Winter does not officially begin until December 21st, but for some reason, the impending doom is in the air months before. Soon enough, leaves will have finished falling and snow will have dusted the ground (in Canada, I can only assume some of the white stuff is present).
In preparation, we take out our winter coats, boots, and snow shovels. We change our wardrobes, car tires, and sometimes even our mood. But the question is- are our homes ever truly ready to face sub-zero temperatures?
The truth is, no matter how many times we’ve cycled through the seasons, we tend to find ourselves underprepared when it comes to getting our homes ready. But fret not, this year we are here to guide you and help you so history stops repeating itself.
The first and most important step to heating your home properly are your heating radiators. And so, for those who want to ensure that their radiators are functioning optimally, here are two pieces of advice to keep in mind while preparing them for the winter season.
Trial Run!
The only efficient radiators are the ones that work. Before the winter hits, it is imperative to check that all of your radiators are functioning as they should be. This gesture is often overlooked but truly a necessary step (before it is too late!). If you touch the top section of your radiator, does it feel cooler than the bottom half? This means your heating system is working inefficiently. In other words, you are paying for heating but not enjoying the benefits.
To properly check your radiator, we suggest an overnight trial run. This means bleeding your radiator first. Get ready for step 2!
Make Them Bleed!
Bleeding a radiator infers releasing air that is trapped inside your system. Trapped air does not allow the water to heat your entire radiator, which subsequently creates cold spots, and will take longer to heat up your desired space. In fact, another indicator that your radiator needs to be bled is if you hear flowing or clucking sounds coming from it.
Bleeding your radiator is a simple, four step process. Click on the link below for a step-by-step guide that will lead you to “heated success”!
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-bleed-a-radiator/
Conclusion
To conclude, radiators should be your best friend when it comes to surviving the unbearable winter temperatures (average temperature in the winter months in Canada are -15 degrees celsius, and can go as low as -40 degrees celsius). So take the time to care for your rads as every good friendship needs a little love.
Any other suggestions? Please let us know in the comments!