IF your home is still feeling chilly even with your heat on, this step might help.
Home heating experts have recommended everyone take this step to elevate their radiators this winter.
Since February is the coldest month of the year in the UK, this tip is more important than ever.
If you’ve noticed a few cold spots on your otherwise toasty radiator, don’t worry about calling a plumber just yet.
According to experts, your radiator likely just needs a good cleaning to fix this issue.
Ben Clarke from Trade Radiators revealed that a dirt build-up can impact your radiator’s heating element, reports the Daily Express.
“Radiators are essential for maintaining a cosy home during colder months in the UK,” he explained.
“However, they often accumulate dust, debris, and greasy fingerprints, which can impact their energy efficiency.”
He added that this can also make your radiator look “a bit unsightly” and can even cause it to smell when it gets hot.
According to the pro, cleaning your radiator will help it run more efficiently.
This will help to reduce your energy consumption and potentially cut down on your bills.
Ben broke down the best method for cleaning your radiators, and you only need three things.
You can choose between a classic washing up liquid or white vinegar for this process.
A long handled duster is also important as well as access to warm water.
Before beginning, switch of your heat and ensure your radiators have sufficiently cooled down.
You should also place an old towel at the base of your radiator to protect your floor.
Then you simply dust your radiator, paying particular attention to out-of-sight areas such as between the heater and wall.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
You can also use a hoover with a nozzle attachment to carry out this step.
Make sure to also remove any dirt or cobwebs on the wall as well as the radiator.
Next, mix your washing up liquid or white vinegar into your warm water.
Make sure your water is warm and not boiling as this can damage your radiator.
Dip a sponge into the water and wipe it across your radiator, paying attention to grimy areas.
Once you have finished, give your radiator a wipe down with fresh water and a new sponge.
Use a towel to dry your radiator, ensuring it is completely dry before switching it back on.
If you have any further issues, try bleeding your radiator or calling a plumber.
Cleaning your radiators can help them work more efficiently and save you money (stock image)[/caption]
