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Trade Radiators featured on TheSun.co.uk
Trade Radiators has been featured on TheSun.co.uk fairly regularly in recent times, which is known nationally for ts diverse content on news, entertainment, and lifestyle. Our heating experts, Nicholas Auckland and James Auckland, have contributed insightful thoughts and information in articles on heating-related topics. Explore their expert advice and practical tips on Trade Radiators' involvement with The Sun's platform, aligning with our commitment to providing valuable insights for our audience.
Table of Contents
Heating bill hacks
BURNING CASH I’m a heating expert – little-known mistake to avoid in your house or it could cost you up to £300 a year - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Speaking to The Sun's Sophie McVinnie, Nicholas highlighted a crucial mistake homeowners often make that could cost them up to £300 annually. he emphasised the significance of preventing heat loss through chimneys, stating that failing to block the opening when the heating is on could lead to a significant increase in heating costs, potentially up to 30%. He advised homeowners to ensure their chimneys have a damper in good condition to seal out cold air and retain warmth indoors. In addition, Nicholas provided practical advice on installing dampers, suggesting affordable options or alternatives like chimney balloons.
HEAT HACK Your electric heater is in the wrong place and it’s adding £284 to your annual bills - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Nicholas chatted with The Sun's Sophie King and discussed a common mistake that can significantly increase energy bills for households. Contrary to popular belief, placing electric heaters underneath windows might not be the most efficient strategy for saving energy. Nicholas explained that while this placement may help to heat up cold air coming in through window gaps, it often leads to an increase in heating usage, ultimately wasting energy and money. With electric heaters costing around 68p per hour to run (at the time of writing), he stressed the potential savings by improving heater placement and considering factors like interior door openings. By avoiding unnecessary energy consumption, households can save up to £284 annually, contributing to more efficient and cost-effective heating solutions.
HOT TAKE I’m an energy expert – six bill-saving myths to avoid as they WON’T cut costs - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Nicholas debunked several energy-saving myths in this insightful article. He clarified that leaving lights on doesn't save energy and recommended switching to LED lights to save up to £55 annually. He also dispelled the notion that a full attic makes a home hotter, emphasising that loft insulation is key for regulating temperature. Nicholas also highlighted the importance of turning appliances off at the plug, which can save up to £65 per year and prevent safety hazards. Contrary to popular belief, leaving heating on all day doesn't save money; instead Nicholas suggested switching boilers to "summer mode" to save up to £150. Lastly, he discussed the effectiveness of fans in keeping homes cool by circulating air, offering a cost-effective alternative to air conditioning.
GASSED OFF I’m an energy expert – nine tricks to cut your bills by £162 during hot weather including boiler setting - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
In this indepth article, Nicholas shared nine valuable tips to help households save money on energy bills during hot weather, potentially cutting costs by up to £162. He talked about the importance of maintaining the combi boiler flow temperature at 60°C, which could save up to £25 per month in summer. He also advised adjusting radiator settings to only heat necessary rooms, turning off appliances at the socket, washing clothes at lower temperatures, and drying clothes outside instead of using a tumble dryer. Nicholas went on to recommend using energy-saving LED lightbulbs, drawing curtains to keep out hot sun, avoiding overfilling kettles, and checking door seals on fridge freezers to prevent cool air from escaping. These practical measures offer significant potential savings and contribute to more efficient energy usage throughout the summer months.
- Further reading: A guide to using your central heating thermostat
HEAT UP Three little-known reasons your energy bills could rise by up to £295 this summer - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
In conversation with The Sun's Olivia Marshall, Nicholas contributed some valuable points to this article. It looked into the potential reasons behind rising energy bills during the summer months. He highlighted three key factors contributing to increased costs: leaving portable air conditioners on, the use of outdoor lighting, and keeping fans running. Nicholas broke down the potential costs associated with each, offering practical estimates based on typical usage patterns. For example, he explained that portable air conditioners can add up to £155 per month if used extensively, while outdoor lighting may contribute an additional £37.20 to monthly bills. Similarly, he outlined the ongoing expense of running fans during hot weather, relaying the importance of considering energy consumption habits to manage costs effectively.
