As the chill of winter sets in, many Brits are cranking up their heating to keep cosy indoors; however, for some, having the heating on all day is a luxury they can’t afford due to high energy costs. But fear not, as there are ways to save money and reduce your energy bills.
Consumer experts at Which? have shared four simple radiator hacks that could save you hundreds of pounds this year. These easy adjustments can both enhance the warmth in your home and save you a significant amount of money, and should be followed whenever you switch on your heating, especially if you’re aiming to cut down on expenditure.
This advice follows Martin Lewis’ recent suggestion to place a common kitchen item on radiators to improve heating efficiency this winter. He told people using the kitchen staple can work to maximise heat in the home.
Dust and clean your radiators
Before turning on your heating, it’s recommended to give your radiators a thorough clean. Dusty radiators are less effective at warming your space as the dust acts as an insulator, blocking airflow and making the system work harder to heat a room.
Not only does cleaning your radiators improve their efficiency, but it also provides a satisfying sense of cleanliness. Remember, dust build-up insulates the fins and obstructs airflow, causing the system to exert more effort to warm a room.
This can lead to increased energy bills and can also deteriorate air quality due to circulating allergens. Regular cleaning, particularly of the internal fins, is crucial to maintain radiators in working condition.
Use foil
As suggested by Martin Lewis, installing foil behind radiators can help to enhance the heat, especially on external walls. You can purchase special foil for radiators, but aluminium foil is also suitable to use.
To do it correctly, you simply need to measure the gap between your radiator brackets, then cut the foil accordingly. When using standard foil, double-sided tape can secure it in position.
Back in 2022, Martin Lewis first alerted viewers to this budget-friendly heating trick on his programme, the Martin Lewis Money Show Live. He revealed that positioning foil behind your radiator could reflect essential heat back into your property.
Move large items
If you have any large items, such as sofas, near radiators, you need to move them. Experts advise leaving a one foot gap between your radiator and any other furniture in your house.
This will assist your radiator in heating the space quicker, and aid your bills. Blocking radiators can obstruct heat circulation and also decrease heating efficiency.
In essence, this means doing so will make your home colder and cost you more money. Warm air needs to be able to circulate freely.
Bleed them
Before the chill of winter sets in, it’s advisable to bleed your radiators to eliminate any trapped air. You don’t want air in your radiators; instead, you want them filled with hot water, making this a task worth undertaking.
To bleed a radiator, begin by switching off your heating and allowing it to cool down. Then, place a towel and a container beneath the radiator’s bleed valve to catch any potential drips.
You’ll require a radiator key or screwdriver to gradually open the valve. This can be done by turning it anti-clockwise until a hissing sound is heard.
Once the hissing ceases and water begins to drip, you should then close the valve by turning it clockwise. After completion, you can switch the heating back on and check the boiler pressure.
If you encounter difficulties, or require any advice, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber for assistance.