With colder weather on the way, energy bills are set to soar once again, leaving households up and down the country scrambling to find ways to keep their homes warm without spending a fortune. The answer to this could be hiding in plain sight, and it’ll cost you less than a coffee or even a £1 bag of sweets.
A simple radiator bleeding key, available for just 99p, could save Brits up to £350 this coming season. This quick, easy, and cheap fix ensures that radiators will heat efficiently by releasing trapped air, preventing cold spots, and stopping boilers from overworking. Glen Peskett, DIY expert at circular saw blade supplier, Saxton Blades, said: “Bleeding your radiators is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to cut energy bills.
“It only takes a few minutes and a tiny investment, but it can make a huge difference when the heating season hits.
“Ideally, you should bleed your radiators at the start of autumn, before the cold weather sets in and the heating goes on full-time. This way, your system is running at maximum efficiency when you need it most.”
Bleeding your radiators prevents air from becoming trapped. Trapped air can stop hot water from circulating properly, which can leave some areas of your home cold while still forcing your boiler to burn more energy.
Glen added: “By simply turning the bleed valve with a bleeding key, trapped air escapes, allowing your heating system to work efficiently, and saving you money.”
How to bleed your radiator:
- Start by turning off your heating and letting the radiators cool.
- Locate the bleed valve at the top of each radiator.
- Insert the key and turn counterclockwise until air hisses out and water flows steadily.
- Close the valve, check boiler pressure, and top up if needed.