PIPE DOWN The underused boiler setting that could slash your energy bill by £112 a year - Contributer: Ben Clarke
Ben highlighted a little-known but impactful adjustment that households can make to their boiler settings to potentially save up to £112 annually on energy bills. By lowering the flow rate on combi boilers, which control the temperature of water circulating through radiators, households can improve efficiency and reduce gas consumption. Ben advised homeowners on the safe adjustment of this setting, emphasising the need for caution with boilers connected to hot water tanks to avoid safety risks. He recommended reducing the flow temperature to around 60/55°C for optimal efficiency, explaining that this adjustment can yield savings of approximately 9% on gas bills, translating to £112 per year for an average household.
BILL BLOW Simple radiator mistake that could be adding £200 to your annual energy bills - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Here, Nicholas talked about the impact of radiator placement and surrounding items on energy bills. He explained that radiators placed under windows, typically the coldest spot, work optimally, but overcrowding them with curtains or furniture reduces efficiency, leading to increased heating costs. Nicholas advised against obstructing radiators with long curtains or furniture, suggesting supplementary roller blinds and leaving a gap between radiators and furniture to allow heat circulation. He estimated that addressing these factors could save up to £200 annually and provided other energy-saving tips, such as using draught excluders, closing curtains in the evening, and being mindful of appliances in standby mode.
HEAT ME UP People are only just realising what the numbers on radiator knobs mean – but my tips can HALVE your gas bill - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Talking with The Sun's Ellie Smitherman, Nicholas went deep into the workings of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). He clarified that the numbers on TRVs indicate room temperature, not the radiator temperature, addressing a common misconception. Nicholas discussed the TRV's function of regulating hot water flow into radiators based on room temperature to maintain comfort efficiently. He explained the correlation between TRV settings and room temperatures, advising setting TRVs to 2 or 3 during winter and using the * icon when away to prevent freezing. Nicholas recommended avoiding setting TRVs too high, as it leads to unnecessary energy consumption. His tips aimed to help readers optimise TRV usage for energy savings while ensuring comfort during winter.
- Further reading: How do radiator valves work?
HOTTING UP Four ways to keep your house warm and save £225 a year on your energy bill including the bubble wrap hack - Contributer: James Auckland
Speaking to the US Sun, James shared four unconventional yet effective tips in a bid to cut down on winter heating costs. Firstly, he advocated for repurposing bubble wrap as a window insulator, potentially saving up to £75 annually. Next, he endorsed using homemade draught excluders, estimating savings of around £90 per year. He also advised selectively heating rooms and employing thermostatic valves, which could save about £50 annually. Lastly, he suggested placing tin foil behind radiators to reflect heat, potentially saving an additional £10 per year. Overall, these tips could amount to significant savings of £225 per year on energy bills.
If you need a new valve, have a look through our radiator valves section. We have something to fit every room.
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Trade Direct Modern, Thermostatic Valves, White Corner - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £5.57 Regular Price £27.83Out of stock - Trade Direct Modern, Thermostatic Valves, White Corner - 10mmSpecial Price £5.94 Regular Price £29.70Out of stock
- Trade Direct Modern, Thermostatic Valves, White Corner - 8mmSpecial Price £5.94 Regular Price £29.70Out of stock
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Trade Direct Modern, Thermostatic Valves, Pewter Corner - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £11.17 Regular Price £55.84 - Trade Direct Modern, Thermostatic Valves, Pewter Corner - 10mmSpecial Price £11.54 Regular Price £57.71
- Trade Direct Modern, Thermostatic Valves, Pewter Corner - 8mmSpecial Price £11.54 Regular Price £57.71
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Trade Direct Modern, Thermostatic Valves, Copper Corner - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £16.82 Regular Price £84.14 - Trade Direct Modern, Thermostatic Valves, Copper Corner - 10mmSpecial Price £17.21 Regular Price £86.02
- Trade Direct Modern, Thermostatic Valves, Copper Corner - 8mmSpecial Price £17.21 Regular Price £86.02
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West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, Anthracite/Chrome Angled - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £20.96 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, White/Chrome Angled - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £20.96 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, Silver/Chrome Angled - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £20.96 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, Black/Chrome Angled - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £20.96 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, Chrome Angled - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £20.96 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, White/Chrome Straight - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £21.25 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, Silver/Chrome Straight - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £21.25 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, Chrome Straight - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £21.25 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, Black/Chrome Straight - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £21.25 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, Anthracite/Chrome Straight - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £21.25 Regular Price £41.96 -
West Echo, Thermostatic Valves, Anthracite/Chrome Corner - Standard 15mmSpecial Price £23.75 Regular Price £41.96
SAY WATT Your radiators are in the wrong place and it’s adding £100 to energy bills a year – how to save without moving them - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Sam Walker from the Sun spoke with Nicholas about his views on radiator placement. He cautioned against positioning radiators behind large furniture pieces like sofas or beds, as these absorb heat and hinder circulation, potentially adding over £100 annually to heating costs. He also advised against situating radiators near doors or exits, where heat could escape, leading to a 50% loss in room heating efficiency. AInstead, Nicholas recommended placing radiators under windows to allow cold air to be heated and circulated effectively. He hammered home the importance of preventing obstructions that block rising hot air and suggested strategies for maximising heat retention, particularly in lower areas of the home.
