Britons are being urged to make sure their radiators are kept clean ahead of the colder months in a bid to reduce energy bills.
The boiler is at the heart of the heating system and is crucial to ensure it works efficiently. Home and garden experts at Posh.co.uk have shared six key tips to follow before the heating is turned on this autumn and winter.
One of the rules is to make sure of the upkeep of a radiator and keeping it clean. A buildup of dust can prevent heat from escaping, meaning the radiator has to work harder to warm the room.
Andy Ellis, home and garden expert at Posh.co.uk said: “Being prepped ahead of winter by making sure all of the radiators around your home are in good condition is really important.
“As well as ensuring they’re all working efficiently, it can also be a big help towards your energy bills being lower. The better your radiators are working, the less time and money they’ll take to heat your home.”
How to prep your radiators before turning the heating on:
Clean the radiator
Keeping radiators clean can also go towards reducing energy bills over time. A buildup of dust causes radiators to have to work harder to heat your room.
It’s important to keep on top of any dust buildup to maximise the efficiency of your heating system. Homeowners can use a simple duster to do this or a vacuum cleaner as well.
If individuals have the right attachments for the vacuum they may be able to get down and between the fins as well.
Get your boiler serviced
Getting a boiler service is hugely important before people start to turn the heating on each day throughout the colder months. Allowing yourself enough time to get any issues fixed will ensure the boiler and heating system are in good condition ahead of winter.
Bleed the radiator
Bleeding all of the radiators around your home will keep them working effectively. Use a radiator key to release any possible trapped air pockets.
Bleeding your radiators once a year will ensure that they don’t take too long to warm up, which in turn can help reduce energy bills.
Check for sludge
There’s a chance that the radiators have accumulated sludge over the summer months, especially if they have not been in use.
If necessary, a professional can perform a power flush to clean out the system if it is significantly clogged, but there are ways to perform this task yourself.
First, bleed the radiator and detach it from the wall. Then use a hosepipe on the inlet to get rid of all the grime until the water runs clear.
Insulate pipes
Insulating pipes, especially in unheated areas, prevents heat loss and reduces the risk of freezing. It can also be another effective way of helping you save more money on your energy bills.
Turn the heating on for short periods
With radiators likely having been dormant over the summer months, turning on the heating for just 10-30 minutes every week will ensure that the pipes are in good working condition without any trapped air or dust buildup.
