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The Perfect storm in modern and refurbished homes is going unnoticed during the winter months that coincides with the winter surge in out of season emergency cases of allergies and asthma, which could be linked to central heating more specifically Radiators!
Using radiators in modern airtight humid properties creates ideal conditions for dust mites and mould to flourish that are potent triggers for allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections.
Radiators collect circulate and suspend dust particles containing V.O.C’s (Volatile Organic Components) and allergens raising exposure levels by heat convection that has become the main source of air flow in airtight properties.
Dust Between Fins Dust Behind Radiator
See Blog - How To Clean Between Radiator Fins
Indoor air pollution is dust, dirt and gases in the air inside a building such as our homes or workplaces that can harm us if we breathe it in.
You should be aware that it can be harmful to breathe in polluted air when you are outside. The same is just as true when you are indoors.
We spend about 90% of our time indoors if be at home, at work, at school, or when we go to shops or restaurants etc. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to lung diseases such as COPD and lung cancer and Asthma!
The Types of air pollution include particulate matter which are microscopic particles of dust and dirt in the air.
The air we breathe indoors can be greatly affected by poor ventilation, room temperature, dampness, and condensation and also the pollution that has come indoors from the outside.
The composition behind dust and dander are fine particles that when inhaled or ingested into the human body will begin to trigger an allergic response within the immune system, which identifies the allergens as a foreign invader inside the body triggering the known health responses of an allergy attack.
See Blog - Do Radiators Circulate Allergens
Have you ever tried the white finger glove test when cleaning your home, to determine once you have cleaned that you have really done the job to remove the irritating dust and dander allergens that have accumulated and collected on the surfaces in your homes? One being the radiator Yes, the elephant in the room!
It may seem like you just cleaned only to find more traces of dust reappearing within your home, which can lead to the increase of many health conditions to those occupants who are exposed to them.
Dust is everywhere. It’s simple truth that as soon as you dust your furniture, more dust will appear, which can create a lot of problems, from eye irritation to lingering colds and allergies to that of an annoying itchy or runny nose.
Above all, dust makes our homes look dirty and that attracts more dust. Not only that, as our homes become airtight and more heavily electronic, the dust problem is becoming an ever-increasing issue!
Dust is composed of fine particles of solid mater that can consist of pollen, human hair, Pet Dander, decomposed insects, textile fibers, paper fibers, minerals from outdoor soil, human skin cells, and dust mites and their faeces and other materials found within our environment.
Household dust and dust mites are present in almost any environment where humans live due to the particles that are produced and released from both the skin of these individuals and from their activities within our surroundings.
As these dust particles form within the environment, they can begin to accumulate and eventually lead to the development of allergic symptoms in those exposed to the dust indoors.
“Home Fever” is a term used by ALLERGY UK which describes out of season hay fever symptoms. Allergy UK suggests its triggered by allergens, such as the dust mite, molds, cleaning products and pets that are present in the home or office.
See Blog – Do Radiators Circulate Allergens.
Radiators remain the first-choice emitter in the within the UK new build arena – accounting for 90% of all installations of the 26.3 million homes in the UK 23.6 million have radiators.
They create the ideal conditions for dust mites and mould spores plus microbiological infections to flourish resulting in a higher level of allergens, that are then circulated via heat convection, PLUS contributes to poorer indoor air quality!
There are Circa. 190 million radiators installed across the UK. of which the majority are never cleaned!
When radiators heat the air, the hot air rises, when hot air rises, the cold air rushes to fill the space where the hot air used to be, pulling in all that dust, hair, pet dander and other particles etc. with it - During this process and over a period of time radiators can accumulate reservoirs of dust!
If the output of your radiator drops too much, then you won't just feel uncomfortable your home will begin to accumulate moisture. Moisture that is being allowed to cool to a watery substance!
If there is a buildup of dust and dirt inside your radiator then you are at risk of having a damp problem that will only get worse in time and can result in the development of mold issues.
Radiators are manufactured in such a way that the dust and dirt can become trapped inside the fins and not forgetting behind the back of the radiators, the one place we seem to ignore when cleaning!
However, without having central heating in our homes it would be very cold, so it is important when cleaning your home to clean the dust away from behind your radiators too as dust is a major air pollutant!
Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 could survive on surfaces for hours or days, Studies have found that similar coronaviruses like SARS and MERS can persist on hard surfaces like metal, glass, or plastic for days. But they can be eliminated within one minute if cleaned and disinfected.
The Covid Virus could live in household dust for a considerable amount of time, Scientists have now found that covid can live in household dust for up to a month.
People living with poor Indoor air quality may be more vulnerable to the disease, and airborne particulate matter may help to spread the virus.
By regularly cleaning surfaces in our homes and workplaces can reduce the existence of the virus and the risk of contact.
See Bog - Is Central Heating Bad for your Health
This is why we also advise when cleaning your homes that you must consider also wiping down your radiators, not forgetting behind as this is where you will find the accumulated hidden dust!
People living with poor Indoor air quality may be more vulnerable to the disease, and airborne particulate matter may help to spread the virus.
By regularly cleaning surfaces and our Radiators in our homes and workplaces can reduce the existence of the virus and the risk of contact.
After reading a write up in the Daily Mail back in 2016 – ‘How A Cosy Home Can Raise Risk of Allergies’ where Professor Hazim Awbi (PhD) from Reading University who says “toxic air trapped in new and refurbished homes could cause an 80 per cent rise in the number of people with asthma by 2050”
See Daily Mail - How a cosy home can raise your risk of allergies
See also Part 2 of our short documentary series where Dr Hazim Awbi (PhD) explains dust content and its affects on health, which can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies, amplified by poor indoor air quality issues where there is dust accumulation.
Rotarad have been involved with APPG for Healthy Homes and Buildings and attended a number of meetings down at Parliament back in 2018. We still hope to continue our support now that the Covid restrictions are now being lifted.
We are working with the APPG to try and raise the awareness on the health impacts from Radiators.
The meetings gave those who were involved an opportunity to hear the Minister's views on the White Paper recommendations, which followed on to the Westminster Hall Debate on the cost of unhealthy housing and will help to shine a light on the many problems caused to our nation's health, wellbeing and economy as a result of people living in unhealthy homes.
Read The Healthy Homes and Buildings APPG White Paper ‘Laying the Foundations for Healthy Homes and Building’
Released on 24th October 2018. Click here to download the White Paper.
This also took the APPG to another step towards urging the Government to take on board our recommendations, driving up standards, building better homes and upgrading existing housing stock.
APPG are looking to raise the case that the homes and buildings we live and work in should be healthy and positively contribute to our physical and mental health instead of diminishing it.
By having easy access Rotarad can make it so simple!
Picture 1 – Remove the excessive dust and grime with a vacuum.
Picture 2 – Remove any stains and very fine particles of dust with a moist cloth.
Picture 3 – Shows the amount of dirt that has been cleaned from the radiator.
Dust is obviously bad for you; Radiators heat the air which rises and spreads the dust around by cleaning behind them at regular intervals this can help alleviate the problem.
Cleaning behind your radiator has proven to manage the removal of dust mite allergens. By cleaning behind radiators in hospitals in the UK it has proven to manage allergens plus the infection control of the so-called superbug MRSA and C-diiffle.
Fixed static radiators with no access to clean could be now becoming the new indoor diesel car, if so, this would be a major problem going unnoticed simply making radiators accessible for cleaning would be equivalent to fitting catalytic convertors on cars to help reduce dust pollutant exposure.
By being able to access your radiators for periodic cleaning to remove the dust this could make a significant contribution to improving your health.
We are at present working with Keele University aiming to identify the relationship between dust and common health problems, such as respiratory and asthma. We have identified so far that dust is becoming an ever – increasing problem!
In summary of their findings so far, we cannot conclusively determine a relationship between household dust from behind radiators and health impact, it can be said that radiators are a key contributor to air and dust movement in a room, and that dust does demonstrate a health impact on occupants.
When it comes to decorating behind your radiator see our recommended blogs:
How to Decorate behind a Radiator.
How To Paint Behind A Radiator without Removing It.
See pictures below showing wallpaper coming away from wall, by allowing you full access, the Rotarad Kits can make it so much more easier!
The picture below shows access to the radiator lowered at a 45 degree angle.
So, when it comes to that time when you want to either decorate or thoroughly clean behind your radiators!
See our recommended Blog
Draining Down The Radiator -V- The rotarad Removal Kit
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Without it, your homes would be cold which could lead to dampness and mould!
Radiators increase room temperature by heating the space which encourages dust particles to circulate in the air. However, without central heating our homes would be too cold which could lead to dampness and mould.
Radiators heat the air in a room and as the air warms up, it rises – this is a process known as convection. Convection causes the air to move which can circulate dust around the room.
Whilst you can’t be allergic to central heating itself, radiators can have an indirect effect on your allergies.
Dust settles on radiators which then circulate around the room when they warm up, this is especially when we turn our heating back on when the weather starts turning colder.
Radiators are effective at heating up our rooms but not great for respiratory health!
Breathing in these dust particles as they travel can potentially trigger allergies such as asthma and other respiratory conditions such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Cystic fibrosis, Lung cancer, Mesothelioma, Pneumonia. Pulmonary fibrosis.
Dust is known to be harmful to human health as it contains small particles of debris and dead skin. The small size of dust means it can be inhaled and pose a potential immune reaction.
Be aware If you leave the dust on your radiators your heating will become less effective, which means that it will have to work harder, which costs more energy and more money!
Respiratory diseases are a major factor in the winter months faced by the NHS; most respiratory admissions are unavoidable and during the winter period these double in numbers.
The annual economic burden of asthma and COPD on the NHS in the UK is estimated at £3 billion and £1.9 billion respectively.
In total, all lung conditions (including lung cancer) directly cost the NHS in the UK £11billion annually.
People who are more likely to develop health problems from long term exposure to high levels of dust include:
Anyone who regularly experiences shortness of breath or hayfever type symptoms from breathing dust should discuss with their doctor.
See - NHS England long term plans for Respiratory Diseases
Your lungs are sensitive to irritants in the air, especially if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that makes it harder to breathe. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and inflamation in your lungs.
Since the outbreak of Covid19 back in In March 2020 we spent much more time in our homes when the lockdown began. Then we entered into the second wave in the 6 month Winter period, where the presence of Covid19 was again on the rise!
The affects of Covid19 has previously highlighted the risk and devastating impact poor indoor air quality can have on our health, lives and long term well being when inhaled in poorly ventilated indoor environments!
As School Children, College/University students and staff returned to their full-time education, they were immediately faced with unforeseen challenges!
The situation highlighted the risks, ease, and rapid spread of Covid-19 cases, due to exposure and inhalation within poor ventilated indoor environments, that can affect everyone of all ages with or without underlying health issues!
Some respiratory viruses, likely including COVID-19, can spread through the air on dust, fibers and other microscopic particles.
The Covid19 Virus could live in household dust for a considerable amount of time, which could help to forecast future outbreaks of the infection. Scientists have now found that Covid19 can live in household dust for up to a month.
See Daily Express – Covid lives in DUST for 'pretty long time'
Respiratory viruses traditionally spread through liquid droplets from speaking, coughing or sneezing and talking.
See – Flu Virus Can Travel on Dust. Can Coronavirus?
By Regularly Cleaning around your home this will give dust, allergens, germs, and bacteria fewer places to hide. Dust can hide away in your bedding, carpets and upholstery if you don't clean up – Ooh and not forgetting the Radiator!
Cleaning on a regular basis will keep you and your family members healthy, NOT forgetting to clean between and behind your radiators, this is the one place that goes unnoticed and is one of the main areas that can accumulate lots of dirt and grime.
Always remember to open a window for ventilation!
If you don't clean, you or your family could develop some serious allergies and breathing issues. An explosion of dust mites can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Ignored symptoms can further lead to more serious conditions such as asthma etc.
It is recommended that to keep your home covid free is to clean with a common house household disinfectant that will kill the virus, as it is a very delicate structure and vulnerable in the environment. It is said that heat and detergents, including soap, can stop it from spreading.
Radiators could be become a fire risk if there is a build of of accumulated dust!
See Independent - Uncleaned radiators in hospital mental health unit posed as a fire risk.
Radiators can become dusty or have some pieces of debris caught within them that could lead to an unpleasant burning smell. Although this dust and debris will most likely not cause a fire, their scent can make it uncomfortable to stay in a room.
(Pictures above taken from a public house/restaurant area!)
We strongly recommend that when you are cleaning around your home make sure you check for the dust especially behind the radiator!
In environments where immune systems are compromised, hygiene and cleaning are key areas that require the utmost attention.
Care homes and nursing homes can be crowded and involve close-contact between vulnerable individuals who have weak immune systems which can lead to an increased risk of infection transmission.
With some microorganisms surviving on surfaces for up to several months, the instance of contamination of environmental surfaces and individuals is high, this also includes the radiators!
