Increase radiator efficiency with these top tips to keep your home warmer.

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Brits are being advised to place reflective foil behind their radiators to make the most of their heating.

Home experts at Posh.co.uk have shared their top tips with homeowners to help get the most out of their radiators this winter.

With energy prices on the rise it’s important to ensure radiators are working properly this winter to get the most out of the heating system.

Simple jobs, such as placing silver foil behind radiators, bleeding them and removing obstruction can greatly enhance efficiency and be more effective in heating up the home.

Home and garden expert, Andy Ellis from Posh.co.uk said: “Radiator maintenance is something we should all be looking at over winter to make sure we’re getting the most out of our heating system.

“Taking the time to do some of these simple steps will help maintain your radiators and can create a warmer home, allowing heat to circulate more effectively.

“If you’ve taken steps to improve your radiator’s efficiency but still feel it’s not performing well, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional service.

“A technician can perform thorough checks on your heating system to identify and resolve any issues.”

Top 6 tips for getting the most out of your radiators this winter:

  • Bleed radiators

Bleeding your radiator removes pockets of air that prevent hot water from circulating properly. If you notice cold patches on your radiator, it may need bleeding.

To do this, turn off your heating and allow the radiator to cool down. Then, use a radiator bleed key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator. Place a towel underneath to catch any drips. You will hear a hissing sound as the air escapes, once this stops, retighten the valve and you can turn your heating back on, also check the pressure gauge on your boiler.

  • Use reflective foil

Reflective foil placed behind your radiator helps redirect heat back into the room, allowing it to recirculate effectively.

This keeps heat in the room rather than letting it escape through the walls, reducing energy waste and potentially saving you money.

  • Clean your radiators

Keeping your radiator clean not only improves its appearance in your home but can also help increase its efficiency.

When dust and dirt accumulate between the grooves in a radiator, it can hinder the transfer of heat, causing the radiator to heat rooms slower. As a result, it won’t perform to its full potential, leading to reduced efficiency. Using a large pipe cleaner or duster can help you get behind the radiator.

  • Check for sludge

Sludge can accumulate inside the radiator from rust and dirt, particularly if it hasn’t been used for a while. This buildup can block heat transfer, causing the radiator to heat rooms less efficiently.

Remove sludge by draining the radiator and attaching a hosepipe to the valve to flush out the sludge.

  • Check boiler pressure

Boiler pressure is crucial for the circulation of water throughout your home, ensuring that both hot and cold water flow properly through the pipes.

High boiler pressure can strain the system, potentially leading to failure. However, most boilers are equipped with a safety feature called a pressure relief valve (PRV), which automatically shuts down the system to prevent damage when pressure gets too high.

Low boiler pressure can affect the heating process, preventing your radiators from warming up correctly and potentially causing both the hot water and heating system to stop functioning altogether.

  • Move furniture away

Furniture blocking your radiators can restrict heat from spreading into the room. By moving the furniture away, you allow warm air to circulate freely, improving the overall heating efficiency in the space.

Additionally, furniture placed too close to radiators can absorb the heat, preventing it from reaching the rest of the room.


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