For most people, heating is something we thoroughly enjoy and quite frankly need, but we do not have the first notion of how it works. The inner mechanisms and workings of a central heating system are a mystery to most, however when it stops working, it becomes a very pressing issue to fix, particularly during colder weather. Most central heating system issues happen in the autumn, as the colder nights set in. This is usually due to boilers being out of use over the warmer months. After being idle for so long, your central heating system may encounter some issues or pipes may be a bit brittle after being out of use. This and the change in weather in general, can cause some issues within your central heating system.
Cold Patches on Radiators
Cold patches on radiators is a very common problem which can usually be fixed quite easily. In order to understand why your radiator has cold patches and to fix the issue, it matters where on the radiator heat is not travelling. iIf your radiator is cold at the top, this suggests air is trapped somewhere in the system. To help air escape you can bleed your radiator with a bleed key. Switch your heating system off, place a bowl under the radiator valve and open it so you can lightly hear air leaving. Close the valve when it starts to drip water, tightly twisting the valve back in place. A radiator which is cold at the bottom points to an issue with the flow of water in your home. This is a little trickier to fix as your radiators may have a buildup of rust or sludge. A professional will be able to fix this for you.
Banging Noises From Pipes
If you hear loud noises coming from your pipes, like banging or hissing, these should not be ignored. These noises are not normal, and can suggest that there is a build up of pressure within your home’s central heating system. Loud noises can come from water moving too quickly through the pipes, which means your pipes could become damaged from the repeated high pressure of the water. Noisy pipes could also suggest your boiler is overheating, which can eventually result in a nasty leak or a serious burst pipe. A professional will be able to diagnose the cause of this, perhaps by descaling your boiler or checking for pipe faults.
Leaks
Leaks are one of the most frustrating heating problems to encounter, especially during the colder months. As pipes are much colder in winter than in summer, when the heating is turned on, the dramatic change in temperature can cause pipes to fracture or expand. This puts extra strain on the pipes themselves, the fixtures and washers. During colder months, it is best to frequently turn the heating on to avoid freezing pipes. Unfortunately with leaks, it is hard to know if you have one straight away, as they are usually hidden away underground and between floor cavities. If you see any spots of damp and mould on your ceiling, or any warping on your floors, chances are you have a leak within your home. There is no DIY fix for a leak, as soon as you suspect you have one it is best to call a specialist. Experts in central heating leaks from Aspect, will be able to use non-invasive methods to find the issue and treat it as quickly as possible. Professionals can use thermal imaging cameras and tracer gas to locate the leak and treat it accordingly, with no fuss or damage to your home.
