Radiator Key

If you have the type of central heating that pumps hot water between the radiators, it’s important to check for trapped air. If they’re cold at the top, but hot at the bottom, there’s probably air trapped in the radiator which stops the heat from circulating properly.

You can let the air out using a special radiator key, sometimes called ‘bleeding’ the radiators. Check your radiators regularly to see if heat is circulating all the way to the top. If air builds up more than once or twice a year, it would be a good idea to ask a plumber to check for leaks.

How to use the radiator key

For full instructions on this and other tools in the Home Energy Saving Kit, see our Manual and Workbook.

Warning Choking hazard. Keep out of reach of small children.
Make sure your heating is turned off and fully cooled down before using the radiator key.

Top tips for saving on your home heating

Bleeding your radiators in just one way you can make savings on your home heating. For more,  see pages 6 – 14 of our guide to 100 Ways to Save Energy at Home.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

Follow this step by step tutorial to safely release any trapped air in your radiators.

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What's in the kit?

Five tools to help you measure where energy is used in your home.

Video Tutorials

Step by step guides for each of the tools in the Home Energy Saving Kit.

Manual and Workbook

Learn how best to use each of the tools in the kit.