Heating experts warn households to prep now before winter price hikes hit
As summer ends and the UK braces for colder weather, heating experts at UK Radiators are urging households to check their radiators now, or risk wasting up to £600 a year in higher energy bills and unnecessary repairs.
From blocked heat circulation to un-bled radiators, small oversights can add hundreds of pounds to annual heating costs. The warning comes as families continue to grapple with high energy prices, despite bills falling from last year’s record peaks.
The Cost of Common Radiator Mistakes
| Mistake | Extra Annual Cost | Why It Matters |
| Not bleeding radiators | £70–£100 | Air pockets reduce efficiency by up to 15%. |
| Ignoring cold spots/sludge | £200–£300 | Sludge forces boilers to overwork; breakdowns cost £400+ to repair. |
| Blocking radiators with furniture/curtains | £60–£80 | Heat is trapped instead of warming the room. |
| Drying clothes on radiators | £100–£120 | Reduces output by ~20% and raises risk of damp/mould. |
| Heating unused rooms | £50–£150 | Wasteful without thermostatic radiator valves. |
| Skipping radiator reflectors | £30–£50 | Heat escapes through external walls. |
| Neglecting maintenance checks | £150–£500 | Small leaks escalate into major, expensive faults. |
Total potential cost to households: £400–£600 a year
Expert Comment
Rob Jones, heating specialist at UK Radiators, said:
“The average household could be losing between £400 and £600 a year just by ignoring their radiators. Most people only notice problems when they switch the heating on in November and suddenly half the house is cold. By then, it’s often too late — small fixes have become expensive call-outs. The good news is these are easy checks you can do right now: bleed radiators, clear space around them, and run your heating for 20 minutes to spot any issues. A little preparation now saves a lot of stress and money in December.”
Winter Prep Checklist
- Bleed radiators to remove trapped air
- Check for cold spots and book a power flush if needed
- Turn heating on early for 20 minutes to test the system
- Inspect for leaks or rust before they worsen
- Keep radiators clear of furniture and curtains
Cost-of-Living Impact
Industry data suggests radiator efficiency tweaks could save households up to £150 a year on bills alone — and even more when factoring in avoided repairs.
