Feel the heat this Winter: Bleeding Radiators in your home

What does Bleeding a Radiator mean?

Bleeding a radiator is releasing trapped air from the heating system in your house.

Air pockets in your heating system stop hot water from circulating properly. This means that it takes longer to warm your house up.

One thing that you can do to help keep your house warm and make sure your home is more energy efficient is to bleed your radiators.

When do you know your radiators need bleeding?

If you're not sure if you need to bleed your radiators there are a few thing you can keep an eye out for that will let you know when your radiators need some care and attention.

1. Cold spots at the top of the radiator when the bottom is warm

2. Gurgling or bubbling noises coming from the radiator

3. Uneven heating across rooms. Is your living room hot when your kitchen is cold?

You should also try and bleed your radiators every year usually in autumn or after any major plumbing or heating work.

How to bleed a radiator.

First, if you are a tenant who thinks they need their radiators bled. Please contact our customer services team or Robert Heath who are the main providers of our heating solutions across Wales.

Robert Heath: 0333 0141000

You can also WhatsApp Robert Heath on 07700 160200 and email directly to them on cs@robertheath.co.uk

FCHA Customer Services: 0292 0703758

You can also email us on customerservices@fcha.org.uk

If you are doing it on your own, make sure you have the following ready:

• Radiator bleed key (or a flathead screwdriver, check your radiators)

• Cloth

• Old Towel

• Container like a Tupperware to catch some water.

1 - Turn the heating on and check each of your radiators for any with cold patches. If they aren't cold then there is no need to bleed them.

2 - Turn your heating off and wait for the radiators to get cold again.

3 - Place an old towel on the floor and the container under the valve on your radiator.

4 - Use your radiator key (or screwdriver) to very slowly open the valve turning the key anti-clockwise. It might be tough to open which is where your cloth comes in handy.

5 - Open it very slightly so that you hear a hissing noise. That's the air escaping!

6 - Once the hissing stops and water starts pouring out, turn the valve clockwise to tighten.

7 - Run the cloth over the valve and check there is no water leaking.

Do this to all of the radiators you identified in step one. Once this is done your radiators will heat up a lot quicker!

You may need to check the pressure on your boiler. It should be between 1.0 and 1.5 bars and 2.0 bars when its on.

British Gas have a boiler pressure guide on their website that you can follow. https://www.britishgas.co.uk/heating/guides/boiler-pressure.html

Remember, if you're a tenant at FCHA then you can contact us or Robert Heath to get your radiators bled.

Robert Heath: 0333 0141000

You can also WhatsApp Robert Heath on 07700 160200 and email directly to them on cs@robertheath.co.uk

FCHA Customer Services: 0292 0703758

You can also email us on customerservices@fcha.org.uk

Halloween: Fire Safety

Halloween offers a fun opportunity for both children and adults to dress up in fancy dress

costumes. Whether you buy your costume and decorations or get creative and make your own, it's important to keep yourself safe. Keep in mind these tips to ensure your Halloween isn't scary for all the wrong reasons.

Costume Safety:

1. Choose flame-resistant materials Many Halloween costumes are made from synthetic fabrics that can ignite quickly. You should be looking out for a UKCA or CE marking and the manufacturer’s name which will mean that the outfits meet safety standards.

2. Avoid long trailing fabrics Where possible avoid capes, skirts, and sleeves that drag on the ground that can easily brush against candles, or open flames.

3. Be cautious with homemade costumes Be mindful of the materials you use when making your own costumes. If you are going to be around candles or open flames, avoid flammable items like cotton wool, tissue paper, or plastic bags.

Halloween Decorations and Open Flames

1. Use battery-operated candles

Instead of traditional candles in pumpkins or lanterns, go for LED alternatives. They’re safer, reusable, and just as spooky!

2. Keep decorations away from heat sources

Ensure that hanging decorations, cobwebs, and paper props are kept well away from heaters, radiators, and candles.

3. Check smoke alarms

If you're hosting a party at home, make sure your smoke alarms are working properly. It’s a simple check that could save lives.

Stay in charge: Caring for your Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium ion batteries can be found in many devices used for work and around the home including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, fitness watches and power tools.

They allow for fast, portable recharging and are a staple of modern life. However there are some health and safety risks that we need to be mindful of when using lithium ion batteries.

The biggest risks with this type of battery is fire. In the UK, fire services are now tackling at least three lithium battery fires a day. This type of fire behaves differently from a combustion fire and can spread very quickly, burn at an extremely high temperature and can release toxic gases.

Fire caused by Li-ion batteries can also be very difficult to extinguish. When used and stored normally, Lithium-ion batteries are safe and stable. However, issues can arise when they are incorrectly stored, damaged, misused or not suitably charged.  

How to make sure you are using Li-ion batteries safely:

Only use the charger you got with the device.

Do not use cheap chargers that do not carry a CE mark or have been modified. You can find the mark on your chargers.

Never leave batteries charging overnight or unattended and always unplug them once charging is complete.

Avoid charging devices in bedrooms, hallways or near soft furnishings; instead, opt for kitchens or garages equipped with working smoke detectors

Check for signs of damage before use. If the battery appears swollen or emits a strong odour, then the device should be removed from the building immediately. Do not try to use or fix the battery. Report it to your support provider.

Ensure Li-ion batteries are safely disposed of at appropriate specialist waste centres

Remember, if you think there is something wrong with your devices when they are charging. Please speak to your support provider.