For a healthy community environment cleaning or disinfection of environmental surfaces is essential!
High standards of cleanliness are important in health and adult social care premises where they are a key factor in helping to ensure that service users live with dignity and respect in pleasant surroundings.
The NHS National Patient Safety Agency – Cleanliness
This highlights the importance of infection prevention and control to ensure that people who use health and social care services receive safe and effective care.
The report emphasises that effective prevention and control of infection must be part of everyday practice and be applied consistently by everyone.
Achieving that level of consistency can be a challenge when dealing with the demands of the care and nursing environment. Therefore, the need for quick-yet thorough-cleaning is essential.
We have been working with Contour Heating for over 8 years supplying our Rotarad conversion kits for the health care sector - Contour Heating Products Limited.
See Contour Blog: Safe Radiators and guards for care nursing homes
Some chemicals in disinfectants and cleaning supplies are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are tiny droplets that can be inhaled through the nose and the mouth.
Once this happens the muscles in your airways can tighten and make it harder to breathe.
See below some cleaning chemicals that could make your symptoms worse:
These can create a kind of chemical dust that lingers in the air. While the fumes or smells from wipe-on cleaners may still cause problems with breathing they should be far less irritating to your lungs than the spray-on kind.
Non-Toxic Chemicals recommended for cleaning:
Rotarad are very proud to have been partnered with Keele University since 2018 working together on various projects, through the KRISP Scheme, aiming to identify the relationship between dust and common health problems, such as respiratory allergies and asthma.
Together we have identified that dust is becoming an ever-increasing problem, as the list of harmful cases to which dust has been linked is expanding. This is an issue we have found the majority of people are simply unaware of.
We wish to raise awareness of these issues and aspire to help introduce new commercial standards which will ultimately reduce the chances of our health being affected by dust.
It is a requirement within NHS facilities that all parts of a radiator must be visibly clean, and we would like to see this standard become adopted across all households and commercial buildings.
Our research with academic from the Faculty of Natural Sciences is currently ongoing, with more testing for contaminants being carried out on dust samples collected from the back of radiators in various premises.
By Having full access behind your radiator this allows you to see and freely remove accumulated dust more efficiently and hygienically.
Picture 1 – Remove the excessive dust and grime with a vacuum
Picture 2 – Remove any stains and very fine particles of dust with a moist cloth.
Picture 3 – Shows the amount of dirt that has been cleaned from the radiator
See blog – How to clean dust from inside radiators.
It is now becoming evident that dust and dirt behind the radiators could be affecting your health, hospital environments have incorporated the Rotarad kits to reduce the risk of infections
Dust is obviously bad for you; Radiators heat the air which rises and spreads the dust around by cleaning behind them at regular intervals this can help alleviate the problem.
Cleaning behind your radiator has proven to manage the removal of dust mite allergens. By cleaning behind radiators in hospitals in the UK it has proven to manage allergens plus the infection control of the so-called superbug MRSA and C-diiffle.
See Contour Heating Blog - Deep Clean Hospital Radiators: Saving the Healthcare Sector Millions
By being able to access your radiators for periodic cleaning to remove the dust this could make a significant contribution to improving your health especially in your homes.
See Blog - How to Remove Wallpaper behind Radiators
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While you cannot be allergic to central heating itself, radiators can have an indirect affect on your allergies. Dust settles in between the fins and behind radiators, which is then circulated around the room when they warm up.
Breathing in dust particles, toxic pollutants as they travel can potentially trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions!
The amount of debris, dust and even pet dander which builds up between the fins and behind the radiator is a major contributor to health issues like asthma and other diseases of the lung!
Not only that but also workplace problems like sick building syndrome!
Radiators can be effective when heating up our homes, but they are not great for respiratory health problems!
Dust movement in a room is influenced by radiators when operational, and those closest to the radiator have the greatest exposure to the dust particles carried by the thermal plume above the radiator.
However, without central heating our homes would be too cold which could lead to dampness and mold!
This can be drastically increased during the winter months, peaking in September when you start to switch your central heating back on through to December which can reflect on the NHS (A&E) admissions requiring emergency treatments.
See Daily Express - Snow UK: Warning - central heating can cause cold and flu symptoms | Express.co.uk
House dust is made up from different kinds of organic and inorganic fine particles. e.g., dead skin cells, nails, dust mite and fungi. House dust is one of the most important examples of contamination to poor indoor air quality issues!
Radiators heat the air in a room and as the air warms up, it rises – this process is known as convection. Convection causes the air to move which can circulate dust around the room.
Heating of indoor environments in mild countries like the UK is a common feature for domestic and commercial environments to improve comfort. Until now there are 3 major popular technologies in use
The movement of house dust is related to air circulation because different heating systems can influence patterns of circulation, with patterns of dust movements being characteristic of different heating systems.
Until now, the radiator is still the most common form of domestic heating in the UK.
The graph below shows the percentage of households with central heating systems in the UK from 1970 to 2018.
From 1970 to 2018 the percentage of households with a central heating system was a growing trend. In 1970, 30% households had a central heating system. Until 2018, there were now nearly 94% of households using central heating.
In the UK, the average outdoor temperatures are low, with only a short summer period, so the cost of air conditioning and underfloor heating systems can be typically beyond the needs of domestic properties.
The reason that indoor air can affect the human respiratory system is because indoor air includes dust mite, fungi, and pet dander etc.
The cost for respiratory diseases in the UK is £11.1 billion every year in the UK!
There are about 68 million people struggle with illness every year throughout the world and 3 million people die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
One of these respiratory problems that can be caused by unclean indoor air is Asthma.
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. It is a long-term condition that affect your airways.
The symptoms for asthma can be such as coughing, wheezing, and feeling breathless, if you should come into one of these symptoms, it could make your asthma worse and bring on an asthma attack.
Asthma triggers can be different from person to person which include the following:
In the Asthma UK Annual Asthma Survey 60% of Asthma sufferers told them that dust triggers asthma symptoms.
Dust mites are one of the most common allergy and asthma triggers that lurk inside our homes!
While these microscopic creatures resemble small bugs, dust mites do not actually leave bites on your skin. They can, however, cause skin rashes.
You are also more likely to have other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and postnasal drip.
Dust mites can be difficult to get rid of completely but removing as many as possible from your home can help prevent allergic reactions
Frequently vacuuming, dusting and washing can all treat dust mites. You do not need any specialised products just warm water and use wet cloths that can properly trap dust when you clean.
To prevent dust mites coming back it is recommended that you dust regularly, paying attention to the furniture crevices, blinds, and other small areas where dust mites may accumulate.
One place we forget is the radiator a regular clean in between and behind the radiators, especially where dust mite faeces collect in dust particles.
Pet Dander can be a common trigger for asthma symptoms from wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath to full-blown asthma attacks.
Both furry and feathered animals produce dander, which is made up of proteins from hair, skin flakes, urine, feces, and saliva.
Since dander is shed from an animal's body, you can be exposed to it without even touching an animal. All you have to do is come in contact with something an animal has slept on, played with, or otherwise come in contact with themselves.
Dogs and cats are the animals that most commonly induce symptoms of allergic asthma due to their shedding of dander.
Poor Ventilation Can lead to mold growth If you combine moisture with restricted air circulation you will create a humid and moist environment, the ideal environment for mold to grow and thrive.
The high temperature not only warms the house but also reduces humidity, which is an important factor for mold to grow. Central heating emits enough warmth to reduce the average humidity in the entire house, but it does not kill mold directly. Central heating does not work well on specific spots with abundant mold colony.
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp places. If you have got mold at home, you will probably notice black, white, or green patches on the walls, ceilings, or tiles, which can smell musty and damp.
Mold is more common in homes that need repairs like window frames fixed, or leaks sorted out. You might notice it is damper and moldier in bathrooms or kitchens because of condensation from washing and cooking.
Watch out for damp and mold in your home. This is also a major contribution to making your asthma worse. Try and open your windows and doors to allow the air to move around but be cautious on high pollen or pollution can trigger off your asthma.
Try avoiding drying your clothes indoors, especially on or in front of your radiators. If you have nowhere else to dry them, open a window if you can. Try to keep your home at a good background temperature so it never gets too cold - at least 15 degrees in all rooms.
Dust mites are a major problem too, in a house that can be damp and warm.
If you do have asthma you have ‘sensitive’ airways that are inflamed and ready to react when they come into contact with something they do not like.
If you come into contact with one of your asthma trigger it causes your airways to react in three ways:
The above Information from - Asthma UK
Dust, it is inevitable. It gets everywhere, and we all know what that feels like. Even after an intensive cleaning session it still finds its way to the most remote places - Yes one being behind the Radiator!
When cleaning our homes, we always seem to forget about our radiator’s which can become extremely dusty!
See Blog: Tip To Avoid Dust and Dirt In Your Home
Radiators are manufactured in such a way that dust and dirt can become trapped in between the fins and behind quite easily, which takes a considerable amount of time to make sure it is all gone if you are not using the correct cleaning procedures!
See Blog: Can You Be Allergic To Central Heating
Radiators are classed as a non-critical area in relation to cleaning, yet they are one of the only non-critical areas which have an inaccessible section which can allow dust accumulation.
Studies have linked radiators being used after a long period of inactivity and the spread of bacteria.
A study by Dancer noted that dirty hospitals can be considered to be linked with the outbreak of “superbugs”; to combat these hospitals should have a specific cleaning regime.
The study suggests that the radiator may be considered a “general surface” which is cleaned in the same way as floors, beds, lockers, and clinical equipment (Dancer, 2009)
The radiator is one of the only surfaces which has a completely inaccessible area which cannot be easily cleaned with traditional methods. Studies have also highlighted potential links with outbreaks of certain infections and radiator cleanliness.
In very high-risk areas (operating theatres, intensive care units etc.); high risk areas (toilets, general wards etc.) and significant risk areas (laboratories, pathology departments etc.) radiators require one full clean daily. (NHS 2007).
In low-risk areas (administrative areas, non-sterile supply areas etc.) they require one full clean on a monthly basis.
In summary of our findings so far, we cannot conclusively determine a relationship between household dust from behind radiators and health impact.
But it can be said that radiators are a key contributor to air and dust movement in a room, and that dust does demonstrate a health impact on occupants.
We are at present working with Keele University aiming to identify the relationship between dust and common health problems, such as respiratory and asthma. We have identified so far that dust is becoming an ever – increasing problem.
Keele Research Innovation and Support Programme
As part of your home cleaning regime, we recommend that you periodically clean your radiators behind and in between.#
See Blog: Radiator Cleaning Tools
Picture 1 – Remove the excessive dust and grime with a vacuum.
Picture 2 – Remove any stains and very fine particles of dust with a moist cloth.
Picture 3 – Shows the amount of dirt that has been cleaned from the radiator.
See Blog: How To Clean Radiator Fins
It is now becoming more evident that as a result of Covid 19 how poor indoor air quality has become in our home as a result of increased exposure to airborne contaminants, as witnessed during January, February of 2021 when it was at its peak.
See Blog: Cleaning Radiators - Covid-19
By being able to access your radiators for periodic deep cleaning to remove the dust this could make a significant contribution to improving your health and wellbeing as now are currently being used in the health care sector.
You should be aware when cleaning your homes to remember your radiators, as they are an important influence on air quality around the home.
The Rotarad solution to allow instant full access behind steel panel radiators for cleaning and decorating, is by installing the affordable retrofit conversion kit for existing and new installations, to eliminate the need to remove the radiator to address these issues.
So now there is a simple way of reducing this problem when using accessible radiators.
For tips for when it comes to decorating behind your radiators please see recommended blogs:
How To Paint Behind A Radiator Without Removing It
How To Stop Wallpaper Peeling Behind A Radiator
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Did you know that by keeping your radiator clean and free from dust and dirt it can actually help to keep your heating costs down.
Dust in between the fins of a convector radiator can prevent heat from escaping, which will mean your radiators have to work harder to heat up your rooms in your home.
See Blog – The Importance of Maintaining your Heating System
It is also advisable when cleaning your radiators, to consider behind the radiator, this is the one place we all tend to ignore, indeed we seem to forget about all that build-up of accumulated dust over the years that could be contaminated and not good for your health.
Indoor Dust: Indoor dust is comprised of things found within your home. Matter such as animal hair, pet dander, textile fibers, paper fibers, human skin cells, human hair, and food particles are just a few of the materials that make up indoor dust.
Outside Dust: Outdoor dust may be made up of soil particles, pollen, vehicular matter (like exhaust or tire particles), or even insect follicles or parts.
Every time you open a door you are also allowing access for outdoor dust particles to come into your home!
By having too much dust in your home it can actually become a health concern for you and your family.
Indeed dust can become the perfect breeding ground for allergens and insects, if ingested the particles can be harmful to humans and may cause allergic reactions or allow sickness to breed.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are small, microscopic creatures that actually feed on the dust and can live within your home without you knowing of their existence.
