Winter is definitely upon us and experts are warning that some households could be unknowingly adding up to £130 to their heating bills.
The online radiator specialist BestHeating has noticed a 250% spike in Google searches for “radiators are not getting hot”, prompting them to highlight simple errors that could be inflating energy costs. Jessica Steele, a heating technology expert at BestHeating, advised: “Approximately 80% of radiator issues, particularly when they fail to heat up properly, are typically simple and easy to fix.”
She further explained: “The main problem is that many people are unaware of the common causes behind cool radiators, leading to panic and unnecessary plumber expenses. By shedding light on these frequent easy-to-fix issues, I hope we can help households across the UK improve their heating efficiency effortlessly in time for winter.”
Here are four common reasons why your radiators aren’t at their most energy efficient:
1. Air trapped in radiators
Among the four common reasons your radiators might not be heating up is air trapped inside them. This issue prevents hot water from circulating effectively, leaving the top of the radiator cold.
The remedy is straightforward – bleeding the radiators. Jessica instructed: “Using a radiator key, turn the valve at the top of the radiator to release trapped air. When water starts coming out, the air is gone, and you can close the valve.
“This should allow the hot water to flow evenly. Be sure to check your boiler pressure after this though, as it may need to be topped up.”
2. Faulty Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV)
A Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) regulates the temperature of each radiator. If it’s stuck or faulty, it can block the flow of hot water.
For a quick fix, Jessica advised: “Ensure the valve is not stuck by trying to turn it to a higher setting. If it remains unresponsive, it might need to be cleaned with a soft damp cloth, lubricated with WD-40 or similar, or replaced.”
3. Radiator balancing issue
When some radiators heat up while others stay cold, it could signal a balancing issue. Jessica suggested: “It may be a balancing issue where the hot water is not evenly distributed across the system. Balance the radiators by adjusting the lockshield valve on the warmer radiators which is usually found at the bottom opposite the TRV.”
This tweak will ensure more hot water reaches those colder radiators, evening out the warmth in your home.
4. Boiler pressure issues
Lastly, a malfunctioning boiler can lead to a lack of hot water circulation. Jessica pointed out this often stems from low boiler pressure.
It’s important to ensure the boiler pressure is within the recommended range which is usually 1.0 to 1.5 bar. The expert added: “If the pressure is too low, you can add water to the system through the filling loop.”
By keeping an eye on these aspects, you can maintain a cosy and warm atmosphere in your abode throughout the winter months, without facing an unwarranted hike in your bill.
Experts warn these common heating errors could be costing Brits a hefty £130 on their energy bills, based on the average savings from boosting radiator efficiency in a typical UK home. This includes reduced energy consumption and lower heating expenses after bleeding radiators to release trapped air.
Consumer champions Which? took to TikTok with a handy video showing how to bleed a radiator using just a screwdriver. In the lively comments section, users exchanged tips and quips.
One user joked: “Bleedin’ heck! … or ‘bleeding hack!'”, while another advised: “get a bleed key, much easier than a driver”, and a third confessed: “no, I’m scared”.
