As the chill of winter sets in, we’re all on the hunt for ways to cut costs.
Especially now, as energy usage soars with the dropping temperatures, hitting our wallets hard. Yet, there are straightforward measures that can significantly ease the pressure quickly.
Shannen, who goes by _greengal on TikTok, and regularly posts tips on conserving energy, recently recommended that her followers bleed their radiators. According to Shannen, this quick task, taking barely half a minute, can lead to both energy conservation and financial savings.
In an informative clip, she advises: “The biggest thing that will make a difference to how hot your rads (radiators) get, and how you can save money on your energy bills this year, is to bleed rads.
“If you’re renting, it could have been a really long time since has been done, so I would recommend you do this if you’re renting. Also, it’s really inexpensive. These little keys only cost like two euro (£1.66), and it will make such a difference to your rads.”
Additionally, she highlights that this routine maintenance is necessary. If your heating is unevenly distributed it’s likely due to trapped air in the radiator, necessitating bleeding.
Using the handy key is simple. Shannen explains that all you need to do is attach it, twist it sideways to release the air and, once water appears, shut it off again.
Experts are urging caution when it comes to radiator maintenance, emphasising the importance of switching off your heating before attempting to bleed radiators to avoid hot water accidents. Accomplishing this task correctly could see a potential saving of about £1,000 annually on heating bills, while also making heating your home more efficient.
The video has racked up more than 4,000 views, prompting viewers to share their own experiences and tips in the comments section. Some admitted to learning through trial and error.
One viewer shared a practical tip, writing: “I learned to use a towel because, even though the heating was off, it splurted out dirt.”
Another added: “Oh my god. The rad in the bathroom is blocked, and I was going to call someone, but I think I’ll give it a go.”
A third cautioned against another common issue, adding: “Don’t forget to make sure the pressure on the boiler doesn’t drop too much otherwise it won’t work properly.”
Meanwhile, a fourth also shared: “We don’t need a dad, we need a Shannen.”