Dust mites make their homes in places where dead skin cells are most like to accumulate. They commonly live inside your mattress, within your curtains, or buried in carpet fibers, and can become a real cause for concern. These mites can unknowingly live in your home, varying from a few thousand to millions of these little aliens, just like Dwight our Rotarad space mite!
As you might imagine, millions of little creatures living in your home and feeding on your dust are likely to produce quite a lot of their own waste. Droppings from dust mites can carry diseases or airborne illnesses.
Dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to these tiny bugs that commonly live-in house dust. Signs of dust mite allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. Many people with dust mite allergy also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.
While other bugs you encounter may bite, dust mites themselves do not actually bite your skin. However, an allergic reaction to these wretched creatures may cause skin rashes, which are often red and itchy in nature.
See article - Dust mite droppings damages skins defenses
Asthma triggered by a dust mite allergy can damage the DNA in lung cells. The ability of cells to repair this damage may determine the disease’s severity.
See Article - Asthma caused by dust mites nay damage lung cells
Having too much dust, or certain types of dust, may cause allergic reactions in some pets or humans. This reaction, although mild in most cases, may be serious, depending on the sensitivity.
Because dust contains so many particles, the exact cause or treatment plan for people with dust allergies may be slightly difficult to identify.
If you think you may have an allergy to dust, consider getting allergy tested to locate the cause.
Signs that you may be allergic to dust in your home:
Dust mites are prevalent in most homes, so regular cleaning and other preventive measures are key to stopping their large numbers while also alleviating your allergies.
Vacuuming and cleaning your home at least twice a week will help to keep dust from building up, always make sure that you clean the dust from inside and behind your radiator, as this is the one place that we never think about!
See Blog - Do Radiators Circulate Allergens
Since the outbreak of Covid in March 2020, we all spent a lot more time in our homes, and it was and still is now even more important that we keep up the daily, weekly regime of keeping our homes hygienic so that we can all stay healthy.
Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 may survive on surfaces for hours or days, but research is still ongoing.
Studies have found that similar coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS can persist on hard surfaces like metal, glass, or plastic for days. But they can be killed within one minute if cleaned and disinfected.
Always take the necessary steps in your home to limit contamination of surfaces from airborne particles (dust) or from touching surfaces with contaminated hands.
You should first clean hard surfaces with warm, soapy water and then disinfect them this also should include your radiators, always make sure when cleaning your home keep a window is open so as to ventilate the room.
Using the Rotarad conversion kits this allows you to position the radiator to 90 degrees making it easier for cleaning and decorating!
We are proud to have been partnered with Keele University since 2018 working together on various projects, through the KRISP Scheme, aiming to identify the relationship between dust and common health problems, such as respiratory allergies and asthma.
Together we have identified that dust is becoming an ever-increasing problem, as the list of harmful cases to which dust has been linked is expanding. This is an issue we have found the majority of people are simply unaware of.
We wish to raise awareness of these issues, and aspire to help introduce new commercial standards which will ultimately reduce the chances of our health being affected by dust.
It is a requirement within NHS facilities that all parts of a radiator must be visibly clean, and we would like to see this standard become adopted across all households and commercial buildings.
Our research with academic from the Faculty of Natural Sciences is currently ongoing, with more testing for contaminants being carried out on dust samples collected from the back of radiators in various premises.
By Having full access behind your radiator this allows you to see and freely remove accumulated dust more efficiently and hygienically.
Picture 1 – Remove the excessive dust and grime with a vacuum
Picture 2 – Remove any stains and very fine particles of dust with a moist cloth.
Picture 3 – Shows the amount of dirt that has been cleaned from the radiator
See blog – How to clean dust from inside radiators
By being able to access your radiators for periodic deep cleaning to remove the dust this could make a significant contribution to improving your health and wellbeing as now are currently being used in the health care sector.
You should be aware when cleaning your homes to remember your radiators, as they are an important influence on air quality around the home.
For ease of decorating using Rotarad please see a couple of recommended blogs:
How To Wallpaper behind Radiators
How To Drop a Radiator For Decorating
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The arrival of spring brings more daylight, which helps lifts our energy levels from all that drowsiness, the increased light also triggers the release of Serrotin a brain chemical that helps us to feel happier!
We also should be thinking about spring cleaning to have your home feeling fresh, clean and hygienic after a long “Stuffy” winter!
So, open those doors and windows and let the fresh air back in!
Since the outbreak of Covid 19 back in March 2020 we have had no choice but to spend more time in our homes since the lockdown began, we then faced a second wave as we entered the 6-month Winter period, with the presence of Covid 19 even more on the rise!
While the coronavirus epidemic is far from over as we are now entering in the spring season, there is may be some light and a clearer picture that we may be able to return to some normality, from end of March going through to April as the Government are now carefully lifting restrictions.
The effects of Covid 19 especially throughout the winter months have highlighted the risk and devastating impact poor indoor air quality can have on our health, lives and in general our long-term wellbeing when inhaled in poorly ventilated indoor environments!
See Blog - Cleaning Radiators Covid 19
During those cold winter dreary months, we all liked to make our homes warm and cosy, so we closed our windows, turned up the heating as the weather turned colder and the majority of us tended to dry our laundry indoors either ON or by the radiators!
We rarely ever consider a potential health hazard being created via our radiators associated with poor indoor air quality issues when in use during the winter months.
RADIATORS are a fixture of most of every household, but cleaning behind them can prove a very challenging task - especially as the space is so tight between fins and not forgetting all that dust accumulation behind the radiator!
When radiators heat the air, the hot air rises. When hot air rises, the cold air rushes to fill the space where the hot air used to be, pulling in all that dust, hair, Pet dander and other particles with it.
This means your radiator is essentially one big vacuum!
We recommend that you give your radiators a thorough deep clean in the Spring- time, as this is when usually we start to turn off our central heating, plus it is better to have your radiator cold as this will stop the convection current from drawing even more dust behind the radiator.
To start with, you need to try and clear as much of the dust from in, around and under your radiator as possible.
Believe it or not, some people use their hairdryer to get the dust out from the inside and down the back of the radiator!
This you think should help you to get a lot of the leftover dust down and out from in and behind your radiator – but not recommended as you are only blowing the contaminated dust back into the air you breathe!
Some of you may use the obvious the specialist radiator cleaning brush – but really is this the easiest way?
In the meantime, Do not forget to put a towel or dust sheet under the radiator – to catch all the debris!
Once this is done get your brush in between the fins and behind the back of the radiator and from top to bottom start pushing that dust and dirt right out.
This like the hair dryer option is only going to cause all that dust to be released back into the air you breathe in your homes!
See Blog - Cleaning Radiators
By Having full access behind your radiator this allows you to see and freely remove accumulated dust more efficiently and hygienically.
By being able to lower the radiator to floor level this enables you to give the radiator a thorough clean with the aid of some warm water and a cloth.
See Blog - How to Clean Dust from Inside Radiators
Lemon juice is an effective but cheap and eco-friendly way to clean your home and great for cleaning radiators, it is a very natural cleaner that we would recommend using instead of a chemical cleaner.
Lemon is much better for the environment than from buying chemical products, it has a fresh lingering scent and is inexpensive compared to shop bought cleaners
Lemons can be used for everyday cleaning throughout your homes e.g., ovens, fridge, work surface, doors, windows etc. to shift stains, freshen surfaces and remove odors with ease.
Just use a spray bottle add water and a couple of squeezes of lemon juice to wipe away all that dust and grime!
Leaves your home smelling clean fresh and chemical free!
By being able to access your radiators for periodic deep cleaning to remove the dust this could make a significant contribution to improving your health and wellbeing as now are currently being used in the health care sector.
You should be aware when cleaning your homes to remember your radiators, as they are an important influence on air quality around the home, something that we should not forget!
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Zoflora has been around since 1922 but has increased in its popularity recently with a lot of the increase being attributed to the Instagram star Sophie Hinchcliffe, better known as Mrs.Hinch.
With over 2 million followers, when Mrs. Hinch announced that Zoflora was the go-to product for cleaning her home, Zoflora suddenly went flying off Supermarket shelves.
Zoflora is a multi-room, multi-use product that can be used throughout the home to combat the spread and reproduction of bacteria and viruses in the home, which can kill up to 99% of the bacteria and viruses.
It can be used on many surfaces floors, baths, floors, tiles, taps, worktops, drains, sinks, dishcloths, toilet etc.... But should we use it on radiators?
Zoflora has always been available in a variety of fragrances and sizes, although the fragrance selection has changed over time which include the earliest fragrances Honey Suckle, Violet, Lavender and sweet pea which are still as popular now as they were 80 years ago.
There is a vast range of Scents from the Zoflora range you can buy.
As we are now approaching the winter months and the festive period see below some of the scented disinfectants from the the Zoflora range for Christmas 2020.
As lovely as Zoflora smells they do contain certain chemicals!
All products are given a classification called a ‘hazard class’; the products are tested to determine if their composition is:
The classifications are shown within the products SDS sheet (Safety Data Sheet) with a number running from 0-4:
0 – Minimal hazard
1 – Slight hazard
2 – Moderate hazard
3 – Serious hazard
4 – Severe hazard
These classifications are indicated on the products packaging in the form of a symbol:
Flammable – 2 (Moderate hazard)
A skin irritant – 2 (Moderate hazard)
An eye Irritant – 2 (Moderate hazard)
Hazardous to aquatic life – 3 (Severe Hazard)
Before any disinfectant can be determined to be good or bad for our indoor environment the ingredients it contains needs to be considered. In the case of Zoflora, it does contain some chemicals which could be potentially harmful to the environment but also to our pets and humans.
One of the chemicals that is used in Zoflora that could be of a concern is Linalool.
This chemical is a component of many essential oils, that it is contained in over 60% of the Zoflora range. On its own, in its pure form, Linalool has been found to have Antiproliferative effects (suppress cell growth) in cancerous cells.
However, when oxidized it can become an irritant to the skin in some people.
Linalool can be absorbed through the skin and by inhalation which can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Linalool is used as a pesticide and sometimes a bug repellent.
If disposed of incorrectly Linalool is very highly toxic to certain freshwater amphipods.
If you want to take a look at ALL the ingredients used in the Zoflora products, here is a link to their SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
Zoflora products contain a chemical called benzalkonium chloride that can cause ulcers and loss of appetite if your pets accidentally touch or should eat it.
Like any cleaning product, the instructions for use should be followed very carefully. Zoflora does have a ‘pet safe’ product however precautions should to be taken making sure that the dilution ratios are correct, your pet is not directly exposed and also that they are not able to walk or roll around on wet floors.
See article from The Sun Newspaper 10th January 2020.
We would advise when using Zoflora make sure that your radiators are switched off when you come to clean them.
You may find if your radiators are warm or on full heat Zoflora can become quite over powering, leaving a lingering taste on your lips and can make you feel quite nauseous, which we found when testing it on a warm radiator!
Zoflora like many cleaning chemicals can contain toxins that can be harmful to your health when inhaled, so we would advise when cleaning any part of your home to open a window slightly to bring in some fresh air.
See Blog - The Importance of Cleaning Your Radiators
This is something you could try using, a simple mix of essential oils and water is a great alternative than using cleaning chemicals. By combining 60ml of distilled water and about 10 -15 drops of your favorite essential oil in a simple spray bottle, add 1 tsp of baking soda this can have the same affect as any other cleaning product without containing the toxins.
Citrus scents like lemon, tangerine, wild orange, juniper and tea tree can be very refreshing, and a lavender scent can be very calming and relaxing.
When cleaning radiators we recommend you do not use chemically based cleaning agents.
Step 1. Using a filtered vacuum cleaner to remove the excess of dust and to capture disturbed dust particles to reduce exposure when cleaning would be the ideal method and the most convenient.
Step 2. Use a damp cloth to wipe the exposed surfaces of the radiator to remove any remaining fine dust particles and any marks that have accumulated over a period, using just clean lukewarm water.
This would be sufficient to maintain hygiene in the home; it is recommended that at least one deep clean once a year prior to the first use in the Autumn/Winter period.
Step 3 – The use of a handheld steam cleaner could be beneficial in a more clinical environment if required to combat bacteria exposure.
See Blog How To Clean Radiators
However you may think, dust around our home is obviously bad for us!
Radiators are the one thing we never consider when cleaning our homes, they heat the air which rises and spreads the dust around.
By cleaning behind them at regular intervals this can help alleviate the problem.
Cleaning behind your radiator at regular intervals has proven to manage the removal of dust mite allergens. By cleaning behind radiators in hospitals in the UK it has proven to manage allergens plus the infection control of the so-called superbug MRSA and C-diiffle.
By being able to access your radiators for periodic cleaning to remove the dust this could make a significant contribution to improving your health.
