Energy bills are set to rise this January as UK homeowners are facing another round of higher heating costs.
Now is the perfect time to ensure your heating system is running efficiently, especially with colder months approaching.
Heating experts from BestHeating share five essential energy checks that can help reduce your heating bills and keep your home comfortable throughout the winter.
One of the most crucial tasks in maintaining an energy-efficient home is flushing the heating system. Heating technology expert, Jess Steele highlights this as a key action to take before winter.
Jess emphasised: “As Ofgem have announced a further increase in the energy price cap and the cost-of-living crisis still a cause for concern, it’s vital for homeowners to make these checks and updates to their heating system to help lower bills during winter.”
Why flushing your system is essential
Sludge build-up is a common reason radiators become inefficient, and it often goes unnoticed. Signs that your system might need a flush include cold spots at the bottom of radiators when they are on, brown liquid when bleeding the radiators, and strange noises coming from the boiler.
Jess provides this straightforward method for flushing your system: “To fix this, first bleed the radiator. Then, take it off the wall and outside.
“Attach a hosepipe to the valve inlet, as the clean flow of water will help dislodge the sludge and clear the inside of the radiator. Repeat this on the other side of the radiator, and this should resolve the issue.”
This process can dramatically improve the efficiency of your heating system, potentially lowering energy bills by ensuring that your radiators are working optimally.
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Other essential tips
In addition to flushing the system, there are a few other important checks to make sure your heating system is running at its best:
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Bleed your radiators – Before the heating season starts, it’s ideal to bleed your radiators to remove trapped air, which can reduce their efficiency. Be sure to top up the pressure on your boiler afterward, as it may drop during the process.
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Add corrosion inhibitor – Adding a corrosion inhibitor annually ensures that your system stays clean and efficient, protecting against expensive repairs down the line.
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Replace old radiators – If your radiators are more than 10 years old or have been consistently problematic, it may be time to replace them. Newer models are up to 50 percent more efficient, helping you use less energy and save money in the long run.
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Draught-proof your home – Ensuring your radiators are working properly is only part of the equation, draught-proofing your home helps keep heat inside. Simple fixes like installing thermal curtains or using draught excluders under doors can make a big difference in reducing heat loss and keeping your home warmer.
By taking these simple steps, homeowners can help reduce their energy consumption and stay more comfortable during the colder months ahead.
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