Households must spend £1 on radiator before switching heating on

It's that time of year again when the temperature is plunging and the cold nights are drawing in and if you haven't got your heating on yet, you're probably going to need it very soon.

There's nothing more cosy than cranking on the radiators and getting nice and toasty on a cold winter's evening. But you may notice that some rooms aren't getting as warm as they should be.

In fact, you might put your hand up against a radiator and find it's not that hot, with cold patches in several spots where it should be scorching.

If this happens, it could mean that you need to bleed the radiators in order to get them working properly again, say plumbing experts - and if you don't have the right kit for it you can pick it up for just £1.

Households are also being told to bleed their radiators before using the central heating, which requires an allen key. You should have an allen key or radiator key that fits your radiators to bleed them with, but if not you can pick one up for around £1 in most DIY stores.

Bleeding your radiators is a relatively straightforward, but very important job in regards to the health and efficiency of your central heating system. By letting any trapped air out in your radiator, it allows water to flow freely around the radiator, meaning that they are hotter and more effective when the time comes to turn your heating back on again.

Will Schofield, an engineer at boiler firm BOXT, explains the issue. He says: "Are your radiators not getting as hot as usual? Are they only warming up towards the bottom or in certain areas?

"Or are they making some odd noises as they heat up? It may be time to give your radiators a bleed.

"Despite this task sounding slightly menacing, all it involves is allowing any pockets of trapped air to escape. If trapped air is left inside your radiators with nowhere to go, it will cause the radiators not to heat up fully and become less efficient. If left long term it could also promote corrosion within your central heating system.

"Having to bleed your radiators doesn't automatically mean that there is a larger or more serious issue with your central heating, so don't get on the phone with your engineer straight away. It's simply something that needs to be done regularly to allow your heating system to be as efficient as possible and do its job of keeping you cosy.

"Bleeding your radiators semi-regularly (around twice a year) means your central heating can run efficiently, and you can rest easy knowing you're keeping a lid on your energy bills.

So, let's look at how to bleed a radiator. It's quick and easy, so there really is no excuse for neglecting your radiators!