So consider when you are cleaning around your home do not forget your radiators, which ever cleaning chemicals you decide to use our recommendation for radiators is warm water and cloth to wipe all that accumulated dust and grime away.
See Blog - Can You Be Allergic to Central Heating Radiators
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The affects of Covid 19 has previously highlighted the risk and devastating impact poor indoor air quality can have on our health, lives and long term well being when inhaled in poorly ventilated indoor environments!
As our School Children, College/University students and staff are now returning to their full-time education, they are now being immediately faced with unforeseen challenges!
This situation again has highlighted the risks, ease, and rapid spread of Covid-19 cases, due to exposure and inhalation within poor ventilated indoor environments, that can affect everyone of all ages with or without underlying health issues!
As this coincides with the annual increase of NHS Emergency respiratory infections that require hospital treatment, such as influenza, Asthma, Allergies and Colds that have similar symptoms to Covid 19.
This makes it difficult for us to identify seasonal infections from Covid 19 that have similar symptoms in their early stages without a medical opinion or test.
For Example
Using past asthma hospital emergency admissions data from 2006 – 2014. (NHS Digital and Asthma UK 2017)
Emergency Hospital Admissions from 2006 to 2014 (NHS Digital, 2014)
.Asthma hospital admissions by month between April 2012 and March 2016 (Asthma UK 2017)
.
|
2013 |
2014 |
January |
5533 |
5980 |
February |
5174 |
5256 |
March |
5551 |
5800 |
April |
5011 |
5411 |
May |
5344 |
5719 |
June |
4708 |
5201 |
July |
4639 |
5165 |
August |
3237 |
3906 |
September |
7036 |
6928 |
October |
6377 |
7185 |
November |
6393 |
7361 |
December |
6632 |
9134 |
Total |
65635 |
73046 |
Table showing emergency hospital admissions from 2013 to 2014 (Data taken from Asthma UK, 2017)
Graph showing the emergency hospital admissions for asthma in 2013 (Data taken from Asthma UK, 2017)
Graph showing the emergency hospital admissions for asthma in 2014 (Data taken from Asthma UK, 2017)
As you can see from the data this shows there are two peak months, one being September and the second being December annually. The month of September has no definitive explanation, but the most common assumption suggests that the return to education could be a possibility of an increased risk factor.
Likewise, the month of December’s peak has no definitive explanation, maybe we need to assume that Christmas may be a factor because of extended family gatherings indoors over the Christmas period.
Pre Covid 19 the majority of us readily assumed that the 6-month Autumn/Winter period would be the time of year that we may catch or suffer from a Virus e.g. Flu, influenza or respiratory infection as a result of wet, damp and cold outdoor weather. (environment)
As the colder days and nights are now drawing in for us, this is when we start turning on our Central Heating to create a cosy home that is the preferred method of heating with the majority of homes circa. 190 million radiators which are installed across the UK.
To create a cosy home, we tend to close our windows and turn up the heating as the weather turns colder, we also then use our radiators to dry our laundry. For most of us with central heating, this may be the beginning of a series of unseen events that can change your indoor home environment which can have adverse- affects for vulnerable occupants.
Drying clothes indoors on a radiator or clothes airers can create up to a third of condensation in our homes that encourages allergens such as mould spores to develop that can trigger asthma and other lung problems. The household dustmite can flourish in humid warm indoor environments that may also trigger asthma.
See Blog: Can You Be Allergic To Central Heating
Another factor that we overlook can be the accumulation and particles of dust that may host allergens, chemical traces and Volatile Organic Components (VOC’s) etc.. that can become circulated and suspended in the toxic air that we breathe indoors.
As we now bring our radiators into use following the summer period, we rarely ever consider a potential health hazard being created via our radiators associated with poor indoor air quality issues when in use during the winter months.
See Blog: The Importance Of Cleaning Your Radiators
As a large amount of steel panel radiators that are now in use were designed and installed purely to create back of the room heat for rooms with open fires, that also had single glazed windows in older draughty homes with little or no insulation and draught proofing.
From the graph below this shows the percentage of households with Central Heating systems in the (UK) from 1970 to 2018.
From 1970 to 2018, the percentage of household with a central heating system was a growing trend. In 1970, 30% households had a central heating system. Until 2018, there was nearly 94% households using central heating systems
The cost for respiratory diseases is £11.1 billion every year in the UK.
The reason that indoor air can affect human respiratory system is because indoor air includes dust mite, fungi, and pet dander.
One of the respiratory problems that can be caused by unclean indoor air is Asthma. The main reason to cause asthma is immune response of the air way. After microorganisms in the dust being breathed in, they can cause immune response of respiratory system that can narrow the smooth muscle of air way to cause breathing difficulties.
As older properties are now being refurbished and new builds are installing radiator heating systems as a preferred choice plus insulation and draught proofing, our new and refurbished homes have become warmer but have poorer ventilation.
New Build homes have become smaller with no open fireplaces, resulting in less ventilation, this means the majority of present-day properties have poorer indoor air quality.
We have are currently using heat emitters (Radiators) that have not been designed and installed to allow for cleaning and decorating behind in our current properties.
Over time radiators that are not deep cleaned or removed to decorate will accumulate reservoirs of dust that hosts an array of consumer product chemicals, toxins and allergens used in our homes, these are termed as VOC’s (Volatile Organic Components).
We are already aware that we should be regularly cleaning surfaces we regularly touch to prevent spread of infection, as current evidence suggests that Covid 19 survives on metal, glass, or plastic surfaces for days.
It is also important surfaces that we do not see or are unable to reach in some instances need to be periodically cleaned to remove dust/particles that can be circulated or suspended in the air we breathe indoors.
By increasing exposure as could your central heating radiators that have become a main source of air flow within enclosed environments.
We recommend at least one deep clean of your radiators annually before switching on your central heating system, to prevent the spread of any accumulated dust particles back into your atmosphere.
It is also advisable to have at least a window open when using your radiator to assist clean air exchange levels in the home, also to assist in minimal exposure levels by reducing your thermostat at a lower acceptable level to reduce air flow created by heat from your emitters (radiators) in air tight homes.
See Blog: How To Clean Radiators
The Rotarad solution to allow instant full access behind steel panel radiators for cleaning and decorating, is by installing the affordable retrofit conversion kit for existing and new installations, to eliminate the need to remove the radiator to address these issues.
By being able to access your radiators for periodic deep cleaning to remove the dust this could make a significant contribution to improving your health and wellbeing as now are currently being used in the health care sector.
You should be aware when cleaning your homes to remember your radiators, as they are an important influence on air quality around the home.
See Blog: Accessible Clean Radiators Climate Change
It is now evident that clean air is vital for our long term health and wellbeing indoors as well as outdoors.
We should not have to go outdoors to breath fresh/cleaner air, we should also be able to breathe clean fresher air indoors.
Over several decades the fabric of our homes and buildings has improved but the indoor air quality has deteriorated over the same period of time.
The time has come that we need to recognise our heating systems have become a vital part of the indoor environment that can have a an influence on our long term health and wellbeing.
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But one day you may find yourself in a position where you would have to remove a radiator and the most common reason for this is when you need to get behind the radiator for painting and wallpapering.
You may be thinking that this is not a job for you and in most cases, you will need to call upon a professional to remove and refit your radiators which can become costly!
But if you feel competent enough to tackle it yourself these are the steps that are taken as follows:
Firstly, to carry out this job You will need the following:
Always make sure you keep towels close in case of spillage as the water that comes out can be very dirty and can stain most surfaces especially if it is your carpet!
We advise that you pay attention to the radiator’s brackets before attempting to take the radiator off the wall, as not removing the radiator correctly can lead to serious problems!
Be prepared as this can become quite a messy job in some instances!
See example pictures of a job that was carried out recently by a DIYer whereby just taking one of the radiators off the wall became quite messy!
Step 1 - Shut off the inlet and outlet valves.
Step 2 - Place a container under the radiator connectors.
Step 3 - Fit the bleed key ready to let in air to control the water flow
Step 4 – Once you have released the nut at one end of radiator above container and bulk of water has run out repeat the same at the other end of radiator.
Step 5 - When all the water stops running out fully disconnect both outlets then close the bleed valves.
Step 6 – Gently lift the radiator from the brackets and tile the radiator cover to remove remaining water.
We advise you to be cautious as the water could be black and could stain the floor area especially carpet!
Step 7 - Tip your radiator upside down to carry it out of the way, this will prevent any remaining water and drips escaping out of the radiator!
See Blog - Draining Down The Radiator Vs Rotarad Removal Kit
Once you have removed the radiator from the wall make sure also that before you start to decorate you clean away all the accumulated dust and grime that has built up over time, this also includes the skirting.
See Blog - The Importance of Cleaning Your Radiators
As you can see from the pictures below this allows you full instant access for any future decorating or cleaning, without the need to disconnect or remove the radiator in the future!
See Blog - How To Decorate Behind A Radiator Without Removing It.
Once finished the radiator is then put securely back in place on the wall
By being able to move the radiator in an instant will allow for stress-free quick decorating, wallpapering, and cleaning.
Installing Rotarad enables you to achieve superior standards of decorating and hygiene with instant access to easily maintain ongoing improved standards of hygiene for your home and wellbeing.
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With so much of our time spent in our homes during the Covid19 Lockdown many us may feel that we have cleaned every corner in our home thoroughly.
But have we??
The one area in our home that has undoubtedly been neglected is the Radiator!
Radiators are often neglected when cleaning, but they can still be home to an unpleasant build-up of dirt and grime!
They are one part of our cleaning process that we never think about and in a lot of cases they can be neglected for years.
Radiators should be made part of your cleaning regime so when cleaning your house once a week you should give the accessible services a quick wiper over with a cloth and some warm water to clean the dust away!
We strongly recommend that you deep clean your radiators and NOT forgetting the wall behind at least once a year. As you should realise that this is the part of the radiator that accumulates reservoirs of dust over time!
The ideal time to clean your deep clean radiators is the end of Summertime for the start of Autumn before you look to start switching your heating back on, as the nights become chilly and days become cooler.
If you do not do this all that dirt and dust that has been collected could have an impact on your health, cleanliness, allergies and on your heating bills!
See Blog - Can You Be Allergic to Central Heating Radiators
See Blog – Do Radiators Circulate Allergens
By removing the dust from your radiator, this will help lower your heating costs as a build-up of dust stops the heat from escaping, and it makes your radiators work harder to help keep rooms warm!
The Radiator fins are surfaces that extend from the radiator to increase the rate of heat transfer to or from the environment by increasing convection. They are the zig zag metal strips found between the radiator panels.
All types of dirt and grime can be found between the fins including Cobwebs and Spiders!
The present traditional method of cleaning radiators – ‘the radiator brush’ can be a very difficult and time-consuming task due to the lack of easy access!
This is really not the ideal solution, as this can disturb and push dust particles through the bottom of the radiator that can circulate in the air we breathe, as dust contains allergens, chemicals, pet dander, human skin and mould spores etc. that can lead to allergies or breathing difficulties, which can develop into a long life illness!
See Blog – How Much Dust Does a Radiator Give Off
See Blog - How To Clean A Radiator Inside
Indoor Air Quality is an important factor when it comes to our health and well being.
With Covid 19 outbreak it is important to clean high touch surfaces in your home which can lower the risk of infection and this should also include your radiators!
We at Rotarad believe having accessible radiators as a UK standard for periodic deep cleaning to manage indoor air pollution and exposure will be a major factor for the well being of millions of occupants in fully insulated homes for the future.
By introducing the Rotarad solution to your radiators to allow instant access enables you to use filtered suction cleaners to remove the dust!
Please see our demonstration video:
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See Blog – How To Drop A Radiator for Decorating
Even when it comes to a thorough cleaning of your home the one thing that we never even consider is all those years of unnoticed dust that has accumulated behind our radiators!
Dust behind radiators is a hidden place often missed during normal cleaning. Significant dust collects behinds the radiator, which can then be distributed around the room by the airflow which is produced by the warm air from radiators.
See Blog – Can You Be Allergic To Central Heating Radiators
COVID-19 is part of a large family of coronaviruses that cause respiratory infections, and given the amount of time we are spending in our homes, it is very important that we stick to a regular cleaning regime to reduce the chances of picking up this nasty bug, this is why we at Rotarad advise that you should also make sure the whole of your radiator is dust-free!
COVID-19 has been shown to survive on hard surfaces like glass, plastic, and stainless steel for 72 hours. Hard shiny materials are non-porous which means, water, air and vapour cannot pass through, and instead rest and accumulate on the surface.
See Blog – Do Radiators Circulate Allergens
Removing a radiator from the wall is not a relatively simple process, the major thing that prevents DIYer’s and Home Improvers from removing a radiator is the possibility of the amount of dirty water they contain getting onto your flooring i.e. carpets!
