Radiator is not really warm? Check these points!

• Small causes with great effect
  • 1. Check the error code!
  • 2nd clock check!
  • 3. Scour settings!
  • 4. Fuel shortage "> 5. Check circulating pump!
• Bigger mistakes
  • 1. Unclamp the valve
  • 2. Vent the radiator
  • 3. Optimize water pressure
• Specialist in difficult problems
• Important information at the end

Especially in late autumn and winter you need a functioning radiator in your house or apartment. Ruling low outside temperatures, wind and snow, the joy of spending cozy-warm hours in your own home is great. However, if the heating remains cold or does not heat up properly, staying in the interior quickly becomes a test of endurance. Our practical tips will help you to stay warm again quickly!

If the radiator does not reach the desired operating temperature, it can have several causes - trivial faults that can easily be eliminated in a matter of minutes, to complex matters requiring expert attention. However, before doing this last step, it is a good idea to check some points and fix them if necessary. Because often these are problems that anyone can solve with their own tools and the right approach. Based on a logically elaborated checklist with detailed descriptions to eliminate the respective sources of error, we guide you through the wide range of potential reasons and help you to get your heating up and running again!

Small causes with great effect

1. Check the error code!

If your heating remains cold despite being completely turned on, you should first check whether the system reports an error. If so, you will see the corresponding code on the display. Take the manual of your heating system and check the error code found. There usually solutions are noted, which lead to a speedy problem solution.

Here you can check the error code of your heating system online - simply enter the code and the search engine will provide the necessary details of the respective manufacturer: Check the error code

2nd clock check!

In fact, often only the radiator clock is set incorrectly, so that the heater remains inactive during the day, while at night literally full throttle. Take a look at the thermostat settings and change them if necessary.

3. Scour settings!

In addition to a wrongly prepared clock prevent other incorrect settings that your heater is warm. In particular, clarify whether the radiator is really set to "heating" or just to warm the water. If you find this an error, correct it.

4. Fuel shortage "> 5. Check circulating pump!

Check whether the pipe, which leads from the heating system to the radiators, gets really warm. If this is the case and all the heaters remain cold, much speaks for a disconnected circulation pump. To be sure, place one ear or one hand lightly on all radiators. You should notice a smooth running noise or vibration. If this is not the case, activate the circulation pump or contact the caretaker - depending on whether you own a heating system or are networked with other apartments.

Tip: Also, make sure all the pipes between the radiators and the system are warm when the heater is on. Maybe the error, which incidentally only an expert can fix, anchored here.

Bigger mistakes

1. Unclamp the valve

If individual radiators become warm while others remain cold, the causes for the latter could be a jammed valve or the need for venting. First, we'll take care of making the valve workable again.

Each radiator has a small valve controlled by a thermostat knob or simple rotary knob. It is about as thick as a nail and endangers itself over the summer so that all turning on the regulator bears no fruit. How to unscrew the radiator valve:

Step 1: Remove the thermostat knob or knob. For this purpose, usually a strong, slightly sideways jerk with the hand is sufficient. If it is not possible to overcome the force of the spring ring, grab a screwdriver and push the ring slightly towards the knob. This allows the thermostat controller to be removed without any problems.

Tip: If the thermostat regulator has a nut, you can loosen it by simply screwing it on.

Step 2: Now you see a chromed pin - it regulates the supply of heating water. As soon as the room gets colder than it is set, the thermostat knob moves the pin outwards, opening up the inflow of warm water. However, if the pin is pushed back so much that it can not slide out, the valve will remain closed. The result: a cold heating. Ideally, the pin is about 5 mm out and can be pushed in with little effort. This is not the case, it is deeper instead. "> Step 3: Now push in the valve pin a few times and let it pop out of its own accord - this will restore its usability.

If you do not help with any measures to loosen the valve, you will need to hire a specialist who will stock more professional tricks or install a new valve.

Tip: If the valve works again after your efforts, be sure to start using it regularly to prevent future jamming. Create a monthly reminder, such as a calendar or mobile phone, that reminds you to close and reopen any vulnerable heating valve. Nothing stands in the way of a constant mobility of the pen!

2. Vent the radiator

If a radiator dissipates hardly any heat despite the valve being turned on, this may be due to the above-described deadlock and to air in the heater. It interrupts the circulation of the heating water, so that the hot water does not get properly into the respective radiator and the heater is lukewarm.

Tip: The need for a vent you recognize in the first place by a good audible "gurgling" in the radiator.

The good news: it is not too difficult to vent the heater yourself. All you need is an adequate tool, a bit of sensitivity, a drainage container and our step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: First, you should get a so-called vent key. You already have a ">

Step 2: If you have your own heating system, turn off the circulating pump for the heating water and then wait about an hour. This measure prevents the flow of heating water and the air is not constantly swirled around in the system, which in turn significantly increases the chance to vent thoroughly.

Step 3: In addition to the vent key, place a small container, for example an empty yoghurt cup, and a rag or an old towel at the heater to be vented.

