If you’re looking to save money and cut back on your energy bills, there are some changes you can make to help. An expert revealed that it’s all to do with your radiators
As the chillier weather sets in, many of us are cranking up the heating and snuggling up indoors. However, for some, having the heating on all day isn’t a feasible option due to the hefty costs.
But fear not, there are ways you can save money and reduce your energy bills. Consumer experts at Which? have shared four simple radiator hacks that could potentially save you hundreds this year. By implementing these easy changes, you can enhance the warmth in your home and keep your wallet happy too.
These four steps should be followed when you switch on your heating, especially if you’re aiming to cut down on expenditure in 2025.
1. Clean them
Before you crank up your heating, it’s recommended to give your radiators a thorough clean. Dusty radiators are less effective, meaning they struggle to warm up your room.
Dust accumulation insulates the fins and obstructs airflow, forcing the system to work harder to heat a room. This can lead to increased energy bills and can also deteriorate air quality due to circulating allergens.
Regular cleaning, particularly of the internal fins, is crucial to keep radiators functioning properly.
2. Use foil
As Martin Lewis suggests, fitting foil behind radiators can help to enhance the heat, especially on external walls. You can purchase special foil for radiators, but aluminium foil is also suitable to use.
To do it correctly, you simply need to measure the gap between your radiator brackets, then cut the foil accordingly. When using standard foil, double-sided tape can secure it in place.
Back in 2022, Martin Lewis first alerted viewers to this budget-friendly heating trick on his programme, the Martin Lewis Money Show Live. He revealed that placing foil behind your radiator could reflect essential heat back into your property.
3. Move large items
If you have any large items, such as sofas, near radiators, you need to move them. Experts advise leaving a one foot gap between your radiator, and any other furniture you have in your house.
This will enable your radiator to heat the space quicker, and assist your bills. Obstructing radiators can impede heat circulation and also decrease heating efficiency.
In essence, this means doing so will make your home colder and cost you more money. Warm air needs to be able to circulate freely.
4. Bleed them
Before the chill sets in, it’s a good idea to bleed your radiators to remove any trapped air. You don’t want air in your radiators; you want them filled with hot water, so it’s a task worth undertaking.
To bleed a radiator, start by switching off your heating and allowing it to cool down. Then, place a towel and a container beneath the radiator’s bleed valve to catch any drips.
You’ll need a radiator key or screwdriver to gently open the valve. This is done by turning it anti-clockwise until you hear a hissing sound.
When the hissing ceases and water begins to drip, you should then close the valve by turning it clockwise. Once done, you can switch the heating back on and check the boiler pressure.
If you encounter any difficulties, or require any advice, you can also reach out to a plumber for assistance.