If you do not fancy doing the job yourself then you can always call out a local tradesman, but you would need to determine the cost implications that are involved which can vary from paying £100.00 to £200.00 to remove and then refit the radiator. If you are going to use a larger company, you could be expected to pay anything from £175.00 to £300.00.
See Blog – Draining Down The Radiator -V- Rotarad Removal Kit
You will need:
To remove the radiator, you will have to drain the water from it which can be a slow process.
You will also have to make sure you pay attention to the radiator’s brackets before attempting to take the radiator off the wall, as not removing the radiator correctly can lead to serious problems!
Always keep towels close in case of spillage as the water that comes out can be very dirty and can stain most surfaces.
The pictures below show what a messy a job it can be if you want to have to go at doing it yourself, it could take you at least the whole day to remove just one radiator before you have started the decorating process!
Once the radiator has been removed, you will probably have the task of wiping down the walls behind the radiator and the skirting, as over a period of time they will have accumulated a lot of dust and grime!
Behind the back of the radiator is the place we never even consider when it comes to cleaning!
See Blog – The Importance of Cleaning Radiators
There is a very easy solution which can allow you instant access without the need to even remove the radiators!
No Tools Required!
Instant Access!
No more draining down system once fitted!
Picture 1 – Release the radiator from the wall retaining brackets.
Picture 2 – Shows the radiator being supported at 45 Degrees by 2 safety wires.
Picture 3 – Shows lowering the radiator to floor level after releasing the safety wires.
Picture 4 – Shows the radiator lowered to floor level which allows instant access.
See Blog – A Plumbers Guide To Fitting Rotarad To Radiators
By being able to move the radiator in an instant this will allow stress-free quick decorating, wallpapering, and cleaning.
It will also eliminate the need to call out your local plumber or Do-it-yourself which can save you a lot of time and money.
Installing Rotarad enables you to achieve superior standards of decorating and hygiene with instant access to easily maintain ongoing improved standards of hygiene for your home and wellbeing.
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Dust is comprised of things found within your home. A matter like animal hair, pet dander, textile fibres, paper fibres, human skin cells, human hair, and food particles are just a few of the materials that make up indoor dust.
Every time you open a door into your home, you are also allowing access for dust particles to come in as well.
Dust can become the perfect breeding ground for insects and allergens. If inhaled the particles can be harmful to humans and may cause allergic reactions or allow illness to breed.
See Blog – Can You Be Allergic To Central Heating Radiators
See Blog - Are Dust Mites Harmful
Even after a thorough cleaning session dust still finds its way to the innermost reaches!
YES - One being inside the radiator and behind it!
Have you ever checked behind and inside your radiators?
One of the most common reasons for a cold room is not bad insulation but it is having dirty radiators!
As well as wiping the parts of the radiator you can see, it is important that you clean between the fins of the radiator and behind it as this is where most of the dust accumulates.
Or do we ever consider cleaning our radiators?
Getting in between radiator fins can be very tricky, so it really does help if you have the correct process to carry out the job to get rid of all that accumulated dust!
We need to minimise the dust levels in our homes, but unfortunately due to the lack of access one of the main areas that should be of concern are central heating radiators.
Central heating radiators are manufactured in such a way that dust and dirt can become trapped quite easily which create ideal conditions for dust mites, mold spores and microbiological infections to flourish, creating higher levels of allergens that are then circulated via heat convection, which ultimately create poorer indoor air quality for us, especially within the winter months.
See Blog – Do Radiators Circulate Allergens
Air Quality is an important factor when it comes to our health and wellbeing.
We can all be vulnerable to airborne infections normally increasing during September to March which coincides with spending more time indoors.
It is now being recognised that indoor air quality is deteriorating as homes become more carbon neutral.
Dust is of great concern as it can host an array of pollutants, allergens, mould spores and chemical traces.
Cleaning high-touch surfaces in your home regularly is an important precaution to lower the risk of infection this should also include your radiators.
One thing that is quite common is drying your clothes on a radiator which is not recommended as when you hang wet clothes on a radiator or on a clothes horse, the water evaporates out of the fabric, this then turns into moisture in the air.
If you have not cleaned the dust away from behind and in between the fins of your radiators this could be spreading germs onto your clothes!
Also, we tend to lean against a radiator when wanting to take the chill away and make you feel warmer, just like other surfaces radiators can also carry germs if not cleaned!
Would you really want to put your clothes on radiator with a build up of all this dust and dirt?
Too much moisture in the air leads to condensation, which can form on walls, windows, mirrors or any other surfaces which the damp air comes into contact with.
Modern homes are often highly prone to condensation, as improved insulation, draught-proofing and double-glazing mean that, while they retain heat better, the air ventilation is poor.
This leads to a heavy, musty and unpleasant atmosphere which can become very unhealthy.
We recommend when cleaning you should take the precautions of wearing gloves and in some cases, if you suffer from any allergies or respiratory problems a face mask would be a good option. Make sure that you have good ventilation in your homes.
All our homes are different but common high-touch surfaces includes tables, chairs, door handles, handrails, light switches taps, toilets, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, computers, keyboards, remote controls, mobile phones and also not forgetting the radiator!
We recommend when cleaning your radiator and any other surfaces you just use a cloth and some warm soapy water to clean the dust away!
Radiators should have a good thorough all over deep clean at least once a year before we turn them on in the Autumn, to reduce dust particles that can be circulated in the air we breathe when they are in use.
Using a Radiator Brush – Is this really the best option?
The option we all tend to use is the specialist radiator cleaning brush which has to be repeatedly pushed down between the grilles and convectors down the back and in between the radiators.
The static in the brush removes the dust, but the brush will force the dust out of the bottom of the convectors recirculating it back into the air.
This really is not the ideal solution for people who suffer from dust allergies, such as asthma or respiratory problems.
Cleaning Behind and Inside Your Radiator the Rotarad Way
How to Clean Radiator Thoroughly?
Picture 1 – Remove the excessive dust and grime with a vacuum
Picture 2 – Remove any stains and very fine particles of dust with a moist cloth.
Picture 3 – Shows the amount of dirt that has been cleaned from the radiator
Simply having full access behind your radiator makes it possible to use a filtered vacuum cleaner to remove the dust from inside your radiator as shown in the demonstration video.
The video shows that once the Rotarad access kit has been installed it enables full access to the base at the back of the radiator and how you can use the vacuum cleaner to clean inside the fins of the radiator.
Conclusion
The warm and humid air found in between the fins and behind the radiator is an ideal condition for bacteria to survive and thrive.
Installing the Rotarad conversion kit makes radiators fit for purpose when cleaning and decorating – A solution for superior results!
Having full access allows you to see and freely remove accumulated dust using a vacuum cleaner more efficiently and hygienically.
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There are a number of occasions when removing a radiator would make life a lot easier, especially when it comes to decorating behind and also for cleaning all that accumulated dust away!
See Blog – How To Decorate Behind A Radiator
The major thing that prevents DIYer’s from removing radiators is simple, they really are not specialised in this field and it is recommended to call out a local plumber, who can remove and replace the radiator in no time.
This can become quite costly if you need to have all your radiators removed especially when it comes to decorating!
See Blog – Draining Down The Radiator -V- Rotarad Removal Kit
One major problem is the dirty water if this spills over the carpet this could stain and can be difficult to clean off!
The picture below shows the radiator has been tilted to catch all the water which in most cases is black.
If you do have a spillage on your floors it is advised to try and wipe off as soon as possible, as it can stain and, in some cases, you may have no option but to replace your carpets!
If you are thinking of having a go at removing the radiator by yourself think first as radiators can be quite heavy. You may need a second person to assist when removing and putting it back onto the wall!
Removing a radiator can also become a very messy job and very time-consuming!
The pictures below show how messy a job can be when you Do-It-Yourself, just by removing one radiator could take you a whole day even before you have started the decorating process!
Once the radiator has been removed, you will then have the task of making sure you have wiped down the walls behind the radiator and the skirting, as over a period of time they will have accumulated a lot of dust.
See Blog - A Plumbers Guide To Fitting Rotarad
Behind the back of the radiator is the place we never even consider when it comes to cleaning!
Also, if you have radiator covers this could be far worse as what you cannot see is out of sight and out of mind!
See Blog – The Importance of Cleaning Your Radiators
See Blog – How To Clean House Radiators
See Blog – Dust Behind The Radiator: Is Central Heating Damaging Our Health
From the pictures below you can see that radiators are concealed behind radiator covers in a hospital as a measure to reduce airborne contamination within hospitals.
Within the NHS’s cleaning procedure methods of removing dust have been outlined as well as deep cleaning areas which include radiators!
See Blog - Can You Be Allergic to Central Heating Radiators
See Blog – Do Radiators Circulate Allergens
See Blog – How Often Should You Clean Radiators
There is an easy way which can allow you instant access without the need to remove the radiators.
No Tools Required!
Instant Access!
No more draining down system once fitted!
Picture 1 – Release the radiator from the wall retaining brackets.
Picture 2 – Shows the radiator being supported at 45 Degrees by 2 safety wires.
Picture 3 – Shows lowering the radiator to floor level after releasing the safety wires.
Picture 4 – Shows the radiator lowered to floor level which allows instant access.
By being able to move the radiator in an instant will allow for stress-free quick decorating, wallpapering and cleaning. Having instant full access would be the ideal solution to overcome
It will also eliminate the need to call out your local plumber or Do-it-yourself which can save you time and money.
Installing Rotarad enables you to achieve superior standards of decorating and hygiene with instant access to easily maintain ongoing improved standards of hygiene for your home and wellbeing.
See Blog – Cleaning Dust from Radiators
]]>When using our central heating radiators, they become the heart and lungs of the home during the cold spells and winter months that we all rely on for our warmth comfort and wellbeing.
But few of us ever relate radiators to poor indoor air quality and health issues in our homes.
It is now becoming evident our insulated airtight homes have significantly changed the indoor environments in which our radiators operate.
Radiators have now become the main source of airflow throughout the home, by heat convection recirculating warm air.
See Blog - Can You Be Allergic To Central Heating Radiators
Unfortunately, this transmits dust particles that contain pollutants raising exposure levels of allergens, bacteria and toxins that can trigger adverse respiratory reactions for vulnerable occupants when inhaled in the air they breathe indoors.
Our radiators should be one of those many to-do cleaning tasks when keeping on top of our house cleaning.
There are circa 190 million radiators across the UK of which a large proportion are never cleaned, they accumulate reservoirs of dust that can host an array of product chemicals, VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), mould spores and allergens which are potent triggers of Asthma attacks and respiratory infections that peak during the winter months.
Radiators are something that we seem to forget about and they are one of the fixed items in our homes that go unnoticed especially behind the radiator, as we do not seem to realise that over time there has been a buildup of dust accumulation which could not be good for your health.
If you have a clean radiator it looks more attractive and not only that, they also function more efficiently when clean.
See Blog – The Importance of Cleaning your Radiators
The easiest way to keep your radiators dust-free is to clean them regularly. If you leave them over time they will accumulate a lot of dust and dirt in hard to reach grooves, more so if you have a pet like a cat or a dog, pet dander can build up behind the radiator and in between the fins!
Pet dander is composed of tiny flecks of skin shed by cats and dogs or any animal with feathers or fur. Even animals with short hair, or those who are hairless, produce dander and release it into the environment.
For people who are allergic to it, or those with asthma, pet dander is potentially dangerous. Inhaling it can cause breathing problems or worsen existing respiratory difficulties and severely impair lung function.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include sneezing, runny nose, skin problems, watery eyes, wheezing, congestion and tightness in the chest.
In some people, only a significant exposure causes a reaction, while in others even a tiny amount could trigger an attack. For people who have extreme sensitivity, as little as 15 to 30 minutes can produce a severe response.
As a result of the coronavirus epidemic, the majority of us will be spending far more time in our homes to reduce the risk of spreading or becoming affected by the virus.
It is recognised that viruses can spread rapidly when we sneeze or cough in close proximity of each other in enclosed public spaces.
Unfortunately, as a result of green building regulations and refurbishment, our homes have become poorly ventilated trapping us indoors with poor quality air.
Indoor air quality and hygiene will be a factor in these difficult times for the wellbeing of vulnerable occupants with ongoing respiratory problems.
The content and level of dust exposure in a poorly ventilated home can have adverse effects on vulnerable occupants when being circulated and suspended by heat convection from the central heating system.
This is why it is so important to clean your radiator thoroughly and especially the one place that we don’t even consider is behind the radiator!
If you are considering using a radiator brush then beware that even though you think your radiator is clean, you have the problem that the dust is only being circulated back into the atmosphere.
The only way to make sure your radiator is thoroughly dust free and clean is to have full access!
We would recommend that you clean the radiator with a cloth and some warm water no chemical products are advised!
Picture 1 – Remove the excessive dust and grime with a vacuum
Picture 2 – Remove any stains and very fine particles of dust with a moist cloth.
Picture 3 – Shows the amount of dirt that has been cleaned from radiator.
