An expert has shared a simple five-minute hack that can save you money on your energy bills by improving the efficiency of your radiators – and it’s really easy to do
As households switch on their heating, millions are unknowingly throwing money away. Years of accumulated dust and dirt trapped inside and behind radiators are “drastically cutting their efficiency”, forcing boilers to work overtime and pushing energy bills higher.
However, a cleaning expert has revealed a straightforward, five-minute trick that can restore your radiators to maximum performance, potentially increasing their heat output by up to 25% and cutting your energy costs.
Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert at Daily Poppins, explained: “It’s shocking how much dust can accumulate inside a radiator. This isn’t just about appearance; dust acts like a blanket, trapping heat and preventing it from circulating properly. It’s like driving with the handbrake on, you’re using more energy to get less out of it.”
Radiators warm a room by both radiating heat directly and, crucially, by heating the surrounding air, which then circulates through convection. When the internal fins and surfaces become clogged with dust, this process is severely hampered.
Nigel continued: “The internal fins of your radiator are designed to maximise heat transfer to the air. When these are coated in dust, they can’t do their job.
“This significantly reduces the amount of heat actually reaching your room, forcing your boiler to stay on longer to reach the thermostat’s setting.
“You don’t need to be a DIY expert or remove your radiator to get it sparkling clean and more efficient. This is a task that takes literally five minutes but can have a noticeable impact on how warm your home feels and how much you spend on heating.”
Research conducted by energy firm Enertek International also found that a heating system which is dirty can “increase your energy bills by as much as 25%”.
To clean your radiators, begin by switching off your heating. Always make sure your radiators are completely cold before you start. Next, protect your floors. Place an old sheet or towel on the floor directly underneath the radiator to catch any falling dust.
Then, use a hairdryer set to a cool or low-heat setting. Position it at the top of the radiator (between the fins if possible) and blow downwards. The blast of air will force built-up dust out of the bottom and onto your sheet.
Alternatively, use the narrow crevice attachment of your vacuum cleaner to suck dust out from between the fins and behind the radiator, going as far down as you can reach. Finish by wiping the visible surfaces of the radiator with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust or grime.