Households are being urged to bleed their radiators before September arrives, a simple task that can help keep energy bills down when the autumn months begin.
Although the UK is still in the middle of summer, colder days are approaching, meaning households will soon switch on their heating. This could also mean facing higher energy bills. However, bleeding radiators while the system is off helps restore efficiency, according to Selectra, which recommends doing this in August.
How to bleed radiators
Bleeding a radiator costs nothing and requires only a radiator bleed key and a cloth or small container. Start with the radiator nearest to the boiler and work towards the ones furthest away.
Hold the container under the bleed valve at the top corner of the radiator, then turn the key slowly until the hissing of escaping air stops and water begins to trickle out steadily, with no bubbles. At that point, close the valve again.
Benefits of acting now
Perform this on every radiator in the home, including bathroom ones, to help heat flow more evenly throughout the home when the heating goes on.
Selectra said: “Bleeding your radiators costs nothing, yet it can noticeably cut what you pay to heat your home.”
The experts 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.”
Additional winter preparation
The experts also recommended cleaning radiators with microfibre cloths and a vacuum. This should be done once before the colder months, with an occasional wipe before use.
It could also be a good idea to get the boiler serviced before winter, if it is due, to avoid any issues when the weather is cold.
