Warning over four radiator mistakes that could add hundreds to your energy bill

People across the country have been putting their heating up to keep warm as temperatures plummet.

Many parts of the UK saw snow and ice over the weekend and also woke up to freezing temperatures on Monday morning. But householders are being warned about common radiator mistakes that could be adding hundreds of pounds to their energy bills.

However, by following the tips given below, families could make their radiators work cost-effectively to their full capacity. These suggestions will ensure you're not wasting money when you turn the central heating on, reports Hull Live.

Read More: Yellow weather warning with up to 20cm of snow issued for North East this week by Met Office forecasters

Don't block radiators with furniture

If you've placed a sofa or maybe a cabinet in front of a radiator, it could be adding money to your energy bill as you are blocking hot air from circulating around the room. By blocking the hot air, you will not feel the benefits of the heat and so could be tempted to turn up the thermostat or leave the heating on for long. If this is the case, it may be worth rejigging up your room to ensure the air flow is clear.

Hang up your clothes elsewhere

Some of us may use the radiators to hang up smaller items such as socks to ensure they dry quicker. However, by covering the radiators you might be blocking hot air from circulating. Like blocking the radiators with furniture, you may be tempted to notch up the temperature because you're not feeling the full benefits of the heat. However, by turning down your thermostat by just one degree, you can save £55 a year.

An alternative to using radiators to dry clothes would be to use a heated clothes airer. These devices run at around 10p an hour, which is significantly less than using your heating to dry clothes.

Make sure you bleed radiators

Air trapped in your radiators can cause cold spots and reduce efficiency. Bleeding the radiators is a very quick and simple task and can ensure they are working to their full capacity.

Make sure your heating is off so you don't hurt yourself or leak water on to the floor. You'll need a radiator key to turn the valve until it starts to hiss. Hold a cloth underneath to catch any water, and once the hissing stops all the air should be released.

Close the valve and double check all spots on your radiator. When you turn your heating back on, the radiators should circulate heat more efficiently.

Turn some radiators off

Turning on every radiator around the house can be a waste of energy if you're not using them all. The average household will have a thermostatic valve on their radiators according to energy giant British Gas.

All you have to do is turn the valve down in the rooms you are not using. Information should be available on your manual or there are plenty of tutorials online.

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