See Video – How to Clean between fins of the radiator
The warm and humid air found in between the fins and behind the radiator are ideal conditions for bacteria to survive and thrive.
When cleaning your radiators make sure you use a damp cloth or cleaning item rather than a duster which can very quickly send the bacteria airborne.
Also, it is advised to wear protective gloves as the coronavirus can survive on certain surfaces for up to 2-3 days.
See article How Long Does the Coronavirus Last on Steel Surfaces
See Blog – How To Clean House Radiators
See Blog – Tips To Avoid Dust And Dirt In Your Home
During the Coronavirus outbreak, our homes have become our sanctuary for everyone’s wellbeing and the protection of our NHS and frontline providers.
It is our own responsibility to manage the quality of the air we breathe indoors for the duration of the lockdown.
As a short-term measure to improve your indoor air quality during this crisis, we recommend you open your windows to create indoor air change to refresh the air internally.
The opportunity to open windows in City and Urban homes is possible at the moment! As the pollution from traffic and manufacturing industry is at reduced exposure levels.
We also recommend you turn down or use your central heating less to maintain the indoor air quality as an interim measure until lockdown has ended.
We at Rotarad believe having accessible radiators as a UK standard for periodic deep cleaning to manage indoor air pollution and exposure will be a major factor for the wellbeing of millions of occupants in fully insulated homes for the future.
For the future this will have benefits for decorating!
See Blog – How To Decorate Behind A Radiator Without Removing It
]]>But at some point, you may find yourself in a position where you have no choice but to remove a radiator and the most common reason for this is when it comes to decorating behind!
One thing that is also ignored is the amount of dust that has accumulated behind the radiator over time too!
See Blog – The Importance of Cleaning Radiators
See Blog – How Much Dust Does A Radiator Give Off
See Blog - Do Radiators Circulate Allergens
If you are painting your walls or wallpapering you will have to remove the radiator in order to decorate behind, or if you are giving your house a full spring clean it is recommended that you clean behind the radiators too!
See Blog – How To Remove A Radiator When Painting a Wall
See Blog - How To Wallpaper Behind Radiators
This may not be a job for you if you're not a DIY enthusiast, so in most cases, we recommend that you seek the assistance from a local plumber who has the expertise in draining down the system, but this can become quite costly!
If you are going to attempt to Do-It-Yourself be aware that just one mistake could have financial implications if you don’t know what you are doing!
Let’s take you through a process if you have not fitted the Rotarad kits to your radiators!
Tools Required if Doing- It- Yourself
If you are unsure about the exact type of your system, look for a little dial on the front of your boiler, which should be located somewhere in your loft or in your airing cupboard.
Make sure you make a note of where the dial is pointing because once you have finished the job and you put your radiator back on the wall, you will need to depressurize the system, and also you may need to add some inhibitor.
If your tank is in the loft, you won’t need to worry about remembering where the system pressure is.
Now you have gathered all your tools together and you have checked the type of heating system you have; you are now ready to proceed with removing the radiator from the wall, or are you?
1. Turn off the heat and allow the radiator to cool down completely
2. Shut off the lockshield valve which is normally on the left-hand side of the radiator by removing the cap and with an adjustable spanner turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Remember do not tighten too tight and make a note of how many turns so you can turn it on the same amount when you have finished.
3. Then move to the right-hand side of the radiator to the manual control valve and close it by turning it clockwise
4. Put some towels or old sheets down around the right-hand side of the manual control valve and bowl ready to catch the water. (beware the water may be very dirty)
5. Take the bleed valve key and use it on the bleed valve which is usually on the top right and turn counterclockwise slowly letting all the water out.
6. With both spanners close the manual valve of the right to keep it from moving and with the other spanner close off the nut that connects the manual valve to the radiator, then loosen it by turning it anti-clockwise making sure that you have a bowl ready to catch the water.
7. Undo the lockshield valve on the left, in the same way, using both spanners again
8. Now you are ready to lift the radiator off its brackets then empty the rest of the water, taking extra care not to spill onto the floor as the water can be very dirty which could stain your carpets or flooring!
Now you have gone through this long process you are now ready to decorate or clean behind the radiator, once completed you then have the task of putting your radiator back onto the wall!
This may take you a few hours or you could be spending a whole day on just one radiator before you even start the process of decorating or cleaning behind your radiator!
So, there you have it your whole day could be just spent taking one radiator off just to decorate or clean behind.
If you decide to get a plumber out there could be a cost for them to come out and take the radiator off the wall and then to put it back on!
See blog – Draining Down The Radiator -V- Rotarad Kits
How Rotarad can make it easy!
There is an option which can allow you instant access without the need to remove the radiators.
No Tools Required – Instant Access - No more draining down system once fitted!
Picture 1 – Release the radiator from the wall retaining brackets.
Picture 2 – Shows the radiator being supported at 45 Degrees by 2 safety wires.
Picture 3 – Shows lowering the radiator to floor level after releasing the safety wires.
Picture 4 – Shows the radiator lowered to floor level which allows instant access.
Once you have installed the Rotarad kits this can take away the stress of decorating and cleaning behind your radiator.
It can also prevent the shock of what dust accumulates behind a radiator without no access.
Having full access also for periodic cleaning can prevent such build-ups of dust and fibres by allowing you access to use your filtered vacuum cleaners, plus if you are also decorating behind your radiators it saves you the hassle of having to drain down your heating system which could become time-consuming and costly!
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This can make your rooms feel like they have been neglected if just left.
If you don’t want to replace the wallpaper, you can try to fix the peeling parts.
But there is also one place that we never even think about!
Yes – the wall behind the radiator, which is one of the most common and first places where the wallpaper will start peeling away due to the warm dry temperature!
In some cases, you will have no option but to replace the wallpaper!
See picture below where the wallpaper behind the radiator is now beyond repair and it would be recommended to replace!
The next task you would have to deal with is getting behind the radiator to replace the wallpaper, which could give you the problem of having to pay for a professional to come out and drain down the radiator or by doing it yourselves, which can become very time consuming and costly!
See Blog – How To Remove Wallpaper From Behind Radiators
See Blog – Draining Down The Radiator -V- Rotarad Removal Kit
From the picture below you can see that a large section of the wallpaper has started to peel away from the wall, this may be due to the fact that the adhesive was not the best quality or the paper has been there for some time.
The heat from the Radiator can cause the paper to peel away from the wall.
1. Lower your radiator to either 45 degrees or to floor level, the picture below shows the radiator lowered to 45 degrees.
2. Apply a thin coat of good quality wallpaper adhesive with a paintbrush to the wall which you wish the paper to stick to.
3. Slowly press the peeled wallpaper onto the adhesive-coated wall, secure the edges of the peeled pieces and then allow the adhesive to completely dry.
4. Once the adhesive has dried rotate the radiator back into position using Rotarad kits.
See Blog – How To Decorate Behind A Radiator Without Removing It.
In time the wallpaper will start peeling away from your walls, but by having easy access this enables you to get behind your radiator easily to either replace or repair the wallpaper, without the need of having to drain down your heating system.
By using Rotarad not only can this help when decorating, but it is important to understand that dust accumulates behind the radiator which could cause health problems for some occupants.
See Blog - The Importance of Cleaning Your Radiators
]]>It is recommended to hire a professional heating engineer or plumber who is more likely to get the job done to the highest quality and in half the time.
Fitting a radiator can still be time-consuming and can become a messy job if you don’t know what you are doing!
Not only do you have to install the new radiator, but you have to go through the process of draining down the entire heating system in some cases!
It’s not a job everyone’s comfortable with, and there’s no reason why you should have to do it all by yourself if you don’t want to.
To help you decide the best way to fit a radiator and the Rotarad conversion kit we’ve put together a handy installation guide. It outlines both the benefits of hiring a professional and some essential DIY tips on how to fit the radiator with the conversion kits.
Before you start the task of fitting your radiator you will require the following tools:
If you have not got the above items it would be recommended to call out your local plumber. This can work out more cost-effective to carry out the work to replace the radiator and to install Rotarad as most of the tools listed would also apply to install the conversion kits.
If you are going to try to install a radiator without the help of a plumber or heating engineer, you must make sure you know exactly what you’re doing before you get started.
It is recommended that you carry out a thorough risk inspection and take care to follow all the safety procedures that are required, as one mistake could have financial consequences if not adhered to.
Step 1 - Turn off the hot water and leave it to cool down for half-hour or so. This will allow you time to prepare for your radiator installation and removal.
Step 2 – Turn off the radiator you are replacing by turning the control valve clockwise. At the far end of the radiator, there should also be a protective cap, which is also known as the lock-shield valve. Remove the cap, and close this valve using an adjustable spanner and turn it clockwise too.
Make sure you count the number of turns because this then needs to be turned back the same number of times once your new radiator has been fitted, to ensure even distribution and a balanced hot water system.
Step 3 - Bleed the radiator to get out any excess water. Turn the key at the far top corner and have a cloth or tray ready to catch any dirty water that might drain from the radiator.
Place a container under the control valve ready for the excess water. Use a wrench to grip the valve, hold it in place whilst you loosen the nut that connects the valve to the radiator.
Now vent the radiator of air to break the vacuum inside and allow the water to flow out of the control valve. You will need a radiator key to open the bleed valve to do this. Make sure you allow the radiator to drain fully!
Step 4 - Once you have drained down the radiator, you will then need to remove it. To do this loosen and undo the nut that connects the lock-shield valve to the adaptor in the radiator. Lift the radiator up to remove it from the wall brackets; you might need some assistance here! Use your radiator key to close the bleed valve.
Step 5 - The radiator is now ready to be removed! Grip the valve assembly at the bottom of the model with a steady wrench to prevent it being pulled loose along with the unit itself, then undo the necessary nuts and bolts before hoisting the radiator from the brackets on the wall. This job may take two of you to do as the radiator may be heavier than you expected!
Step 6 - Now that your radiator is removed you may need to drain any excess water still inside; simply hold the radiator at an angle to release all the remaining water. Beware the water is very mucky and could stain your carpet etc.
Step 7 – Remove the radiator brackets, as these will not be needed when fitting the Rotarad kits.
Picture 1 – Ensure the ‘O’ rings are in place as you thread the swivel connectors into each end of the radiator and tighten with a spanner
Picture 2a – Mark a level line across the wall where you require at the bottom of the radiator.
Picture 2b – Place a bottom bracket wall plate on the line where the end of the radiator will be. Mark centre of slots and fix plate to the wall. Slide-in lower support bracket thoroughly through the channel.
Picture 2c – Take a measurement from groove to groove between the radiator connectors. Assemble the other wall plate and support bracket fully through the channel.
Picture 2d – Hook a tape measure onto the support bracket you have fitted. Position the other assembled wall plate and support bracket onto the pencil line. Measure the same distance bracket to bracket as you did from groove to groove then mark and fix.
Picture 3 - Carefully place the radiator onto the support brackets ensuring the -brackets are located into the grooves of the rotating connectors. Hook top bracket with a marker attached to the centre of the top lugs on the rear of your radiator. Then push against the wall to mark fixing points. Remove marker and fix both brackets.
Picture 4 - Fit both safety wires by threading one end behind the lugs at the rear of the radiator. Then pass the black eyelet through the loop on the other end of the wire.
Picture 5 – You then hook the black eyelets into the slots provided in the top brackets fixed to the wall, pressing them towards the wall as you rotate the radiator into position.
Picture 6 - To secure the radiator onto the wall, you lift and push down to engage the top of the brackets onto the Luggs at the rear of the radiator when in position.
See our video - How to install Rotarad kits
There are 2 types of valves so when you are looking to purchase your rotarad kits, check to see the type valves needed, see pictures below which will help you to identify.
Compression
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If you are lacking in the necessary experience, then even a simple job fitting a new radiator can seem a daunting task. That’s why we recommend you should get advice from a professional.
Plumbing contractors are able to fit a new radiator in just a couple of hours, who can provide the appropriate materials to carry out the work.
Plumbers and heating engineers can turn off the boiler and drain down the system safely which can be done in a matter of minutes.
They also have the appropriate skills and the experience to ensure your radiator and Rotarad kits have been fitted correctly.
Once you have installed Rotarad you no longer have to go through this process time and time again when you need to decorate or clean!
See Blog - Draining Down The Radiator -V- Rotarad Removal Kit
See Blog – Why Should You Clean Radiators
See Blog – How To Remove Wallpaper behind Radiators
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Cleaning a radiator can be a time-consuming chore that is not straight forward due to the lack of access!
To clean a radiator where dust has accumulated over a period of time you will require a radiator brush, or is there another option?
See Blog – How To Clean House Radiators
See Blog – How To Remove Central Heating Radiators To Clean Behind
You will need to push deep down into the fins of the radiator to remove the build-up of dust, which will then be pushed out of the bottom of the radiator onto the floor, recirculating the dust back into the atmosphere of your home!
