Understanding the Lifespan of a Radiator
Radiators are an integral part of your home’s central heating system. They help ward off the cold air in winters and keep your home cozy, no matter what. Typically, you can expect to use a radiator for 10-15 years. However, if you’ve ever experienced chilly January nights, you’re well aware of how it feels when your radiator goes bad. A failing radiator isn’t just about the indoor environment; it can also signal larger issues in your home’s plumbing and heating systems. If you’re wondering ‘how do you know if you need a new radiator?’, here are some key signs to look out for. Additionally, if it helps, we can assist you in buying a new radiator online.
How to Tell if Your Radiator Has Gone Bad
- How Do Radiators Work?
Radiators add much-needed coziness to your home and are crucial during the winter months. They use water to create steam and allow heat to be distributed evenly to every part of your home. It is important to know that radiators can affect the structural integrity of your home. If there is a leak, this can cause water damage which is detrimental to the value of your home. If you plan on selling your property, then the upkeep and maintenance of appliances can significantly impact your home’s value and the quality of buyers it will attract.
This is why it is important that you first build an understanding of what a functioning radiator looks like and how it affects the value of your property. Before we delve into signs that suggest your radiator has gone bad, let’s first examine the signs of a functional radiator and central heating system.
- Heat Generation & Transfer
One of the simplest ways to know if your radiator is working fine is if there is steam generated in the boiler system and circulated through the pipes. The heat or steam has to flow through the pipes of the radiator, distributing heat to the room.
- Heat Emission
You can also tell if a radiator is functioning properly if there is heat being emitted from it, creating a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the room.
A radiator is like any other home appliance you have. It’s great while it works, but you have to replace it when it has reached the end of its lifespan. Now that you know what a functioning radiator is like, let’s answer the question of ‘how do you know if a radiator is bad?’
- Inadequate Heating
If you’re waking up to frosty morning air and overnight your home has turned into an icebox, there’s a good chance your radiator is not working efficiently. The purpose of a radiator is to distribute warmth throughout the house efficiently, and if you’re experiencing the opposite, it’s likely failing, and you need to get it checked.
How Do You Know If a Radiator Is Bad?
- Leaks
Radiator uses water to generate heat and distribute it throughout the house. So, if you see leaks, there’s a good chance the heating system has run into some issues. The leaks could be linked to corrosion of pipes or loose connections. It is important to keep an eye out for any puddles or dripping sounds around the house.
If you see dampness on the walls, you must replace your radiator immediately or hire a professional to get your heating system checked. It’s important to note that if you don’t take action to fix the leak, your property may suffer water damage, which will, in turn, depreciate the overall value of your home, not to mention the hike in your utilities that is likely to follow.
- Discolored Coolant
Does the water in your radiator look muddy? This is not something you should ignore. Discolored coolant is usually caused by rust or sediment buildup in the radiator. Neither of those situations should be taken lightly. If you want to ensure that your radiator keeps your home’s indoor environment comfortable, you should get this treated as soon as possible.
- Strange Noises
If your radiator sounds like something out of a paranormal thriller from the 2010s, you need to call a professional and have them take a look at it. Strange noises are not always the work of evil spirits and ghouls; sometimes, it is the gurgling sounds that come from air trapped in your radiator or a few loose components. With the help of a professional, you can easily diagnose if your radiator is bad or if you need to replace your radiator altogether.
- Maintenance of a Radiator
Maintenance of a radiator is essential to having a heating home. It’s about more than having a sleek and modern aesthetic. Oftentimes, the question of ‘how do you know if you need a new radiator’ is related to maintaining the structural integrity and value of your home.
- Replacing a Radiator
When conducting the cost-benefit analysis of replacing a radiator, you have to think about the extent of damage and the age of your radiator. If it is a relatively new radiator that has gone bad, you can call the vendor and avail warranty benefits. If you have used the radiator for a couple of years, it’s a good practice to call a professional and have them repair it. But if it’s an old radiator, then we recommend replacing it with a newer and more efficient model. Not only will this improve the indoor environment of your home, but it will also help you prevent water damage and elevate the value of your property over time.
Purchasing a New Radiator
If you have decided the answer is replacing your radiator, then it’s time to find a new radiator for your home. Chelsea Supplies is one of the most reputable places to buy a radiator online. We recommend checking out our inventory to find the right fit for your apartment. We are confident that we can help you find a replacement for your radiator.