BILL BOOST Cheap gadget you’d never think of can slash energy bills by £100 – it’s only £3 and takes just minutes - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Nicholas waxed lyrical on the potential for significant energy savings through the use of a simple and affordable gadget - a radiator duster. By removing dust caught in convector radiator fins, this device improves the radiator's efficiency, allowing heat to escape more smoothly and reducing the need for the unit to work harder. Nicholas estimated that using a radiator duster could lead to savings of over £100 per year, depending on factors like the level of dust and the type of radiators in the household. This advice underscores the importance of small, inexpensive measures in achieving significant reductions in energy bills.
- Further reading: A complete guide to cleaning a radiator
BILL BUSTER Radiator mistake anyone can make adding to bills – how to avoid it - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Nicholas contributed some wisdom to this article regarding common mistakes that could lead to increased energy bills. He highlighted the importance of setting thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) correctly to avoid wasting energy and ensure effective heating. He made clear that setting the thermostat lower and controlling the room temperature via radiator valves can lead to significant energy savings and he also explained the significance of radiator placement, advising against positioning them behind large furniture or near doorways to prevent heat absorption and loss. It was practical advice on saving money and improving energy efficiency when using the heating.
We offer radiator valves as part of our catalogue, you can browse them here.
Home and lifestyle hacks
HOT TIP I’m an energy expert – the underused tip that could save you £30 when cooking - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Always comfortable in a culinary situation, Nicholas chatted about the importance of using the correct hob ring when cooking to improve energy efficiency and potentially save up to £30 per year on energy bills. He referenced a study by The American Council For An Energy Efficient Economy, which found that using a pan that fits the hob ring correctly can prevent energy wastage of up to 40%. Nicholas went on to emphasise the significance of using appropriate cookware materials, such as cast iron pans, for better heat retention and energy efficiency.
BILL BUSTER Full list of kitchen appliances that could be adding £1,670 to your bills due to being in the wrong place - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
More kitchen chat in this article from Nicholas, specifically around the placement of popular appliances. He stressed the significance of the position of appliances in impacting energy efficiency and subsequently affecting bills. For example, Nicholas said that improper placement of a washing machine could lead to inefficiencies and mould issues, potentially costing up to £1,350. Likewise, he noted that the position of a fridge freezer could affect energy costs by up to £75 annually, putting forward the importance of adequate ventilation space around the appliance. The impact of placement on air fryers, slow cookers, kettles, and dishwashers, was also highlighted, as well as providing estimates of potential additional costs incurred due to improper positioning.
HEAT ME UP Your heated airer is in the wrong place and it’s adding £50 to your energy bills - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Heated airers have become very popular, so Nicholas was asked to contribute his views on getting the most out of them. He talked about the significance of placing heated airers in the appropriate location within the home to reduce energy consumption and minimise costs. According to Nicholas, placing a heated airer in a larger room can significantly extend the drying time for clothes, leading to increased energy usage and higher bills. He estimated that this simple adjustment could add up to £50 annually to energy bills. In addition, Nicholas discussed the importance of ventilation, recommending keeping windows slightly open to ensure effective operation of the heated airer.
