Heating disasters most often occur at this time - when the weather drops down to single figures.

Nobody wants a chilly house in the dead of winter, so what should you do if your radiators aren't warming up? Luckily, there are three straightforward steps you can take to resolve the problem, ensuring your radiators heat your home effectively as soon as possible without adding to your energy bills.

Surprisingly, most radiator problems are caused by simple issues that can be easily fixed.

According to plumber Zhelyazko Yanchev of Fantastic Services, there are “plenty of ways to make radiators hotter, and heat up faster, without buying a new boiler and using expensive or specialist tools”.

He added: “Hot water radiator systems are very simple and the problems are likely as simple, too.”

1. Clean and clear in and around radiators 

According to the plumbing professional, the “fastest and cheapest way” to ensure radiators heat the room properly is to remove any objects in on or under them.

They clarified: “That’s because radiators work on the principle that hot air rises by natural convection. Cold air is drawn up the radiator at the bottom and rises out warm at the top.”

Any items placed on or beneath the radiator will likely disrupt this process, so it's crucial to keep your radiators free of clutter.

Just like clearing them, radiators need dusting to ensure air can flow through them easily. Large pieces of dust and lint can block the centre of the radiator, reducing its effectiveness.

2. Bleed your radiators

If you notice that your radiator is cold at the top but hot at the bottom, it’s due to “air trapped inside”. The air essentially takes up the space where hot water should be.

The expert stated: “You can quickly increase the radiator’s performance by bleeding this air out.”

3. Remove radiator sludge 

Some households may even discover that their radiator is hot at the top but cold at the bottom. If this is the case, it's likely due to sludge accumulation inside.

Radiator sludge is a mix of rust, dirt and scale that inevitably builds up over time and circulates through the system.

Sludge is also the primary cause of boiler breakdowns and can quickly age your system, so it needs immediate attention.