However, if you are selling your home, it makes sense to make your house more energy efficient. Every vendor must provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and this information details the energy rating of the property. It also lists the expected cost of heating the home.

Therefore, if you can improve the energy rating, you make the home more appealing to likely buyers. This is why you should look to lower your energy bills by cleaning your radiators.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, heating and hot water is accountable for 62% of a household’s energy bills. Therefore, any saving in this area, without compromising on the quality of output, is to be encouraged.

Why clean your radiator?

When your radiator is in good condition, on the inside and out, it maximises the output of your central heating system. Research carried out by Enertek International suggests a heating system which is dirty can increase your energy bills by as much as 25%.

Therefore, there is a clear incentive to clean your radiator, as it will help you save money on your energy bills.

Advice from cleaning experts and professionals

Aggie MacKenzie, a familiar face on TV and well-known cleaning professional, said; “It's important to clean your radiators - especially those with convection fins - because if they get dusty they become less efficient. Use a vacuum cleaner and, for the bits you can't reach, a powerful hairdryer.”

Andrew Collinge, of BestHeating, recommends allocating a few minutes each week to the cleaning process as this will provide significant benefits over time.

Andrew said; “Summer is the perfect time to give your radiators a really good clean. The amount of dust and dirt that collects in our radiators from things we bring in on our clothes from outdoors, cooking and smoking can often go unnoticed. Set some time aside to push out the dust from the fins inside the radiator and give them a good wipe down on the outside so they look shiny and new. It can be quite satisfying removing all the particles but we'd recommend dusting them down each week to keep on top of it. You'll find that not only will this help save money on your heating bills, but dust allergies may decrease as pollen and pet hair can be found in dust.”

Cleaning your radiator

Follow these steps to clean your radiator:

• Turn off your central heating to make it safer and to avoid drawing up more dust during the cleaning process

• Start the cleaning process with a vacuum

• Place a towel underneath the radiator to capture

• Use a specialist radiator brush to push out dirt and dust

• Do not use abrasive cleaning materials

• Wipe down surrounding surfaces

Is your radiator balanced?

According to information published by Which? an unbalanced heating system results in higher energy bills. An example of this occurring sees a thermostat being set at 20 degrees, but due to radiators being unbalanced, the temperature in some rooms will reach 23 degrees.

The Energy Saving Trust states lowering your thermostat by a single degree can save around £75 on your annual energy bill.

We know many people have questions and queries right now, and we are here to help as best we can. Please get in touch with Austin Property Services if there is anything, we can assist you with.