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Heating expert says cheap radiator tool can cut your energy bills by hundreds this winter Credits: Social Media
By Ellissa Bain

Heating expert says cheap radiator tool can cut your energy bills by hundreds this winter

By Ellissa Bain

As the temperature drops, it’s time to start thinking about how to save money on your energy bills this winter.

Heating your home in the icy months can be really expensive, but buying one simple radiator tool can save you hundreds.

Woman's hands adjusting a heating temperature on a radiator at home
Top view of woman’s hands in a wool pink jumper turning down the heating temperature on a home radiator using a thermostat. Credit: Olga Dobrovolska (Getty Images)

Cheap radiator tool can cut your energy bills

Home heating expert Mitchell Wray from National Insulation Supplies has told everyone to buy a radiator bleeding key ahead of the winter. Found at loads of online stores and hardware shops for as little as �1/$1, the small metal contraption releases trapped air.

“Bleeding your radiator means freeing air that has become trapped in your radiator. This is a problem because the radiator wont heat up as effectively. Your boiler needs to use more energy to fight the air, costing you more money,” he said.

To bleed a radiator, all you have to do is turn off the boiler and locate the bleed valve at the top of the radiator. Then, use the bleeding key to turn the valve counterclockwise. As the air escapes, you will hear a hissing sound.

Keep turning until a small trickle of water comes out. Then, turn the valve clockwise to close it and turn the boiler back on. You should then notice your radiators working a lot better, heating up quicker and feeling hotter.

This should be done to all radiators every six months. Signs a radiator needs bleeding include being warm at the bottom but cold at the top, a gurgling noise, cold spots and your home feeling colder than usual despite the heating being on.

Upset woman thinking about high prices while looking at utilities, gas, electricity, rental charges, water bill due to inflation and crisis. Planning personal budget while sitting in kitchen. Weighing options on how to save money
Upset female thinking about high prices while looking at utilities, gas, electricity, rental charges, water bill due to inflation and crisis. Planning personal budget while sitting in kitchen. Weighing options on how to save money. Credit: Natalia Gdovskaia (Getty Images)

More ways to cut energy costs this winter

Bleeding your radiators isn’t the only thing you can do to cut down your energy bills this winter. The Department of Energy also recommends:

  • Covering windows with blinds and curtains
  • Ensuring windows are properly sealed with no gaps
  • Checking and replacing central heating filters regularly
  • Making energy efficient upgrades around your home
  • Only heating your home when you are in the house
  • Using your ceiling fan to circulate warm air

You should take steps to heat yourself before heating the home, for example by putting on extra layers of clothing and using an electric blanket.