As temperatures drop and heating systems in UK homes work harder, many households could be wasting money due to clogged radiators. Dust and dirt trapped inside and behind radiators hamper their ability to heat efficiently, forcing boilers to run longer and inflating energy bills.
Home cleaning specialist Nigel Bearman of Daily Poppins, with nearly three decades of experience, highlights the surprising amount of dust that accumulates in often-overlooked radiator areas. “Dust acts like a blanket, trapping heat and preventing it from circulating properly,” he explains. “It’s like driving with the handbrake on — you use more energy to get less warmth.”
Radiators warm rooms both directly and by heating the air around them. When internal fins are coated with dust, their effectiveness sharply declines, leaving rooms cooler and boilers working overtime. Nigel warns, “Blocked radiator fins significantly reduce heat reaching your room, meaning your boiler must stay on longer to reach the desired temperature.”
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Fortunately, clearing dust build-up is a simple fix requiring just five minutes. Start by turning off your heating and letting the radiator cool completely to avoid burns. Lay down an old sheet or towel under the radiator to catch falling dust. Use a hairdryer set on cool to blow air down through the radiator’s top, dislodging dust. If a hairdryer isn’t available, a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment works just as well to remove trapped dust between the fins and in hard-to-reach spots.
Once loosened, wipe down the visible surfaces with a damp cloth to finish the job. Nigel stresses, “This quick, cost-free task can noticeably boost how warm your home feels and reduce heating bills—a hassle-free fix every home should adopt this autumn.”
Beyond dusting, annual maintenance like bleeding radiators to release trapped air is essential. Cold tops with warm bottoms indicate air pockets restricting hot water flow, which can be resolved with a radiator key. Also, avoid blocking radiators with furniture or thick curtains that impede heat circulation. However, in other parts of the home, hanging heavy curtains can help retain warmth by preventing heat from escaping through gaps and windows — a strategy dating back to Victorian times.
By taking these straightforward steps, homeowners can maximize their heating system’s efficiency, keeping living spaces cozy and energy costs down during the colder months.