Reduce energy bills by 'up to 20%' by doing 5-minute job with 99p item
As the chill sets in, the prospect of new winter bills looms large for UK homeowners, putting a strain on household budgets.
With the energy price cap currently at £1,717, finding ways to cut costs while keeping the heating on is a top priority for many. Luckily, the energy and insulation specialists at National Insulation Supplies suggest that a simple 99p item could be the secret to saving hundreds.
Available for less than a quid from online retailers or local hardware stores, radiator bleeding keys are instrumental in boosting home warmth and slashing central heating expenses by releasing air trapped during the warmer months.
Experts estimate that maintaining efficient radiators could cut up to 20 per cent off your energy bill which, under this winter's cap, amounts to nearly £350 in savings, reports the Express. Bleeding radiators is an easy process, taking just about five minutes per unit twice a year.
Mitchell Wray, a home heating expert at National Insulation Supplies, commented: "There are often household maintenance tasks that can be neglected or forgotten, and for lots of Brits bleeding your radiators might be one of them. Lots of advice often is focused on the central heating and boiler itself, but often money is wasted by not checking your actual radiators, and in some cases, can impact your overall central heating."
So, how does it save money? Wray explained: "Bleeding your radiator means freeing air that has become trapped in your radiator. This is a problem because the radiator won't heat up as effectively. Your boiler needs to use more energy to fight the air, costing you more money."
If you're noticing your radiators are not heating up as they should, it might be time to bleed them. You will need a radiator key, which can be purchased for roughly 99p from most hardware stores or online and a cloth or a small container to catch any drips.
How to bleed a radiator
1. Let the air out
Gently turn the valve with your radiator key until you hear the air hissing out. When water starts to dribble out, that's your cue to stop.
2. Close it up
Immediately after water begins to flow, twist the valve back clockwise to close it.
3. Get the heat back on
Wait about 15 minutes before firing up the boiler again, and make sure the pressure is back within safe limits.