Feeling chilly at home? There’s one simple trick to ensure your heating system is running efficiently this winter. Don’t let your energy bills skyrocket because of cold radiators! Ofgem recommends bleeding your radiators to keep the warmth flowing. Here’s how to tell if yours are due for a little TLC:
Turn on your heating and give your radiators time to heat up. Feel the top and bottom of each radiator. If the top is cold while the bottom is warm, they need bleeding.
What’s radiator bleeding, you ask? It’s all about letting out trapped air that stops hot water from circulating properly. Here’s how you can handle it yourself:
1. **Switch Off the Heating:** Make sure radiators are cool to touch to avoid burns.
2. **Find the Bleed Valve:** It’s usually at the top side of your radiator.
3. **Prepare a Cloth and Container:** Hold a cloth or towel under the valve to catch any drips.
4. **Turn the Valve:** Use a radiator key, or even a flat-head screwdriver or Allen key for modern designs. Turn it gently anti-clockwise until you hear the hiss of air escaping.
5. **Close the Valve:** Once the hissing stops and water starts to leak, tighten the valve.
6. **Check Your Boiler Pressure:** If it’s dropped, adjust the pressure according to your boiler’s manual.
Regularly bleeding your radiators keeps your boiler efficient, maintaining a snug home and potentially cutting down on heating costs.
Don’t have a radiator key? No worries, many can be handled with other tools. And if all else fails, it’s wise to call in a professional. Let’s stay warm and cosy this winter without breaking the bank!