Why you need Autovents

Air in central heating systems shouldn't be there – but it’s a fact of life for even the best designed central heating systems.

Water naturally contains approximately 15% of air by volume. According to ‘Henry’s Law’ this is displaced if the water in the system is heated or the system experiences a pressure drop – resulting in air trapped in the radiators and boiler.

Even if you bleed all the air from the radiators (by manually using the key) it can return through ‘micro-gaps’ in the system, which don’t allow water out, but allow air back in! For some systems this can be a continual problem as water acts like a sponge – when it cools and contracts it can absorb more air which is released again when heated.

Air in the radiators reduces their energy output (in some cases by more than 60%), increases corrosion of the radiators (requiring the use of corrosion inhibitors), reduces the life of the circulating pump, and causes irritating noises. Radiators can be bled manually by using a traditional ‘bleed key’ but valves often become jammed and when you do manage to open it rusty water stains the carpet!

An Aladdin Autovent makes the use of the key an unnecessary and outmoded operation. Aladdin microvalves automatically de-aerate the system – once fitted to the radiators they keep the central heating system completely topped up with water and operating at full efficiency.