coming out of the valve and you are venting the heater.
Water can escape from the valve, which you catch with the bowl.
Caution, both air and water can be very hot - risk of burns!
If only water flows out of the radiator and you no longer hear hissing, the air has escaped.
Now screw the valve back on hand-tight with the square wrench or the pliers - done!
You can now switch the circulation pump on again and heat as usual.
You should only check the pressure on the pressure gauge of the heating system after venting.
If this is too low, water must be refilled.
You forget these spots all the time when cleaning
You forget these spots all the time when cleaning
Alternative to venting the heater: Retrofit automatic vents
Don't want to bleed your heating all the time?
Valves are now also available that independently and permanently bleed the radiator.
The conversion to automatic air vents is uncomplicated and can also be carried out by laypersons.
If you want to save more money on heating, you should also pay attention to the correct settings for the heating.
List of rubrics: © Stefan Kiefer/Imago