See Blog – How To Clean Dust From Inside Radiators
Unfortunately, even when you have taken the time and effort to clean your radiator it can become very frustrating even though you know it is clean, it still looks grubby if it has discoloured!
Using chemically based cleaning products is not recommended, as when the surface of the radiator becomes hot it can circulate the fumes back into the atmosphere.
Using a damp cloth should be sufficient enough to maintain hygiene within your home when the bulk of dust has been removed!
The simple answer is you can’t!
Once a radiator starts turning yellow, this is a sure sign that the pigment has come out of the enamel and that the radiator is coming to the end of its life!
Many people seem to assume to overcome this problem is to paint the radiator to achieve a white finish, which may in time start cracking and again become discoloured, as you can see from the pictures below.
Think about your Motor Car? We all like to update our vehicles for better performance, so why should we not all consider the performance of our heating system for maximum efficiency?
See Blog – The Importance Of Maintaining Your Heating System
Another common issue with older radiators is corrosion on the inside. When water runs through the boiler, pipework and radiators it can react with the metal which over time, can cause small flakes of metal to break off into the water.
The small flakes of metal tend to come to rest in the bottoms of radiators, causing radiator sludge, radiator cold patches, lukewarm radiators and generally higher heating costs!
If you are looking to replace the boiler, it is also advised to upgrade the radiators if they are 15 years or older.
The modern radiator is now more compact than its aged predecessor, and can emit just as much heat, if not much more with less energy!
Over the past 15 years, radiator technology has hugely improved which means that our homes are becoming much more energy-efficient, so this may now be a good time to start considering changing your old radiators for newer ones!
As you can see from the pictures below the modern radiator has cleaner lines and can be more heat efficient, but still lacks access for cleaning and decorating behind!
Not anymore if you choose Rotarad Radiator Access Kits!
The picture below shows a radiator where the enamel is now peeling away and becoming discoloured and the back of the radiator where it shows a lack of cleaning!
If and when you either decide or choose to upgrade/replace your radiators, this will be the ideal time and opportunity to consider making your replacement radiators instantly accessible to achieve superior cleaning and hygiene standards, by having full access to thoroughly deep clean your radiators ongoing into the future.
By choosing Rotarad conversion kits you will also appreciate the benefit when you need to decorate the wall behind your radiator, by the quality of the finish you can achieve without the need to remove or disconnect your heating system.
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But if you had access to see what could be concealed behind and in between your radiators it could literally shock you!
Central Heating Radiators are a fixed part of the fabric of our homes, that have a vital role to play providing warmth and comfort during the cold winter months for the wellbeing of millions of occupants.
It's important that we are aware of and understand the level of influence radiators now have on our wellbeing.
Especially when used in modern and refurbished older properties that have significantly changed the environments in which they are now used as a result of poor ventilation.
When using our radiators in these environments the heat convection process becomes the main source of airflow around our homes.
This increases the risk of dust particles being circulated and suspended that are inhaled in the air we breathe.
Over time radiators that are not deep cleaned or removed to decorate will accumulate reservoirs of dust.
This dust hosts an array of consumer product chemicals, toxins and allergens used in our homes.
These are termed as VOC’s (Volatile Organic Components), that can have adverse effects for vulnerable occupants when inhaled in the air we breathe indoors
See below some products:
Allergy UK estimates that at least 12 million people are allergic to their own homes.
Even cleaning in your home and also not forgetting the radiators, you could be making matters worse when using leading brands of chemically-based cleaning agents.
Manufacturers state that using their products on certain services, they can be hazardous!
That is why it is advisable not to use chemically based cleaning agents on radiators as they become hot surfaces when in use.
High humidity can raise the concentration of VOC’s without adequate ventilation.
When drying laundry washed in detergents and fabric softeners even though they smell fragrant and fresh, this too could trigger adverse reactions for some vulnerable occupants.
Even when you dry laundry that is washed with non-chemical detergents on radiators and airers, this can also have a detrimental impact on the home environment.
This can be responsible for up to a third of condensation in our homes encouraging allergens such as mould spores and dust mites to flourish.
See Daily Mail article - How your cosy home can raise your risk of allergies
See Blog – Are Dust mites harmful
See Blog- Do Radiators Circulate Allergens
Cleaning central heating radiators to improve hygiene and indoor air quality standards is becoming an important factor for all occupant’s wellbeing.
As a result of global warming measures being taken by the government to make homes carbon neutral by 2050.
See Blog - Accessible Clean Radiators – Climate Change
See Blog – How Radiators can effect Indoor Climate Change
When cleaning radiators we recommend you do not use chemically-based cleaning agents.
Step 1. Using a filtered vacuum cleaner to remove the excess of dust and to capture disturbing dust particles to reduce exposure when cleaning would be the ideal method and the most convenient.
Step 2. Use a damp cloth to wipe the exposed surfaces of the radiator to remove any remaining fine dust particles and any marks that have accumulated over a period, using just clean lukewarm water.
This would be sufficient to maintain hygiene in the home; it is recommended that at least one deep clean once a year prior to the first use in the Autumn/Winter period.
Step 3. The use of a handheld steam cleaner could be beneficial in a more clinical environment if required to combat bacteria exposure.
The above image illustrates a radiator installed with a Rotarad Radiator Removal Kit, this allows the radiator to be dropped parallel to the floor in seconds.
]]>However, at some point, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to remove a radiator, and the most common reason for this is when you come to decorate!
If removing a radiator turns out to be not the task for you, you can always rely on a local plumber to do the job for you, but this can become quite expensive when removing it and then having to refit it back onto the wall.
The dirty water in your heating system is called magnetite. It is essentially your radiators rusting and breaking down internally. The water goes reddish, to begin with, but over time turns black.
See Blog – Draining Down The Radiator -V- Rotarad Radiator Removal Kit
See Blog – Removing Central Heating Radiators
Also, you will need to remember if you are doing it yourself, to make a note of where the dial is pointing on your boiler pressure gauge because once you have finished the painting and you’ve put your radiator back on the wall, you will need to re-pressurize the dial on your boiler.
Please also be aware you might need to add a small amount of inhibitor.
See Blog – The Importance of Maintaining Your Heating System
The Rotarad method of radiator installation allows you to gain instant access without the need to remove radiators for any future cleaning or decorating.
By not having to remove the radiator can allow you to gain full access.
See pictures below of accessing radiator to paint behind
Picture 1 – Shows the radiator can be lowered to 45 degrees with the safety wires attached.
Picture 2 – Radiator lowered to floor level.
Picture 3 – Radiator is at floor level easy access for painting behind.
See Other Blogs:
How To Remove A Radiator For Painting
How To Decorate Behind A Radiator Without Removing It
How To Drop A Radiator For Decorating
How To Remove Wallpaper From Behind Radiators
Alternatively, this would be the ideal time to consider before painting behind your wall to upgrade your radiator for future access!
Once operational the Rotarad care kit allows you instant full access for future cleaning and decorating behind your radiator when required without the need to remove or drain down the radiator in the future at an affordable price!
By fitting a basic radiator care kit to “Clean Accessible Radiators Easily”, this will overcome the need for future radiator removals to decorate or fully clean behind them and for the future wellbeing of all occupants.
See Blog – How Much Dust Does A Radiator Give Off
]]>In most cases if you are decorating, you may want to remove the radiator to decorate behind it if you require that professional finish. This could mean having to call out your local plumber, which could incur costs or by Doing It Yourself which could result in unforeseen problems if you are not used to taking a radiator off the wall and then having to refit it.
See Blog - How To Paint Behind A Radiator Without Removing It
See Blog – How to Decorate Behind A Radiator
A system that has been left idle for some time can suffer from a buildup of sludge at the bottom of the radiator, which may have to be taken into consideration even before you start the decorating task!
Unfortunately, over time central heating systems and especially the radiators are vulnerable to a buildup of hard, thick sludge within the heating system and pipework. If you leave untreated, you could find that your boiler has to work harder in order to provide your property with enough heat.
See Blog – The Importance of Maintaining Your Heating System
See Blog – Removing Central Heating Radiators
By having to physically remove a radiator is fraught with difficulties as care must be taken to protect the flooring and carpet, making sure you have dust sheets beneath the radiator before you begin, as radiator sludge is very dirty and can stain your carpet.
Make sure that you have a container ready to pour the radiator contents into, and then it is advised you take the radiator into the garden and use a hose to flush through the radiator and clean it out.
See Blog – Draining Down The Radiator -V- Rotarad Removal Kit
If you are even thinking of fitting the Rotarad kits to a wall which you want to tile or has already been tiled the picture below shows a radiator in a bathroom.
This enables you to use full-length strips of wallpaper to run down the ceiling to the floor behind radiators which helps to overcome future peeling issues.
From the pictures below as you can see from the first picture, the radiator has been lowered down to floor level which allows access to prepare the surface for painting.
The second picture shows the superior results that can be achieved without the need to remove the radiator.
By allowing you full access behind radiators shows a superior result can be achieved without the need to remove your radiators, also the other hidden benefit is you can easily clean your radiators periodically with superior hygiene results.
See Blog – How To Clean House Radiators
See Blog - How To Clean White Radiators
]]>See blog - Central Heating Season Is Upon Us
See blog – The Importance Of Maintaining your Heating System
But in decorating terms, we have more of a love-hate relationship with our radiator, we adore the fact that they keep us warm, but dislike them for taking up our precious wall space especially when it comes to decorating.
Whether you are painting or wallpapering your radiators, will be one of the main obstacles to overcome to achieve a satisfactory quality finish for you and your home.
This is a problem that has existed for decades following the introduction of steel panel radiators that are static and have little or no access.
This can become a very messy job when draining down the radiator before you decorate – as you can see from the pictures below.
See Blog - Draining Down The Radiator -V- Rotarad Removal Kit
If you are painting your walls there are long reach mini rollers available that can fit down the back of your radiator, but this can become very time consuming and frustrating as it is difficult to see if all the wall has been covered and by getting paint on the back of the radiator!
If you are wallpapering, this can be more difficult as you have to feed the wallpaper down the back of the radiator each side and between the wall brackets, making it difficult to remove air bubbles and secure the edges of the paper, which can result in the paper eventually starting to peel away from the wall.
The picture below shows the wallpaper starting to peel from below the top of the radiator!
See Blog – How To Wallpaper Behind Radiators
See Blog - How To Decorate Behind A Radiator
Picture 1 – Release the radiator from the wall retaining brackets.
Picture 2 – Shows the radiator being supported at 45 Degrees by 2 safety wires.
Picture 3 – Shows lowering the radiator to floor level after releasing the safety wires.
Picture 4 – Shows the radiator lowered to floor level which allows instant access.
Conclusion
By upgrading the method of your radiator installation and converting a fixed radiator to an accessible radiator by retrofit.
Once installed Rotarad can take away the stress of decorating behind your radiator, as you can see from the picture below it can also prevent the shock to what can accumulate behind a radiator without no access.
Having full access also for periodic cleaning can prevent such build-ups of dust and fibres by allowing you access to use your filtered vacuum cleaners.
See Blog – How To Clean House Radiators
See Blog - How Much Dust Does A Radiator Give Off
]]>Radiators can be one of the main hurdles we experience when we come to decorate, which can be time-consuming and very frustrating to achieve a satisfactory finish that we want to achieve in our homes!
The removal of a radiator can be a time consuming and messy job for most of us if we do not have the DIY expertise, making it a task we would not want to tackle.
The alternative would be to call out your local Plumber to remove your radiator and then to return to have to replace after decorating, which can significantly increase your decorating costs!
This can become a recurring ongoing cost each time you come to decorate or even when you need to deep clean your radiators if not addressed!
Removing wallpaper from behind a radiator can be a difficult task but, in some cases, the existing wallpaper may only cover the area that can be seen or reached, making it possible to remove it!
But if all the wall behind the radiator is papered there is no easy way or quick solution to remove all the existing paper, other than to remove the radiator to gain access and to use a steamer or scraper to remove the remaining inaccessible wallpaper.
To remove all this paper from the wall behind the radiator requires full access to make a very difficult job more practical.
See Blog – How to decorate behind a radiator
See Blog – How to Paint Behind a Radiator Without Removing It
See Blog – How to Remove a Radiator for Painting
Picture 1 – Shows the remaining wallpaper that is inaccessible to reach behind the fixed radiator
Picture 2 – Shows you require full access to use a scraper or steamer to remove the remaining wallpaper.
Picture 3 – Shows the radiator at floor level giving full access to remove all remaining wallpaper.
The ideal solution to decorate or clean behind radiators is to have radiators that can allow instant full access in a matter of seconds without the need of removal, disconnection, or the need for tools!
Rotarad can make it possible by installing our unique radiator retrofit upgrade kit. The radiator kits are now being used successfully in the healthcare sector over the past 6 years to enable deep cleaning of radiators, to reduce the risk of airborne infections and to improve hygiene standards with ongoing reduced cleaning and maintenance costs!
