A homeowner who removed several radiators to prep and paint walls wondered if it was safe to turn on their heating system. For advice, they turned to Reddit's r/DIYUK forum.
Here's what to know
"I took off three radiators to get walls skimmed and painted," the original poster explained. "I still need to prep and paint two of those rooms, but wife wants to turn heating on as temps are going down this week and we both work from home."
In the comments, many users indicated that the situation would not pose a safety concern, though the rooms with the radiators removed would not receive any heat.
"Yes — absolutely fine," one wrote. "This is the same as having the radiator turned off at the valve as far as your heating system is concerned."
"Yes, it's no different to setting the [thermostatic radiator valve] to 'off,'" another added.
More background
The thread also filled up with jokes about the missing radiators.
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"I think the radiator is one of the more essential elements in allowing the central heating system to actually heat the room," one commenter wrote, stating the obvious.
"That's just what radiator salesmen want you to believe so they can sell more radiators," someone else responded.
"Big radiator hates this one trick," another person chimed in, mimicking a frequently-used online advertising trope.
On a serious note, some commenters explained why turning off some radiators would not impact others.
"Underneath the floor the pipes are set in parallel, so turning off one radiator doesn't affect the rest like in series," one said.
Where can I learn more?
For homeowners trying to get the most out of their heating systems, these stories cover common HVAC issues.
• HVAC experts say putting aluminum foil behind radiators can reflect heat.
• Heating professionals warned that a popular home heating hack can waste money and energy.
• Homeowners can cut winter costs by running a ceiling fan clockwise to recirculate warm air.
• A climate communicator said modern heat pumps can work even in temperatures near minus-30.
• In France, researchers examined whether banning gas boiler heaters could reduce pollution.
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