Oil filled radiator not heating: causes and solutions

hot water radiator not heating
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

An oil filled radiator is a kind of a radiator which requires oil to function and helps warm the house centrally. This appliance is useful especially for those who live in the colder regions of the world or those who experience colder weather conditions. One of the main problems with such a radiator is oil filled radiator not heating. This basically defeats the purpose of having the device altogether. There could be many reasons for this and this article will help you identify a few and also find solutions to them. They are given as follows:

1. Thermostatic valve cut off

REASON: One of the most common reasons for oil filled radiator not heating could be thermostatic valve cut off. This may happen due to the temperature difference between the setting and the room.  Sometimes when the room temperature is higher than the setting then this could happen.

SOLUTION: The best way to solve this issues is to turn the valve to bring it to a higher temperature setting. This will help lower the temperature difference.

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2. Controller or time switch may have failed

REASON: Another possible explanation of oil filled radiator not working could be a failed controller or time switch.  For this you need to check the time switch or the controller and see that it is at the correct setting.

SOLUTION: If not, make sure you change the setting and then check the heating of the oil filled radiator.

Controller of oil filled radiator
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

3. Airlock in pipe work

REASON: Another reason why your oil filled radiator may not be heating as much as it should is airlock in pipe work.  This usually happens in the case when the radiators are below the level of the feeding pipes.

SOLUTION: In this case you may have to change the level so that the airlock can be removed and the radiator begins to function back normally and starts heating.

airlock in pipework could be the reason for oil filled radiator not working
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

4. Problem with the power supply or cord

REASON: Have you checked the power supply in case your oil filled radiator is not heating?Sometimes if the power cord is not working properly then the device may not work at all.

SOLUTION: Well make sure that the power cord is connected to the supply. If yes, then make sure the power supply is working by plugging on some other appliance to it. Also make sure that the power cord is functioning properly and is not damaged or broken from any part.

power cord
Image Credits: costway

5. Bleeding required

REASON: If you haven’t bled your radiator for a long time then it could be creating certain problems in the heating.

SOLUTION: Thus it is necessary that you bleed out steam from the radiator. This needs to be done every now and then to ensure optimum performance.  However if your appliance needs bleeding on a very regular basis, then this could be a problem which needs to be resolved. To bleed steam out of an oil filled radiator you can use a radiator key or a screwdriver to turn the valve counterclockwise until water starts to drip out. This shall release all the trapped air.

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If you are planning to buy a new Radiator we have a few more recommendations for you:-

Now that you know the various reasons for oil filled radiator not heating, you can solve the issue on your own as well. But in some cases, you may need professional advice or consultation. In such a case, you can contact Mr Right services for general home appliances repair.

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9 Comments

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  2. 2

    It is a shame when someone goes out of there way to help people and in return you get mocked by people who don’t know very much about radiators.
    There are a large range of different oil filled radiators and some have sealed systems and some are accessible and some are not but all can have these side affects.
    I know you know your stuff and if they want accuracy its not steam its Nitrogen from the rust that comes from the metal that tends to be weathered.
    I know this could have faults in the script too but i was always taught to show respect to those that help me not to cuss them, Some never got that what a shame.

  3. 3

    I had my oil filled radiator heater for only one winter and it won’t come on now. I’m reading that they can last up to 15 years. So needless to say, I am very dissatisfied with this product.

  4. 4

    I have one Bajaj Majesty RH11 Fin F plus oil heater purchased in 2015. Now it is not heating properly. Technician changed
    trip switch over today. Thermostate is working fine. But then also, heater not working fine.

  5. 5

    Doubt you’ll read this, but this helped immensely. I had been using the 900 watt setting on my space heater and it seemed like my room was constantly cold. When you posted this Post and showed the thermal cutoff being on the high side, I started using the 600-watt setting. Now my room is MUCH more comfortable. Thank you!

  6. 6

    So you say ‘to bleed ****STEAM**** out of an ****OIL**** filled radiator turn the key to release the trapped air until ****WATER**** starts to drip out.’

    Its an OIL heater 🤷🏻‍♂️

  7. 7
  8. 8

    Nice blog. It will surely help beginners update their knowledge. The efforts you have put in to create the posts are quite interesting. Looking forward to seeing you soon in a new post.

    However, you may feel that they are at a loss when confronted with a wide variety of oil filled heater available these days.

  9. 9

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