See Rotarad Video – Healthcare Sector
See Blog – Can You Be Allergic to Central Heating Radiators
See Blog – How Much Dust does A Radiator Give Off
Alternatively, this would be the ideal time to consider installing your new replacement steel panel radiator with a Rotarad Retro-fit Radiator care kit.
Once installed the Rotarad care kit allows you instant full access for future cleaning and decorating behind your radiator when required without the need to remove or drain down the radiator in the future at an affordable price!
By fitting a basic radiator care kit to “Clean Accessible Radiators Easily”, this will overcome the need for future radiator removals to decorate or fully clean behind them and for the future wellbeing of all occupants.
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By not taking the radiator away from the wall, as you can see from the picture below leaves you with the difficulty of removing any existing wallpaper.
If you have radiators in your home, it can make jobs such as painting and wallpaper a lot more difficult.
If you decide not to cover all the wall that is behind your radiator this is the equivalent of leaving the redecorating job half done. Although you can have a professional to remove the radiator for you, this can become somewhat costly when it comes to decorating!
See Blog – Removing Central Heating Radiators
When you wallpaper behind a radiator without removing it, this can become a difficult task to cover all the wall completely.
We at Rotarad believe that even if it’s hidden all the wall should be either painted or wallpapered, and not just extended as far as is easily accomplished by the reach of the decorator’s hand when wallpapering.
It can also be very difficult to brush the air out from behind the wallpaper to stick it to the wall to prevent air pockets, which can eventually allow the wallpaper to peel away from the wall.
To overcome this problem results in another difficult task that is to remove the radiator to gain full access, this can be time-consuming and messy with unseen problems if you do it yourself.
See Blog – Draining Down The Radiator -V- Rotarad Removal Kit
See Blog - How to Decorate Behind A Radiator
See Blog – How to Remove A Radiator From The Wall For Decorating
This is time that you should consider removing any accumulated dust from the wall and behind your radiators before you start wallpapering. If your radiators are looking very tired and dated this would also be a good time to consider replacing them.
By thoroughly cleaning and removing the dust rather than pushing the dust further down you improve the quality of air both you and your family breathe in. This can reduce the symptoms of dust allergies and asthma.
The dirt and dust that lurks behind our radiators are pushed into the air from the very heat our radiators emit. Indoor air quality is a huge issue in people’s homes and in public places such as hospitals.
By cleaning your radiators at least once a year before you use them in the Autumn season, as having radiators unused over the summer months causes large accumulations of dust.
See Blog – How to Clean House Radiators
See Blog – Cleaning Dust from Radiators
Picture 1 – Shows the wallpaper strip fitted to the wall above the radiator with the bottom part of the paper folded under to allow you to lower the radiator.
Picture 2 – Shows the radiator lowered to the floor to allow you to unfold the paper to reach down to the floor.
Picture 3 – By having the radiator down to floor level this then enables you to tuck or thread the paper between the bottom of the radiator and the wall, which allows you to brush the paper to the wall to remove all the air for the full adhesion to the wall.
Picture 4 – Lift the radiator and secure back on the wall with top brackets then score to mark and trim the bottom of the wallpaper. Brush to the wall for the final finish!
By being able to move the radiator in one allows for stress-free quick decorating, wallpapering and cleaning. Having instant full access would be the ideal solution to overcome these difficulties.
Installing Rotarad enables you to achieve superior standards of decorating and hygiene with instant access to easily maintain ongoing improved standards of hygiene for your home and wellbeing.
]]>Radiators can be one of the main obstacles we experience when we come to decorate, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to achieve a satisfactory finish we require in our homes.
Removing a radiator can be a difficult task when it comes to decorating behind it – this is something that you may never even think about when it comes to decorating!
The use of a long reach paint roller is the main option at the moment to overcome this difficult task, but this is not really the ideal solution as it can be difficult to see and there is no guarantee it will cover all the wall behind a fixed radiator!
When decorating a room, there are often pipes and radiators in the way, or tight gaps and awkward spaces which are difficult to workaround.
This is probably the most straight forward option to give you full and complete access if you feel confident you have the relevant DIY skills.
If you don’t know how to remove it this can become quite costly if you need to call out your local plumber to remove and then to replace it!
You will need:
Step 1 - Shut off the inlet and outlet valves.
Step 2 - Place a container under the radiator connectors.
Step 3 - Fit the bleed key ready to let in air to control the water flow
Step 4 – Once you have released the nut at one end of radiator above the container and bulk of the water has run out repeat the same at the other end of the radiator.
Step 5 - When all the water stops running out fully disconnect both outlets then close the bleed valves.
Step 6 – Gently lift the radiator from the brackets and tile the radiator cover to remove remaining water.
We advise you to be cautious as the water could be black and could stain the floor area especially carpet!
Step 7 - Then tip your radiator upside down to carry it out of the way, this will prevent any remaining water and drips escaping out of the radiator!
Step 8 - If you are leaving the radiator for any length of time you need to cap off your thermostatic valve to prevent automatic opening. You are now ready to decorate!
Once you have finished decorating behind the radiator you have to reverse the process to install the radiator, or if you don’t want to carry out this task you can call out your Plumber!
See Blog – Draining Down the Radiator -V- Rotarad Removal Kit
BEWARE DUST IS AN ISSUE!
Make sure before decorating the wall behind the radiator, you have cleaned away years of accumulated contaminated dust, this also includes the skirting boards and the wall behind the radiator as these too can become very dusty!
See Blogs –
Cleaning Dust from Radiators
Tips To Clean Behind a Radiator
How to Clean House Radiators
If you have a radiator cover the dust that has accumulated could be far worse, as this is the one place that is neglected as the Radiator is never seen!
See picture below of dust accumulation with a radiator cover
See Blogs: How must Dust Does a Radiator Give Off?
Can you be allergic to Central Heating Radiators?
There is now a 3rd option which can allow you instant access without the need to remove the radiators.
No Tools Required – Instant Access!
By being able to remove the radiator in one allows for stress-free quick decorating, wallpapering and cleaning.
By thoroughly cleaning and removing the dust rather than pushing the dust further down you improve the quality of air both you and your family breathe in. This can reduce the symptoms of dust allergies and asthma.
The dirt and dust that lurks behind our radiators are pushed into the air from the very heat our radiators emit. Indoor air quality is a huge issue in people’s homes and in public places such as hospitals.
By cleaning your radiators at least once a year before you use them in the Autumn season, as having radiators unused over the summer months causes large accumulations of dust.
]]>Radiators are of the many to-do-cleaning tasks that we don’t even think about when we want to keep on top our house cleaning!
A clean white dust-free radiator not only looks attractive, but it functions more efficiently!
If a radiator is left and you never clean it thoroughly, in time it will accumulate a significant amount of dust especially behind and in between the fins!
If you look behind the radiator you may not be very happy with what you see dust, cobwebs and other mysterious debris can easily find a home between the fins and not forgetting behind the radiator!
See Blogs:
How Much Dust Does a Radiator Give Off
Do Radiators Circulate Allergens
It is recommended to give your radiators a good deep clean at least once a year to clear away all that accumulated dust and dirt and stains!
Try and get into the habit when cleaning around the home to include your radiators regularly to keep them nice and white using a cloth and some warm water!
Remember a clean radiator helps to keep the heating costs down!
If the fins are dusty and dirty this will make your boiler work harder to keep the system warm!
See Blogs:
How To Remove Central Heating Radiators To Clean Behind
When clean radiators heat the air, the hot air rises and when the hot air rises, the cold air then is drawn in beneath and through the radiator – which realistically means that your radiator essentially becomes a big hoover/vacuum drawing the air through the bottom and pushing out through the top.
The air is continually recirculated when the radiator is in use. The hotter the radiator the stronger the air currents as the heat intensifies the flow.
Every room in your house has a BTU rating which is the amount of heat output that the room needs to be sufficiently heated, the best way to get an accurate calculation would be to contact a local plumber.
If the output of the radiator drops too much, then you won't just feel uncomfortable. Your home will begin to accumulate moisture. Moisture that is being allowed to create humidity in your home which can then develop into mould issues around the home.
Remember if you have a build of dirt and dust in between the fins and behind the radiator – you may be inviting a damp problem that in time can only get worse if ignored!
The NHS frequency of cleaning is quoted as being ‘High-Risk Areas’ and one full clean a day, high-risk areas such as consultancy rooms, treatment rooms and any minor surgery may take place!
Low-risk areas such as storage rooms, meeting rooms require one full clean a month.
See Keele University Research Report – (Page 31 and Page 32)
Radiators and Their Relationship to Indoor Air Quality Issues
See Video - https://rotarad.com/pages/videos (Contour Testimonial)
Our video demonstrates a deep clean using a filter vacuum cleaner to remove all dust from inside and the back of the radiator!
By having full access behind your radiators for periodic cleaning would be the ultimate solution to remove this unseen dust problem, keeping your radiator looking clean and white all over!
We at Rotarad recommend that by deep cleaning your radiators especially also behind, can help to prevent increased contaminated dust exposure levels in the air you breathe indoors during the winter months.
There are circa. 190 million radiators installed across the UK of which a high proportion are not cleaned putting occupants at increased risk of allergic reactions.
]]>If your radiators are failing to perform, this could be the time to replace them!
Today’s modern radiators can be far more effective, economical and efficient If you are looking for a way to save money on your energy bills.
By updating and replacing your old radiators that are no longer working properly, will ensure that your home is being heated more efficiently!
There is a general guideline that you should replace your radiators every 15 to 20 years, if they are getting near to their end of life, we would recommend you are mindful of how they are performing!
When replacing a Radiator, we would recommend that you would have to be a competent DIYer and that you feel confident about your Plumbing Skills.
OR it is recommended that you call out a qualified Plumber as this can be a tedious task to remove the radiator!
We often take it for granted that radiators are a feature in the home and that we forget to even consider that they are performing their duties without us giving them any care or attention!
If you are moving to a new home be aware that the Radiators may have been installed for a number of years without ever having received any maintenance!
Before you replace your radiators be aware that if you are installing larger units or additional radiators make sure that your boiler will be up to handling the workload.
Boilers require more maintenance and servicing and usually, radiators are left and not changed as they do have a longer lifespan but can become outdated.
The benefits of replacing your boiler cannot last forever if it has been supplying water to outdated radiators!
It is very important you check the wall where you are installing your radiator onto.
If you come across and crumbling bits of plaster or cracks it would be advised to make the necessary repairs before you fit the new radiator.
The best way to make replacing your radiator easier is to choose a replacement that has identical pipe centres, this is the distance between the two water pipes that your old radiator was fixed to.
Note: If you are fitting a different size radiator you will need to drain down the system and make alterations to your pipework, making sure that you have drained the system properly before you begin.
If you are fitting your radiator to a wall constructed from bricks and blocks held together with cement), you’ll have a wide variety of radiators to choose from to get the job done.
This type of wall is far stronger than any plaster board walls, with the correct fixings and brackets, larger radiators can be placed on almost any part of the wall!
If the wall you are fixing your radiator to is made from plasterboard, with a hollow space behind it you will need to determine exactly where the studs and noggins run.
The studs and noggins are the horizontal or vertical lengths of timber that your plasterboard has been attached to.
The studs in a plasterboard wall form the stronger part, so make sure your radiator is attached to these for it to remain secure and safe.
There are normally two valves, one at either end of the radiator.
One is the flow and returns valve and the other valve is a lockshield valve and the other is a manual control valve or thermostatic valve.
On the left is a lockshield valve, the middle is a thermostatic valve and the one on the right is a lockshield with drain off.
The drain off valve can be used to drain the individual radiator or can be used to drain off the whole system.
Once you are sure the radiator is empty of water undo the two union nuts which are fastened to the radiator.
To do this grab the valves with a pair of water pump pliers which will prevent the pipes from being damaged when undoing the union nuts.
Make sure you cap the radiator thermostatic valve as if this is not done could cause flooding in the house.
Reposition bowl to collect water from the other side of the radiator.
IMPORTANT – INHIBITING YOUR CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM
The best time to do this is when your system is empty.
It's always best to administer your central heating inhibitor via a radiator. This should always be done from a low point in the property (such as a radiator downstairs).
Simply add your radiator inhibitor to the radiator using a funnel to avoid spillage.
Then refill your system with fresh water through the system’s expansion tank.
Upon next use, the freshwater will spread your central heating inhibitor evenly throughout your heating system.
See blog – The Importance Of Maintaining Your Heating System
Alternatively, this would be the ideal time to consider installing your new replacement steel panel radiator with a Rotarad Retro-fit Radiator care kit.
Once installed the Rotarad care kit allows you instant full access for future cleaning and decorating behind your radiator when required without the need to remove or drain down the radiator in the future at an affordable price!
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