The heating mistakes inflating your energy bills by hundreds - and what to do instead

"Heating experts at UK Radiators estimate that neglecting radiators alone can add 400 to 600 a year to bills. From radiators blocked by furniture to un-bled systems, the cumulative effect can be costly. Most people only notice problems when they switch the heating on in November and suddenly half the house is cold, said Rob Jones, heating specialist at UK Radiators."

"Simple and cheap changes can make a big difference (Getty Images) Failing to bleed radiators can reduce efficiency by up to 15 per cent, while blocking radiators with furniture or curtains traps heat instead of warming rooms. Ignoring cold spots or sludge can force boilers to overwork and often leads to breakdowns and expensive callouts. Neglecting basic maintenance, such as small leaks or rust, can quickly escalating into major faults."

Ofgem's energy price cap increased to 1,758 a year on 1 January, raising the average energy bill 0.2 per cent while households face added winter expenses. Lingering inflation, high interest rates and elevated food prices are increasing concerns about ability to pay energy bills. Misuse of central heating and neglected radiators can add hundreds to annual bills. UK Radiators estimates neglecting radiators can add 400 to 600 a year. Costly mistakes include drying clothes on radiators, blocked or un-bled radiators, cold spots, sludge, small leaks and rust. Simple checks—bleeding radiators, clearing surrounding space and running heating for 20 minutes—can prevent expensive callouts.

Read at www.independent.co.uk