5 things you can do to your radiators to keep heating bills down this winter

Who knows what type of weather we are going to get this year, it could be a Siberian winter or an Indian summer. Whatever we get the predictions are bound to be wrong and there will end being complete havoc and totally unprepared. The best thing to do is be prepared and this is where we can help you whether you are a plumber, landlord or homeowner. There are a number of things that you can do to your radiators to keep the heating bills down and save energy and make your rads more efficient. Below is the top five things that you can do to your rads to keep your heating bills down this winter and to save money.

1. Bleed the radiator through the air vent. You never know when there is air accumulating in a rad as you cannot see it but you may be able to feel it as the top of the radiator will either be cold or a lot colder than the rest.
2. Check the radiator for cold spots at the bottom of the radiator. This is an indication of sludge that has built up in the radiator and is not heating up. This means you need to isolate the rad and flush out the radiator using a cleaner or hose.
3. Fit thermostatic valves. If you have just standard on off valves then fitting thermostatic valves will give you the opportunity to control the temperature and heat output of the rad. So you will have a comfortable temperature in the room not a stuffy over heated one.
4. Remove any curtains or coverings on a radiator. Soft furnishings can get stuck up against a radiator and limit its output. Curtains can get trapped on radiators making then very inefficient and rads need air circulation so it is a really easy fix.
5. Add an cleanser and inhibitor to the system. This is definitely worthwhile if the system is old and has not had an attention for a while. You can buy a good cleanser like Adey MC3 500ml to leave in the system depending how bad it is and then flush out and then a good inhibitor like Adey MC1 500ml Protector can be added to protect the system and give it far more efficiency and heat transfer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

These energy-saving tips are only the starting point when it comes to energy saving incentives. There are a number of other ways that you can keep your energy bills down if you need to. Some of these incentives can cost a lot of money, whilst others are relatively low cost. For example if you really need to save money, then adding an extra layer of clothes, or wearing slippers in the home can help keep you warm. Draught excluders or foam strips can be used on doors to help retain heat within a room, stop air leaks, and keep energy costs lower because the hot air is not constantly escaping. This is a very cheap and simple way of keeping warm. Loft insulation is almost a must have if you do not have it, and can make a huge difference in the cold weather. It is possible to add insulation yourself if you are feeling handy, and all the things you need are available in DIY shops. Cavity wall insulation is another option, but there are some mixed feelings about the effectiveness of this. It is worth doing your homework if you think this is an option. If you don't have double glazing and your local building regulations permit it, then installing new windows can make a massive difference to the heat retention in your home. Sadly, the expense can be out of reach for many people. If money and your bank account is an issue, and double glazing isn't an option, you can still do some things that can help. Ultimately the goal here is to try to stop drafts caused by the windows when outdoor temperatures start to fall. By closing curtains you can block some of the heat from escaping, reduce heat loss and retain warm air in the room. Open curtains will simply let all the heat out of the room. It is low tech solution, but can help a little. If you can afford to run your central heating system but are still looking for ways to heat your home whilst reducing energy consumption then another method is to use a programmable thermostat to set it up to only run your central heating when you are at home. Another option is to install individual room thermostats if your system allows, which means you can set the room temperature to a minimum in rooms that you are not using regularly. Simple changes such as this can save you money and help reduce heating costs. Keep heating bills low with our range of column radiators