A common radiator mistake could cost you hundreds of pounds

Small changes in how you use your radiator can save you money.

Small changes in how you use your radiator can add up to big savings.

A plumbing expert has discovered that millions of homeowners are using radiator controls incorrectly. The UK is currently experiencing a cold spell, with snow and ice blanketing much of the country. Radiators will be turned on across the country as people try to stay warm.

Common mistakes can cost Britons hundreds of pounds a year. Most radiators have large handles located in the bottom corner where they fit into the pipes.

The cylinders, called thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), are usually numbered from one to five. Many people think that the numbers are related to the temperature of the radiator, but in fact they react to the temperature of the room in which they are located.

Mark Ingram, Technical Gas and Plumbing Lecturer at Real engineering results said: “Thermostatic valves work by limiting the amount of hot water entering the radiators. This gives you more control over your home’s heating as you can adjust the temperature in each room individually.

He continued: “Essentially, this means you’re not wasting money on heating rooms you’re not using, or you’re controlling the temperature in rooms that naturally might be a little warmer, like the kitchen.”

On radiators, a zero means the radiator is switched off and is not allowing hot water to pass through, and the snowflake or frost protection symbol corresponds to 7°C. The remaining numbers increase in 5°C intervals: 1 = 10°C, 2 = 15°C, 3 = 20°C, 4 = 25°C, 5 = 30°C.

The plumbing expert added: “When the room reaches the required temperature set on the valve, this will limit the amount of hot water supplied to the radiator and prevent it from overheating. To save money, you really need to use thermostatic valves correctly. , which means you don’t have to turn the valve on each radiator to 5 unless necessary.”

Mark said homeowners can benefit from treating radiators differently in each room depending on their use. The advice given was: “In living rooms you can install 2 or 3, which will allow you to warm up to a comfortable temperature without the boiler working overload.

“It’s important to remember that small changes like this can add up to big savings over the course of the year, which is really important as we head into the colder months and the cost of living puts even more pressure on people’s finances.”