WITH winter Households brace for higher heating costs as cold weather rapidly approaches weather comes into play.

gas and electricity invoices The increase was made last month when Ofgem announced its new offer. price ceiling The increase to £1,717 from £1,568 previously is a move that puts further pressure on already stretched budgets.

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This has left UK consumers looking for smart ways to stay in control energy costs This won’t break the bank.

But luckily, according to real estate expert Adam Clark, there’s a very simple and inexpensive hack that will save you money on your heating bills. My Local Toolbox.

He told The Sun: “Households invoices It’s up significantly in the last month, but an easy way to save cash is to free it up using a key. radiator. “Every tradesman has one.”

You can pick up one of these small metal (or plastic) wrenches from an online store or hardware store.

Adam said: “Prices can go up to over £100 depending on quality and brand, while on the cheaper side prices start from less than £1.”

On: December you can buy one of these keys for £1.49 and eBaysome cost just under £1. In other online stores prices are even lower.

“Once you have your key, bleeding each radiator is a simple task that can take as little as five minutes,” Adam said. “This can help you save on central heating costs by reducing trapped air.”

Trapped air prevents hot water from circulating properly; boiler It has to work harder to stay at a comfortable temperature. This may result in higher costs.

If your radiator is heating unevenly or staying cold at the top, these could be signs of trapped air.

The energy officer said: “Bleeding your radiator ensures hot water flows evenly, making your heating system more efficient.”

Bleeding your radiators not only makes your rooms more comfortable, it also save money.

Adam said: “The amount you save will depend on the size of your home, the efficiency of your heating system and your energy habits.

“But well-maintained radiators can save you between £100 and £300 a year on heating bills.”

So how exactly do you achieve this? DIY duty?

First of all, you need to turn off your boiler.

“Make sure your radiators are cool to avoid spilling hot water,” the man said. “Now it’s time to find the purge valve. This is usually at the top of the radiator.”

You should see that the valve has a small square peg for the radiator switch. Alternatively it may have a slot for a flathead screwdriver.

“Hold a towel or small container under the valve to catch any drips,” the man added.

“Insert the wrench into the bleeder valve and turn it slowly counterclockwise. A hissing sound indicates air is escaping, this is normal.”
Once the hissing stops and the water begins to drip, the trapped air is completely released.

“When you’re done, turn the key clockwise to close the valve safely,” the heating buzz said.

You can turn the boiler back on after waiting 15 minutes. Take a moment to check that the pressure has reached a safe level.

“The pressure should be between ‘one’ and 1.5 bar,” the man said. “Complete if necessary.”

If you’ve been putting off this task because you find it a hassle or because you don’t like mess, there are switches on Amazon for just over a tenner, including a ‘collector’ for drained water. This eliminates the need for rags and bowls.

According to Adam, bleeding your radiators is usually a job that should only be done every six months.

“The goal is to keep your system efficient and your home warm throughout the winter,” he said.

“Make sure to keep your ears open for clucking or banging sounds, as these may indicate that it’s time to bleed your system.”

If you have multiple radiators, start with the unit farthest from the boiler.

“Start with those on the ground floor and then work your way up through the property,” the man said. “Remember to always prioritize safety.”

Other ways to keep energy bills low

Improving the efficiency of your radiators isn’t Adam’s only tip for keeping energy bills under control this winter.

“Try turning your heating down one degreehe said. “You probably won’t notice the difference, but you can still save a decent amount.”

According to Energy UK, making this adjustment can reduce your heating bill by up to 10% and saves you around £85 per year.

Adam also recommends looking for gaps in your window frames, doors, and floorboards.

“This can cause heat to escape and cold air to enter your home,” he said. “drafts It will make your property feel colder even if the heating is on high in winter.

You can pay a professional to do draft proofing, but according to the energy-saving enthusiast, there are many simple steps you can take on your own.

Adam said: “You can buy foam seals or self-adhesive strips from a DIY store or buy online and these can be fitted into gaps in windows and doors.

“You might also consider Replacing your existing curtains with thicker or thermal alternatives.”

On: DunelmA roll of draft exclusion self-adhesive weatherproof strip tape costs £6. Prices for thermal lining for curtains start at just under £10.

Adam also reminds people not to forget overlooked areas like keyholes and mailboxes.

You can find keyhole covers from £3 and letterbox covers from £5 on Amazon.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, keeping your home drafty can save around £50 a year.

At the same time, if you haven’t had your boiler serviced for a while, now might be the time to have your boiler serviced.

An annual check-up by a professional can help uncover concerns.

“This will ensure your boiler is working correctly and detect any potential problems that could lead to a fire or gas leak,” Adam said.

“One of the biggest dangers of a faulty boiler is the risk of carbon monoxide emissions. “It is odorless and can be fatal if left undetected.”

Additionally, if your boiler is not maintained and breaks down unexpectedly, the cost or repairs can be eye-wateringly expensive.

“You could find yourself paying up to £1,000 for repairs,” the man said. “And if the entire boiler needs to be replaced it could set you back a hefty £3,000.”

When servicing your unit, always registered Gas Safety engineer. Expect to pay around £100.

Once your boiler has been serviced once again, you may find that you can lower the overall temperature and still experience the same comfort, thus saving a little more money.