Radiators that are not regularly checked can fall victim to a common problem
15:12, 15 Jan 2026
With Britain continuing to face freezing temperatures, homeowners are seeking ways to maximise warmth and stay comfortable indoors. Radiators that aren't routinely maintained can develop a common issue, leaving people shivering at home.
Central heating radiators serve as the main heat source in most British homes, proving vital during the colder months. Whilst the system typically works properly, energy provider British Gas warned that cold patches may develop, resulting in homes feeling chillier despite the heating running at full capacity.
A British Gas spokesman said on the company's website: "Check your radiators are heating to the top. If they aren't, the chances are you need to learn how to bleed a radiator. It sounds a bit medieval, but all it means is releasing the trapped air at the top, which is stopping the hot water from rising.
"Simply use a radiator bleed key (available for around £1 in any DIY shop) to open the small valve at the top. You'll hear air hiss, and as soon as you see a drip of water, close it up again."
Although British Gas doesn't endorse a specific radiator bleed key brand, numerous budget-friendly options can be purchased from retailers including Screwfix, B&Q and Amazon, with costs beginning at about 98p. Having the tool readily accessible could also help prevent recurrence through regular maintenance, according to the Mirror.
When undertaking this task, it's important to place something beneath the valve to catch any water that might escape. Forgetting to do so could result in damage to your floor coverings due to staining from dirty water or dampness caused by puddles.
Position a small dish, such as a cup or bowl, directly under the bleed valve to collect any escaping water. To provide additional protection for your flooring, spread an old towel or cloth on the floor. If water splashes onto the floor, clean it up quickly to prevent damage, especially on absorbent materials like wood or carpet.
Radiators should only be bled when the heating is switched off and the units are cool to touch, to avoid burns from hot water. If you're unsure or unable to carry out this task yourself, it's advisable to seek professional assistance. On average, a professional may charge around £100 to bleed your radiators.
How to bleed a radiator at home
- Turn off the heating and let your radiators cool down
- Keep the old towel and container with you as you work on each radiator that needs bleeding.
- Find the valve on the radiator and use your radiator key or screwdriver to open it. Turn the key or screwdriver anti-clockwise
- Open the valve slightly until you hear a hissing noise. This is the air coming out of the radiator
- When the sound stops and water comes out the radiator, tighten the valve. Use your container to catch any escaped water
- Turn your heating back on and check your radiators. They should now be warming up properly with no cold spots
- Clean up any mess and move on to the next radiator if needed
What other ways can I keep my home warm this winter?
British Gas has offered several tips for people to optimise their energy consumption this winter. One budget-friendly suggestion is to draught-proof your home - simply inspect areas of your home that could be letting in cold air and allowing warm air to escape.
Typical sources of draughts include cracks in walls and ceilings, letterboxes and keyholes on front doors, gaps beneath and around internal doors, and less obvious spots such as the loft hatch or chimney breast. For guidance on what and where to check when draught-proofing, look here.
Another cheap recommendation was pipe lagging. This technique involves encasing hot water pipes with foam tubes to prevent them from freezing. Pipe lagging can be bought from any DIY shop and fitted in a matter of seconds, without the requirement for any tools.