Millions of households are bracing for an inevitable spike in heating costs as temperatures plummet and winter approaches.
With Ofgem’s energy price cap now set at £1,717, any opportunity to cut down on heating expenses is a welcome relief for households across the UK.
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However, inefficient or poorly maintained heating systems could lead to higher costs.
The humble radiator is the workhorse of that task, moving hot water through its metal frame and warming the room.
Over time, radiators can lose their efficiency, leaving homeowners reaching for extra blankets each winter.
Common signs of radiator issues include clunking or groaning sounds when the heating is on, indicating trapped air inside the radiator.
This trapped air makes the radiator less efficient, forcing the boiler to work harder and longer to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Fortunately, homeowners can address this issue with a simple, inexpensive tool costing just 99p.
A radiator key, is used to bleed the unit of all the air that isn’t supposed to be in it, and it’s available at all major homeware stores.
Energy experts at National Insulation Solutions estimate that up to 20% of your energy bill can be saved by ensuring radiators are operating efficiently – translating to nearly £350 in savings at this winter’s price cap.
Mitchell Wray, a home heating expert at National Insulation Solutions, said: “Household maintenance tasks, such as bleeding radiators, are often neglected or forgotten.
“While much of the advice focuses on the central heating system and boiler, money is often wasted by not checking the actual radiators. This can significantly impact overall heating efficiency.”
By taking the simple step of bleeding radiators, homeowners can ensure their heating systems are running efficiently, helping to keep their homes warmer and their energy bills lower this winter.
HOW TO BLEED YOUR RADIATORS
BLEEDING your radiator is a straightforward task that takes as little as five minutes per radiator and only needs to be done every six months.
Here’s how to do it in five simple steps:
- Turn off the boiler: Ensure the boiler is turned off to prevent hot water from escaping.
- Open the bleed valve: Locate the bleed valve, usually a small square at the top of the radiator. Use the radiator bleeding key to turn the valve counterclockwise.
- Release air: As air escapes, you’ll hear a short hissing sound. Keep turning the valve until a small trickle of water comes out.
- Close the valve: Once water starts to flow, turn the valve clockwise to close it.
- Turn on the boiler: Wait 15 minutes, then turn the boiler back on, ensuring the pressure returns to a safe level.
If you have multiple radiators, start with the one farthest from the boiler.
KEEP YOUR HEATING COSTS DOWN
There are several other ways to keep your heating costs down this winter.
Check the temperature on your thermostat and adjust it if required.
The World Health Organisation suggests most healthy people should heat their homes to 18 degrees Celsius.
Reducing the flow rate on combination boilers to around 60 degrees Celsius can cut heating bills, and you won’t notice the difference.
It should save you around £112 per year, depending on the type of boiler you have.
The average household can also save up to £75 every year if they have thermostatic radiator valves fitted on all their radiators, according to British Gas.
Valves can be picked up for less than £10 and they’re easy to replace yourself if some of yours are not working.
We’ve previously explained what the numbers on these valves mean and how to adjust them for optimum efficiency.
It’s also important to keep your radiators free from obstructions, like furniture, for maximum heat.
Changing the way you use your appliances can also cut your costs.
Whether that’s setting your wash cycle at a lower temperature or eco mode, ditching the tumble dryer, or running the dishwasher only with a full load, small changes may have a big impact on your next meter reading.
For example, Which? says that washing clothes at 30°C is generally fine for clothes that aren’t dirty – this could cut energy use by 38% on average compared to a 40°C wash.
And a 20°C wash will use 62% less energy.
Here are some ways to cut dishwasher costs too.
Plus, draught-proofing is a quick and cost-effective way to prevent heat escaping, which could save you around £50 a year.
Fitting door seals between doors and frames, attaching brushes under draughty external doors and using chimney balloons all keep the heat in.
Thermal and lined curtains also prevent heat loss.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Check out our seven ways you can instantly draught-proof your house this winter.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE’S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
