People could make their homes feel warmer if they check this
As the UK plunges into a cold spell, most people will have no choice but to crank up the central heating to cope with the bitterly low temperatures that could drop as low as -9°C, according to experts. However, Brits might not be getting the most out of their radiators.
There’s a simple test to ensure that your appliances are working at their absolute maximum ahead of the dark nights and colder weather to come. Energy provider British Gas claims cold parts on your radiator could be the result of a common problem that most people face every few years in the UK.
On its website, it said: “Check your radiators are heating to the top. If they aren’t, the chances are you need to learn how to bleed a radiator. It sounds a bit medieval, but all it means is releasing the trapped air at the top, which is stopping the hot water from rising.
“Simply use a radiator bleed key (about £1 in any DIY shop) to open the little valve at the top.” It added: “You’ll hear air hiss, and as soon as you see a drip of water, close it up again.” Although British Gas does not name a specific type of radiator bleed key, there are indeed various options at retailers like Screwfix, B&Q and Amazon for as little as 98p.
When bleeding a radiator, make sure that there is something underneath the valve to catch the leaking water. If you don’t put anything down, there’s an almost certain risk that the flooring, including carpets, laminate, and hardwood, could be damaged due to staining or water damage.
Place a small container or bowl directly underneath the bleed valve to catch any water that comes out. For extra protection of your surfaces, line the floor with an old towel or cloth. If any water does splash onto the floor, wipe it up immediately to prevent these issues, especially on absorbent surfaces like wood or carpet.
You should only bleed radiators with the heating off and when the radiator units are cool to avoid burns from hot water. If you are unsure or unable to do this job yourself, consult a professional who, on average, may charge around £100 to bleed your radiators.
Cold spots along the bottom of a radiator may indicate another problem: sludge buildup. Once enough sludge has accumulated, it creates blockages within the radiator’s flow channels, leading to similar problems where heat isn’t being spread as easily.
What are other ways I can keep my home warm this winter?
British Gas listed a few other ways for people to make the most of their energy this winter. Draught-proofing your home was one suggestion that doesn’t need to be expensive – simply test the parts of your home that may be letting in cold air and allowing warm air to escape.
Typical culprits for this include cracks in walls and ceilings, letterboxes and keyholes on front doors, gaps under and around internal doors, and places you’d rarely think to check, such as the loft hatch or chimney breast.
Pipe lagging was also an inexpensive suggestion. The process involves insulating hot water pipes with foam tubes to prevent them from freezing. You can buy pipe lagging from any DIY store and fit it in seconds, no tools required.
