Heating and hot water account for almost half of the average monthly gas bill, so it’s important to save money on these areas whenever possible.

With Ofgem's latest announcement that the typical energy bill is set to soar by 1.2 percent in January, the mere thought of your winter heating costs might just send shivers down your spine and have you reaching to switch the heating off.

To keep warm without breaking the bank or turning off your central heating, experts suggest an “easy” radiator fix.

A study by Enertek International has revealed that sludge in your heating system could be ramping up your bills by a whopping 25 percent.

Sam Price, the brains behind Heatable, said: “Over time sludge can build up in your system, which is the result of rust and debris.”

He warned: “Among the problems associated with sludge accumulation is that it can disrupt water circulation, leading to cold spots in radiators and reduced heat output.”

If your radiator has cold patches, the bottom feels icy, or it takes ages to warm up, these are tell-tale signs of sludge in the system.

And it’s not just about efficiency; dirty central heating water is also a major culprit behind boiler breakdowns in the UK, often causing corrosion in crucial parts like the heat exchanger.

The excellent news for homeowners is that there is a “very easy remedy” for tackling dirty heating water. This can be effortlessly resolved with a routine “power flush”. 

A power flush works as a thorough, vigorous cleaning of your central heating system, incorporating both water and an assortment of chemicals for maximum effect.

Sam explained the necessity of carrying out a power flush (or any type of flush) every five to six years to keep heating systems’ water “maintained to a high standard”, which “helps prevent damage and blockages” as well as making your radiators hotter. 

While sludge might seem trivial, it’s a culprit that can “make way for bigger issues” and substantially “make your heating system much more inefficient”.

This inefficiency arises because the sludge impedes the system's operation, diminishing its efficiency and consequently “increasing your heating bills”.

So, if it’s been over five years since your last power flush, it might be wise to schedule one without further delay.