Energy experts at Which? have shared four simple radiator tasks that could help UK households warm rooms faster and reduce heating costs this winter.
Temperatures across the UK have dropped sharply in recent weeks, prompting many households to switch on their heating and turn up their radiators in a bid to stay warm. Radiators can prove invaluable during the autumn and winter months, yet homeowners may be unknowingly hindering their ability to heat rooms effectively.
The ever-rising cost of energy bills remains a persistent concern, leaving some people facing a difficult choice between keeping their homes adequately heated and managing soaring costs during the colder months. Experts at Which? have recently urged households to carry out four straightforward tasks to ensure radiators are performing at their peak, maximising heat output while avoiding unnecessary energy wastage and keeping bills in check.
These tasks need not take long at all, yet they can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your heating system.
Remove dust from the middle of the radiator
The first step worth considering is giving your radiator a long overdue clean. It may come as a surprise just how much dust can accumulate on a radiator without you noticing.
A build-up of dust can reduce a radiator's efficiency, preventing heat from circulating freely into the room. To tackle any trapped or hard-to-reach dust, a specially designed radiator duster is available to purchase, capable of getting in between the radiator's panels with ease.
A radiator duster is an elongated, slender, flexible cleaning tool crafted to slide between and behind radiator fins, removing trapped dust, fluff, and allergens. Simply insert the duster into the middle of the radiator and watch the dust fall away to the floor.
Install radiator foil and move large items
Radiator reflector foil is a thin panel or sheet specially engineered to prevent heat from escaping through the backs of radiators. These are typically constructed from foil or another reflective material, and are sometimes padded with a slim layer of insulation.
This helps to maximise the heat output from your radiator while preventing warmth from seeping through the walls. Radiator reflector foil proves particularly effective when your radiator is positioned against an external wall.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, radiator reflectors can reduce your carbon footprint and save up to £18 and £20 on your energy bills, in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, respectively. For those without access to radiator reflector foil, Which? suggested that households could use kitchen foil as a budget-friendly alternative.
Simply measure the gap between the radiator brackets, trim the foil accordingly, and secure it in place using double-sided tape.
If you have a sofa, table, or any other large piece of furniture positioned in front of your radiator, you could be unwittingly undermining your heating system. The simple solution is to move the furniture away from the radiator, leaving a gap of at least one foot between the two.
Which? said: "This will help the radiator to heat your space quicker."
Bleed the radiator
Another worthwhile task is to bleed your radiators. Doing so will help to release any trapped air that has built up inside the appliance.
Air causes blockages in radiators, collecting at the highest point of the unit, as it is lighter than water. This prevents the hot water from reaching the upper portion of the radiator, forcing it downwards.
To bleed a radiator, you will need to switch off the heating and allow between 20 to 30 minutes for it to cool down fully. Place a cloth, towel, or container directly beneath the bleed valve to catch any water that escapes.
Insert your radiator key or a flat-head screwdriver and turn it slowly anticlockwise. You will begin to hear a hissing sound as the trapped air starts to be released.
Once water begins to flow or spurt out rather than air, turn the key clockwise to close it securely, but take care not to overtighten the valve. Exercise caution when bleeding radiators, and if you're unsure about the process, it's advisable to call in a professional for assistance.
