Installation & Maintenance

Last Updated: Saturday, 10th February 2024

Why Is My Radiator Not Heating Up? A Comprehensive Guide

If you've ever asked yourself, "why is my radiator not heating up?", you're not alone. This is a common issue faced by many homeowners, and especially noticeable during the cold winter months.

In this article, we'll explore the possible reasons behind this problem and provide straightforward solutions to get your radiator back in working order.

Image showing two cold people leaning against a radiator trying to keep warm

Common Causes of a Cold Radiator

There are several reasons why your radiator might not be heating up. These include trapped air in the system, a closed or malfunctioning valve, or a problem with your boiler. Let's delve into these issues in more detail.

Trapped Air

Air can become trapped in your radiator, preventing hot water from circulating properly. This is often the cause when your radiator is cold at the top but warm at the bottom. The solution to this issue is to bleed your radiator, a process that releases the trapped air.

Check out our article on bleeding radiators here

Valve Issues

If only one radiator is not heating up, the issue could be with the valve. Radiators have two valves - a control valve and a lockshield valve. If either of these is closed or stuck, it can prevent hot water from entering the radiator.

It could also be that your radiators aren't balanced correctly, meaning one radiator is stuck out on a limb or just isn't getting its fair share of hot water.

Check out our article explaining all on radiator valves here

Boiler Problems

If all your radiators are cold, the problem might lie with your boiler or central heating system. Low water pressure, a malfunctioning pump, or a broken thermostat could be the culprits.

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