FAN YOU BELIEVE IT Urgent warning over dangerous DIY fan hack – and what to do to stay cool - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
In this article, Nicholas spoke to The Sun's Lynsey Barber and cautioned against a dangerous DIY fan hack circulating on TikTok. He strongly drew attention to the risks associated with placing a frozen towel on a plugged-in fan, highlighting potential hazards such as destabilisation, short-circuiting, and the danger of water coming into contact with the motor or electrical socket. He advised against using hacks involving water and electrics and recommended using fans as intended. Nicholas also provided guidance on proper fan usage, such as placing it in the correct location for effective air circulation and using the appropriate settings to conserve energy.
CHILL OUT Your fan is in the wrong place – simple mistakes adding to bills and how to keep costs down - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
Continuing the topic of efficient fan usage, Nicholas went further indepth into the importance of fan placement, advising against pointing fans towards walls or corners, which can waste energy by circulating air ineffectively. Hesuggested placing fans centrally in rooms or facing inward from corners to ensure efficient airflow. He also highlighted the significance of adjusting fan speed, recommending lower settings to conserve energy while still providing adequate cooling. Nicholas concluded by discussing the benefits of proper fan maintenance, such as cleaning blades to maintain efficiency and ensuring oscillation for optimal air circulation. His tips aimed to maximise the effectiveness of electric fans while minimising energy costs.
GOOD SAVE Little-known way to save £15 on your energy bills this summer – and it takes seconds - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
The summer months are a time to save money on energy, so Nicholas recommended the simple yet effective method of drawing curtains when it's warm to block out the sun's heat, potentially saving up to £15 over the summer season. Nicholas highlighted the correlation between keeping curtains drawn and reducing the need for electric fans, which can cost around £15 to run continuously during the summer. He also advised keeping windows closed to prevent hot air from entering the room and heating it up further. Nicholas went further and recommended applying reflective window film to reduce cooling costs by up to 50%, effectively saving homeowners significant amounts on energy bills.
HOT STUFF Full list of summer vampire appliances that could be adding up £650 to your energy bills - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
More on energy saving during the summer month. Nicholas spoke about the cost implications of running electric fans, outdoor lights, showers, portable air conditioners, and electric barbecues. He went on to provide estimates of energy costs based on the wattage of each appliance and the duration of usage, offering practical examples to illustrate potential expenses incurred over the summer months. Nicholas also looked at the importance of considering energy-efficient alternatives and implementing strategies to reduce energy consumption, such as using washing lines instead of tumble dryers and being mindful of appliances left on standby mode.
COOL TIP Warning over essential household appliance that could add hundreds to energy bills – and how to avoid it - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
In an indepth discussion with The Sun's James Flanders, Nicholas focused on American-style fridge freezers and the the significant impact their location can have on energy bills. According to Nicholas, poorly placed fridge freezers, such as those positioned next to heat sources or in direct sunlight, can cost consumers more money due to decreased efficiency. He advised maintaining a 5cm gap around the sides, back, and top of the refrigerator for proper ventilation, allowing heat generated by the compressor to disperse efficiently.
BAD ENERGY Your bed is in the wrong place and it’s adding £200 a year to energy bills - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
This article looked at how the positioning of furniture, particularly beds, can impact energy bills. Nicholas contributed by stating that blocking radiators with beds can lead to increased heating costs, and estimated an additional £50 per blocked radiator annually. He warned against placing beds near radiators, suggesting that unobstructed radiators distribute warmth more effectively. He also offered practical suggestions such as relocating beds away from windows or against exterior walls in summer to harness natural cooling, potentially saving around 34p per night, equivalent to running a fan for 10 hours. In conclusion, Nichloas pressed home the importance of regular radiator maintenance, including bleeding radiators and checking boiler pressure, to improve heating efficiency and keep energy expenses to a minimum.
HOT STUFF My ‘overlooked’ move to heat rooms quicker and slash energy bills by £120 – it takes just 30 seconds - Contributer: Nicholas Auckland
In a chinwag with The Sun's Lyndsey Young, Nicholas again discussed the importance of furniture placement and its impact on heating bills. He noted that simply moving a sofa away from blocking a radiator could save households up to £120 annually. He outlined practical do's and don'ts for optimising furniture placement, such as leaving gaps between heating sources and furnishings to allow for better air circulation and avoiding heavy curtains that can trap heat. Nicholas recommended considering the type and size of furniture, suggesting slatted and smaller pieces to facilitate airflow and prevent radiator blockage. He also suggested using radiator reflectors to enhance heat distribution and spoke on the importance of keeping internal doors closed to retain heat.
