Turning off radiators

Stompbox

When we choose to turn on the heating, we really only require to use of two radiators around the house, but we've noticed that it's darn near impossible to shut off the ones that we don't want to use. So, basically we're paying for the use of around six heaters when we only need two. Anyone care to shed some light on what to do?

Paulw

Why can't you turn off the others?

Sometimes a drop of WD-40 or oil can help those valves. Or it may be that the valves are clogged with limescale due to hard water. A tap of a hammer can help unblock this.

Other than that, you may need a plumber to come out and investigate.

astrofool

There should be a knob you can turn where the water enters the radiator, just turn this fully the other way (assuming it's on right now). If you have a TRV set it to "O" (it's usually set to 3 or 4 by default).

Beware, doing this may unbalance the system (balancing the speed of water through the system so that rooms heat up evenly). Also, make sure the room that has the thermostat has an active heat source, otherwise the boiler will never know when to cut out.

Jehuty42

It's always been my impression that turning off individual radiators will cause problems with the system such as trapped air.

Paulw

We do it every year. Turning on and off radiators, depending on usage and need.

It doesn't cause problems, but yeah, we do have to bleed the radiators to clear air traps. Not hard to do, especially when it's done frequently.

Ray Palmer

Lots of older valves seize up and you will never be able to close them off. It is easy eanough to replace them yourself and it also allows you to have tempature regulators in each room. Good idea to drain your rads at the same point.

Might be best to wait till the summer to do this.

JuliusCaesar

Are the radiators that you want to shut off hot, or are they luke warm?