Households are being urged to bleed their radiators before September arrives to help keep winter energy bills in check. The simple task, recommended by energy experts Selectra, costs nothing and can noticeably reduce what you pay to heat your home.
Why bleeding radiators matters
As temperatures drop and households reach for the thermostat, rising energy bills become a concern. Bleeding radiators while the heating system is switched off helps restore efficiency, according to Selectra, who recommend doing it in August.
The experts said: "Bleeding your radiators costs nothing, yet it can noticeably cut what you pay to heat your home."
How to bleed radiators
The job requires only a radiator bleed key and a cloth or small container. Begin with the radiator closest to the boiler and work through to those furthest away.
Place the container beneath the bleed valve at the top corner of the radiator, then slowly turn the key until the hissing of escaping air ceases and water flows steadily without bubbles. Once this happens, close the valve. Repeat the process on every radiator in the home, including those in bathrooms, to help heat circulate more evenly once the heating is switched on.
Additional tips for efficiency
Selectra added: "The advantage of acting now is simple: with the system at rest, you can take your time, you lose no comfort, and you have weeks in hand before the first cold snap. Reaching the switch-on with radiators bled means spending less from the very first day of heating."
The specialists also advised wiping down radiators using microfibre cloths and a vacuum cleaner. This should be carried out once ahead of the colder months, with the occasional wipe-down before use. Keeping them clean and dust-free will help each room heat more effectively.
It may also be worth arranging a boiler service before winter arrives, if one is due, to prevent any potential problems during the coldest spells.
