Did you know that neglecting simple radiator upkeep can increase your energy bills by £400 to £600 a year? When radiators get all dusty or there’s air trapped inside, heat just doesn’t circulate as it should. That means your boiler’s got to work overtime, which uses more energy, and, of course, costs you more money. On the bright side, it’s easy to avoid this. Just give your radiators a quick clean and bleed, check your boiler’s in good condition, and adjust your valves. You’ll be rewarded with a warmer home and less energy waste this winter. 

Clean and bleed your radiators

Cleaning your radiators can make your heating up to 25% more efficient and knock off almost £120 off your heating bill each year. The reason for this is simple: warm air can only circulate freely when dust and dirt isn’t blocking its path. So, turn off your heating, move any furniture or curtains out the way, and have a good vacuum around each radiator. Then, use a long-handled radiator brush or duster to get into the tight spaces between the fins and remove dust and debris. 

Next, see if your radiator needs bleeding. Check if the top feels cooler than the bottom, as, if it does, there’s likely some trapped air inside that stops hot water circulating properly. First, it helps to place a cloth underneath to catch any drips. Then, use a radiator key to turn the small bleed valve at the top of the radiator. Keep going until you hear the air hiss out and the water starts to flow steadily. Then close the valve.  

Give your boiler a quick check

Your radiators are only as good as the boiler that powers them, so take a few minutes to check it’s running efficiently. Start with the boiler pressure. The gauge on the front of the boiler should show the correct range. Most domestic boilers work best between 1-1.5 bar, but consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specifics. Also, check the status light. A green light is usually normal, but if it’s red, it may need a simple reset. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions, and call in a professional if problems persist. 

It’s also a good idea to get your boiler serviced once a year. Yet, amazingly nearly one quarter of UK homeowners put off this simple task, which isn’t ideal. An annual check highlights any potential problems before they become major (and expensive) issues. A well-maintained boiler also uses less energy, which means a smaller carbon footprint. But, before you decide to go with a certain engineer, get a few quotes to compare prices. On average, it’s usually around £80. But if any repairs are needed, you’ll need to factor those into the cost. Minor repairs can cost around £100-200, but if the problem is more serious, expect to pay around £300-£600. 

Check and adjust valves to save energy 

Your radiators also have valves that control the flow of hot water from the boiler, and it’s important to check they’re working properly to save energy. Over time, these valves can become stiff or leak, which reduces the radiator’s performance and puts extra strain on your boiler. So, turn the control valve a few times to keep it moving, and check for any minor leaks as you do this. You’ll usually find the control valve on one side of the radiator, and it’s what you use to switch the radiator on or off and adjust the temperature. 

Some radiators also have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), which give you more control over the temperature in each room. If you don’t have TRVs yet, they’re worth the investment as they can help save up to £35 a year on energy bills. TRVs usually have a dial that reads from 0 to 6, with 0 being completely off and 6 being fully open. For rooms you use the most, set the valves to 3 or 4. For bedrooms or less-used rooms, 2 or 3 is a good bet. If you find a room too chilly, you can always adjust the dial. 

Winter radiator maintenance is a must to reduce energy waste and lower your bills. Take these simple steps, and you’ll extend the life of your heating system, so it works better when you need it most.