The three radiator tricks that will save you money and keep you warm this winter

As we dive head first into winter, there are some simple things you can do to help keep your homes warm and toasty and keep your energy bills low.

If you are finding your radiators aren’t getting that hot or are taking a long time to warm up, these plumbers tips will help you get the most out of your heaters.

Inefficient heating can result in higher energy bills as you will need to keep your heating on for longer periods of time in order to heat your home.

Read more: Millions forced to use their savings to pay for energy bills

Luckily, most radiator issues are easy to resolve and can be done by yourself at home with some simple tools you most likely already have.

However if you complete all these tasks and your radiators still aren’t working properly then you should call your plumber to come and have a look.

Plumber Zhelyazko Yanchev from Fantastic Services said: “There are plenty of ways to make radiators hotter, and heat up faster, without buying a new boiler and using expensive or specialist tools.

“Hot water radiator systems are very simple and the problems are likely as simple, too.”

These tips will help you to have a more energy efficient system and reduce strain on the boiler, leading to longevity in your heating system as well as saving you money on your energy bills.

Clean and clear in and around your radiator

According to the plumbing professional, the “fastest and cheapest way” to ensure radiators heat the room properly is to remove any objects in on or under them.

They explained: “That’s because radiators work on the principle that hot air rises by natural convection. Cold air is drawn up the radiator at the bottom and rises out warm at the top.”

So any objects placed on or beneath the radiator will likely disrupt the heating process, so it's crucial to keep your radiators free of clutter.

Similarly to clearing the space around your radiator, cleaning it to make sure it is free of any dust or debris will also help it heat the air quicker and get you a warm home.

Bleed your radiators

If your radiator feels warm at the bottom but cold at the top, this is due to trapped air and your radiator might need bleeding.

You should bleed your radiators at least once a year, but you can bleed them more regularly if you feel they need it.

The expert said: “You can quickly increase the radiator’s performance by bleeding this air out.”

To bleed your radiator, you just need to switch off your heating, grab a towel and a radiator key. You insert the key into the valve and turn until you hear air coming out, this will sound like a hissing noise. Once the air stops coming out you can close the valve and turn your heating back on.

Remove radiator sludge

Some households may even discover that their radiator is hot at the top but cold at the bottom. If this is the case, it's likely due to sludge accumulation inside.

Radiator sludge is a mix of rust, dirt and scale that inevitably builds up over time and circulates through the system.

Sludge is also the primary cause of boiler breakdowns and can quickly age your system, so it needs immediate attention.