Get your radiators 'hotter faster' with plumber's three easy and cheap steps

As the mercury dips, heating woes often spike, with many households facing the dread of cold radiators during the winter's peak. No one relishes the thought of a freezing home when temperatures plummet, so what's the plan if your radiators fail to warm up?

Fear not, as there are three simple steps you can take to tackle the issue, ensuring your radiators efficiently heat your home promptly without piling on the energy costs. Most radiator issues stem from basic problems that can be sorted out easily without having to summon a plumber, reports the Express.

Plumber Zhelyazko Yanchev from Fantastic Services points out that there are "plenty of ways to make radiators hotter, and heat up faster, without buying a new boiler and using expensive or specialist tools". He further notes: "Hot water radiator systems are very simple and the problems are likely as simple, too."

1. Clean and clear in and around radiators

The plumbing expert suggests that the "fastest and cheapest way" to guarantee your radiators effectively warm the room is by keeping them free from any obstructions.

Zhelyazkoexplains: "That's because radiators work on the principle that hot air rises by natural convection. Cold air is drawn up the radiator at the bottom and rises out warm at the top."

Hence, anything placed on or under the radiator can interfere with this flow, making it essential to avoid cluttering your radiators. Just like clearing them, radiators need dusting to ensure air can flow through them easily. Large pieces of dust and lint can block the centre of the radiator, reducing its effectiveness.

2. Bleed your radiators

If you notice that your radiator is cold at the top but hot at the bottom, it's due to "air trapped inside". The air essentially takes up the space where hot water should be. The expert stated: "You can quickly increase the radiator's performance by bleeding this air out."

3. Remove radiator sludge

Some households may even discover that their radiator is hot at the top but cold at the bottom. If this is the case, it's likely due to sludge accumulation inside. Radiator sludge is a mix of rust, dirt and scale that inevitably builds up over time and circulates through the system. Sludge is also the primary cause of boiler breakdowns and can quickly age your system, so it needs immediate attention.