Now that the UK has started to cool down again after the summer, many homeowners are ready to switch on their heating systems. But before the temperature drops too far, experts are urging households to complete one simple maintenance task—or risk higher energy costs throughout the winter.
Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance expert at Domestic & General, explained how a common issue with radiators could be the reason energy bills go up, seemingly out of nowhere. “Bleeding your radiators is important because when they are working inefficiently, they can drive up the cost of your energy bills,” he warned. The problem is that trapped air inside radiators prevents hot water from circulating effectively, meaning the system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature.
If your radiator feels cold at the top and hot at the bottom, you may have found the solution. If it makes strange gurgling or banging sounds, it could be another sign that air is stuck inside.
It’s important to take action now to prevent this issue from escalating and impacting your heating efficiency.
“As a part of standard maintenance, you should bleed your radiators at least once a year,” the expert pointed out.
However, if your radiators are still underperforming after bleeding, it may be time to call in a professional to check for further issues.
How to bleed radiators
1. Turn off the heating
Switch off your central heating and allow the radiators to cool completely. Prepare a radiator key, a cloth, a bucket or mug to catch water, and wear safety gloves and clothing to protect against hot water.
2. Bleed the radiator
Place a bucket or cloth under the valve. Insert the radiator key into the valve at the top of the radiator and turn it counterclockwise. Ian explained: “As you do this, you should hear a hissing sound; this is the air leaving the radiator.”
Let the air escape fully. Once the hissing stops and water starts to drip, close the valve tightly.
3. Check the system and test
“Once you have closed the valve again, you need to check the pressure on your boiler. If it is too low, you can put more water into the system using a filling loop,” said Ian.
Turn your heating back on and feel the radiator. If it’s still not warming properly, a repair may be needed.
