We live in a world where our home appliances talk back. We’re not talking about Alexa or SIRI, we’re talking about our more analogue appliances. The toaster buzzes, the microwave hums and our radiators can click. Our homes are constantly making noise, and except for putting in earplugs if it gets especially discordant, there’s not much we can do about it. Although not as loud as the ovens extractor fan or the rattle of a washing machine, the radiator can cause a racket if you let it.

With so many models out there, such as vertical dual fuels and wall mounted electric radiators, you’d have thought that the constant innovations in the industry would make radiators exempt from noise. Unfortunately, our heating units have no noise cancelling properties, and a range of components that can clank, rattle and click. Below is a rundown of some of the reasons why radiators can make so much noise, and some of the ways you can minimise it.

 

Central heating piping

One of the ways that central heating radiators make noise is through the central heating piping. Water runs through the piping in and around your radiator, usually warming up in the process. The hot water and cold pipes can interact with each other, leading to the metal of the piping to expand and contract. This can create creaks and groans not only from within your radiator, but from the walls of your home themselves.

 

Water dripping

As water fills up inside of your radiator, you’ll begin to hear drips and flushing noises. This is perfectly normal as the radiator system is filling up and the water pressure ensures there is at least some noise in your radiator system. The good thing is that as soon as the radiator system has filled up, the noise should stop.

 

Thermostat clicking

This is one noise which is the same for all radiators. The thermostat is the nozzle on the bottom side of your radiator which controls and maintains the maximum temperature it can heat to. Once set, whether manually or automatically, it will make a clicking noise as it pushes the temperature of your radiator to the desired level.

 

What is quieter?

There are a lot of differences between a central heating radiator and an electric one. Alongside the different power inputs, the radiators have different components which make different levels of a loud radiator. If you’re looking to buy a radiator but are especially keen on noise reduction within your heating system, it is a good idea to know which type will keep the quietest.

 

Central heating

Central heating radiators can potentially be very noisy. The reason for this is not only the unit itself, but the components and external parts of the system. As mentioned above, water piping can lead to a lot of noise alongside the pressurised water system which is used to heat up central heating radiators.

 

Electric

Electric radiators are a lot quieter than central heating radiators. The reason for this is that they do not have the same water piping system, and so rely solely on silent electricity. The only noise you should hear from an electric radiator is the clicking of the thermostat.

 

How To Quieten Down a Loud Radiator

Regular bleeding of your central heating system should stop your loud radiator from making more noise than they should. This is because the balancing of the water within your system and the ridding of air pockets will ensure the smooth working for your radiator system.

Whilst electric radiators are not supposed to make much noise, there can be problems with its instalment and settings which could lead to their being noisier than usual. These are often easily rectified problems.

 

Checking the mounting bracket

One reason for recurring or increasing noise in your electric radiator is that the mounting brackets haven’t been installed correctly. This is because a properly mounted radiator will be aligned to counteract the expansion of the heated metal. To check your mounting brackets, turn off your radiator and take it off the wall. Lay it on the floor and turn it on to see if it is still making noise. If it isn’t the problem is probably with the mounting brackets, at which point you should reinstall the radiator body properly.

 

Checking the screws

An unscrewed radiator could be a reason for more noise. After turning off your radiator, check each screw on your heating unit body and tighten each accordingly. Turn the radiator back on to check if the noise has diminished.