Heating costs are currently at an all-time high which means households will be looking for the most effective ways to save on energy bills.
An unexpected bill of hundreds of pounds for fixing a dodgy boiler could put a dent into household expenses when it can be avoided by a “free 10-minute hack”, according to a spokesperson for leading trades training firm Engineering Real Results.
They said: “Many households are looking for handy tricks to cut down on energy usage and sometimes they are forgetting how even the smallest things can make a big difference.
“Dirt, rust and scale can accumulate inside radiators to create a sludge which flows through the system. This reduces the effectiveness of the appliances and makes the radiator hot on top but cool at the bottom, forcing it to use more energy to heat your home.
“On top of that, sludge is an incredibly common cause of boiler breakdowns, which can cost anywhere between £100 and £500 to repair.
“Giving all of the radiators in your home a deep clean at least once a year takes minimal effort but can make a big difference in your pocket.”
Radiators work by allowing hot water from the boiler to circulate through them, heating the air nearby which is then transferred around a room through convection.
Experts recommend bleeding radiators, allowing trapped air to escape, at least once a year to “improve their effectiveness and reduce energy waste”.
The ERR spokesman added: “Bleeding all the radiators in your home can be a quick and easy way to maximise the heat they produce and ensure they are as energy efficient as possible.
“This should be done once a year, even if you think they are already working properly.”
It might be that your radiators are taking longer than usual to heat up, they are not as warm at the top as they should be, or there are cold spots.
Bleeding removes any air bubbles that could be stopping the hot water from circulating properly, putting more strain on your boiler and therefore harming its efficiency.
Removing sludge can be done in several easy steps, starting with switching off your central heating and letting the radiator cool down.
Lay down some sheets or towels beneath the appliance, turn off the radiator valves and begin to bleed it and drain it of water.
Disconnect the radiator from the wall, remove it from its brackets and take it to an outside space, being careful not to let any remaining residue or water drip on carpets or floors.
Once you’re outside, attach a hose pipe to an inlet of the radiator valve and switch on the water at full blast to thoroughly flush the inside, stopping when the water from the inlet on the other side is running completely clear.
Next, all that is needed is to reconnect the radiator to the wall like before and the job is complete.