Step 4: Find the bleed valve. It is usually located on the opposite side of the radiator valve, is usually made of silvery metal and has a small tube or opening on the side. In the middle of the bleeder valve, you will see a square pin on which you will shortly attach the bleed key.

Step 5: Spread the towel or cloth on the floor - in such a way that it lies below the vent valve. To protect your floor or carpet from any leaking heating water, which is often very dirty.

Step 6: Hold the container, such as the yoghurt cup, under the side tube or opening. Then take the bleeding key, put it on the square pin and turn it a quarter to half turn counterclockwise, ie to the left. By that time, you should hear the hiss of the air escaping from the heater. No ">

Caution: Turn the bleed key slowly and not too often, otherwise the square pin threatens to fall out of the bleeder valve, allowing the heating water to flow unhindered to the floor.

Step 7: Wait until a little water comes out and you can not hear any "bubbly sounds".

Step 8: Close the bleed valve by turning the key clockwise - to the right.

Step 9: Take advantage of the opportunity and check all other radiators in your home or apartment for available air.

Tip: If you have literally drained a lot of steam, it may be necessary to top up with water in the heating system. If you have your own system, do it yourself - we will explain how to proceed after the venting point. On the other hand, if you are hanging from a large heating system with several participants, it is best to inform the caretaker and ask him to check the pressure in the system.

Step 10: Do not forget to re-activate the circulation pump at the end if you switch it off at the beginning.

Done - now all radiators should deliver the desired heat again!

3. Optimize water pressure

After all previous measures, all that remains for you to do is to check the water pressure in the heating circuit, namely on the manometer and only when the heating is switched on. The water pressure should be between 1.2 and 1.8 bar. If the pressure drops too much, some heaters refuse their basic function - namely to give off heat. Then you need to add fresh water to the circuit to increase the pressure again. That's how it's done:

Step 1: Normally, each heater has a special hose ready for the refilling process. In addition, you should get a small bucket or a bowl and provide.

Step 2: Connect one end of the hose to a nearby faucet.

Step 3: Now hang the open end of the hose into the bucket or bowl and turn the tap a little - until the hose has filled with water and displaced all air.

Step 4: Then connect this open hose side to your heater. For this purpose, the heating circuit should accommodate a suitable connection.

Tip: When connecting the hose to the heater, make sure that as little water comes out as possible - perhaps hold the end with your thumb. This prevents the entry of air into the hose and subsequently into your heater.

Step 5: Turn on the stopcock on the heater side so that the fresh water can flow in there.

Step 6: Now activate the faucet. Whether you have done everything right, you recognize on the one hand by the flow noise and on the other hand by the fact that the display on the manometer moves upwards.

Step 7: As soon as the pressure is about 2 bar, switch off the inlet tap again.

Step 8: Close the tap on the heater and remove the hose. To avoid water flowing to the floor, place the end of the dispenser immediately in the bucket or bowl, depending on which utensil you are working with.

Specialist in difficult problems

1. Miscellaneous problem "> 2. Carrying out a hydraulic adjustment!

If you already have a real expert in the house, it is best to inquire about performing a hydraulic adjustment. The heating cables are adjusted so that the required amount of heating water arrives at all radiators in your household.

In detail: The specialist creates an exact calculation for each room, which takes into account the performance of the radiator, the size of the room and the heat loss. Based on the determined data, the expert determines the best flow rate for each radiator. After hydraulic balancing, all heaters will give off the same heat - and pleasantly tempered rooms are guaranteed!

Especially with old buildings, this method is recommended because otherwise the water always seeks the shortest route. As a result, not enough water gets to distant radiators, leaving some rooms - such as those on the top floor of a house - relatively cold.

Important information at the end

In condominiums and / or homes, you are responsible for repairing and repairing a heater that does not get really hot. If, on the other hand, it is a rented living space, the matter is a bit more complex: inform the landlord immediately about any damage that has occurred! He has to take care of the remedy of the defect and commission a specialized company for this purpose.

Note: According to the current legal situation, the rent can be reduced by up to 100% if the heating fails in the winter over a longer period and the apartment is thus uninhabitable. Consult with a specialized lawyer or an employee of the German Tenants' Association to determine a reasonable percentage in terms of rent reduction, because: About the amount and duration of the first you decide as a tenant! However, the percentage should be adequate to prevent litigation and possibly immediate termination of the lease. In this sense, the consultation of an expert is advisable.

All roads lead to Rome - many too warm premises during the cool season! If your heating system does not work properly, you have a few options for finding and correcting the problem yourself. Bring the attempts not the desired success, you have no choice but to hire a specialist or contact the landlord.

Tips for quick readers

• Look up the error code in the manual for heating
• Check clock and other settings for correctness
• Check the oil or gas tank and top up if necessary
• for city gas: Set the shut-off valve to "open"
• Check circulating pump and switch it on, if necessary
• Disconnect heating valve with hand, screwdriver and / or hammer
• Bleed radiator with a bleed key
• Determine water pressure and, if necessary, optimize by adding fresh water
• to contact emergency sanitary service or landlord
• hydraulic adjustment especially in old buildings recommended