As temperatures start to plunge and energy prices continue to soar, many of us are looking for ways to save money.
One thing energy experts recommend doing to save cash on your monthly bills is bleeding your radiator.
It's a boring task and something you may not have realised you need to do, but specialists recommend doing it at least once a year – and you won't regret it.
Bleeding your radiator is basically the process of removing any excess or trapped air within the system. The air can become stuck, which interferes with how much heat your radiator can put out.
Luckily, energy experts at BOXT have shared the best way to bleed your radiator, and how to tell whether yours needs doing.
How to know your radiator needs bleeding
Andy Kerr, founder of BOXT, said: "Bleeding your radiators can help you to achieve a more efficient and environmentally-friendly home."
You'll know your radiator needs bleeding if:
- It's cold at the top
- There are damp patches or condensation surrounding the radiator or above it
- Your radiator makes funny noises when it starts heating up
If you think your radiator needs bleeding, you should follow the steps below.
How to bleed your radiator
You should first turn your boiler on and give your radiator plenty of time to heat up. This way you'll be able to tell which of your radiators need tending to.
Once you've identified the appliances that need bleeding, for example by feeling around or any cold patches, you should turn the heating off again and leave them to cool down.
Don't attempt to bleed your radiators while they are on, because you could end up hurting yourself with the hot air.
Now you need to grab a few household items – some kitchen roll or an old towel, and a bowl or container to catch any dripping liquids in.
Now you need to twist your radiator key anti-clockwise to open the valve. If you don't have one, you can buy them from any DIY store for about £2.
If it's tricky to twist, you can use an old cloth or thick gloves.
You shouldn't open the radiator valve completely or leave it open for too long, but you should listen to hear the hissing noise of air escaping.
Wait until the noise stops and a steady stream of water starts to leak. Now you should wipe away any excess moisture to avoid any rust forming on the valves.
You can check that the bleeding has been successful by checking your boiler pressure.
Experts at BOXT explain: "It’s normal for your pressure to decrease slightly after radiator bleeding. However, for reference, it should be around 1.0 - 1.5 bars when switched off and can rise to around 2 bars when switched on.
"If your boiler pressure appears fine, it’s time for a ‘heat test’. Boot up your central heating and have another feel of your radiators. All being well, there should be no more cold patches, meaning you and your family can feel the full benefits of a warm home and save some cash on your bills - it’s a win-win situation."
You can see BOXT's full guide on how to bleed your radiator on their website.
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