A specialist from British Gas has shared advice on how to address cold areas on your radiator using a tool that costs only 97p. If your radiator has cold spots, especially at the top, or if it is slow to heat up and makes gurgling sounds, you likely need to bleed it. This process is simple, but having the correct equipment is crucial.
To begin, you will require a radiator key, which can be purchased for as little as 97p from Screwfix. Bleeding a radiator involves releasing any trapped air. Before starting the process, it is essential to turn off your heating system and ensure that the radiator has cooled down completely to avoid any accidents with hot water.
Prepare an old towel and a container to catch the water that comes out during bleeding. Locate the small valve on the radiator, then use the key to turn it anti-clockwise. Peter Knowles, a technical repair engineer at British Gas, advises opening the valve slightly until you hear a hissing sound, indicating the release of trapped air. Once water starts to come out, collect it in the container, tighten the valve, and move on to the next radiator.
Avoid turning the valve too much to prevent lowering the boiler pressure excessively. If problems persist even after bleeding the radiators, it may indicate a more complex issue, in which case contacting a gas safe registered engineer is recommended.
In related energy-saving tips, British Gas smart energy engineer Jessica Rawstron suggests keeping your oven door open after cooking to utilize the remaining heat. By allowing the heat to transfer slowly into the kitchen, you can help maintain warmth in your home while eating. Remember to keep children and pets away from the open oven door for safety.
Recently, energy bills have increased, with the average household paying around £1,758 per year for gas and electricity. The price cap sets limits on unit rates and standing charges but does not cap the total energy bill, which still depends on consumption. Pre-payment meter users now face a yearly cap of £1,711, while those paying on receipt of bill are capped at £1,894 annually.
