Heating systems – including radiators – need to be looked after all year round. That way they will be ready for the heating season. Find out how to use your radiators correctly so that they work perfectly. Also, learn about some effective ways to reduce the heating costs in your home. These will help you make some savings – especially during the heating season.
Many people wonder whether they should turn their radiators down for the summer. In the case of houses and flats heated by a district heating system, the system only works during the season, which means that they are not hot in the summer anyway. The situation is similar in buildings with their heating systems. Boilers and cookers can be programmed to only prepare domestic hot water so that the liquid in the system is not heated anyway.
Experts recommend that, in the off-season, valves should be opened and thermostatic heads set to the maximum level. This will prevent the radiators from becoming air-locked, which is a common problem. Leaving the radiators on will ensure that they are ready for the next heating season. Then you don’t have to worry about bleeding each one. It is therefore worth using this solution, as it will ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the installation.
If you want your radiators to work efficiently and at the same time contribute to reducing your heating expenses, it is essential to find out how to set up your radiators in a block of flats and a detached house. First of all, think about installing temperature controllers, which you will find in the ENGO Controls range. They work together with modern heating appliances to ensure maximum thermal comfort. They ensure the optimum indoor temperature and avoid overheating.
How do you set up your radiators so that the building is not too hot or cold? First of all, you need to know the optimum temperature levels that should prevail in each room. These present themselves as follows:
These temperatures are optimal for most people and provide a high level of thermal comfort. Importantly, lowering the comfort level by 1°C can reduce heating bills by up to 5-8% per year. So check whether it is too hot in your home.
Wondering how to turn down your radiator when you plan to be away from home for an extended period during the heating season? It’s certainly not worth giving up the heating altogether during this time – especially if the temperatures outside are low. Contrary to what you might think, turning your radiators off completely is associated with higher costs. After all, it is far less economical to reheat cooled rooms with temperatures down to around 10°C than it is to keep them at around 15-16°C.
You also need to bear in mind that too low an indoor temperature influences the formation of fungi and mold. Not only do they look unsightly, but they are also detrimental to your health and affect your well-being. If you are planning to be away for a longer period, program your thermostats for a temperature of 15-16 °C. When you return, you will be able to heat the rooms to a comfortable level much more quickly. On the other hand, if you are away from home every day, it is worth reducing the temperature to 17-18°C.
Choosing a high-quality heating appliance will certainly help to reduce the heating costs of your home. It is worth betting on modern solutions such as heat pumps or condensing gas boilers. They work effectively and can heat the entire building efficiently – provided that their parameters are properly adjusted to specific needs. Also, think about installing wireless and wired controllers for your boiler. They will make it much easier for you to maintain the optimum temperature in your home. This, in turn, will translate into lower operating costs.
However, this is not the only way to go. Remember to put your windows in the right mode before winter to minimize heat loss. If they are leaky, think about securing or replacing them.
Radiators need to be uncovered so that heat can spread evenly. Remember not to cover them with any furniture or thick curtains. It is also a good idea to use special radiator screens. These are made of aluminum foil, which reflects the heat. Thanks to it, the heat is not stored in the walls but is directed towards the room. If, on the other hand, you notice that the radiators are warm in one place and cold in another, this means that they need to be vented.
It is also extremely important to ventilate rooms properly. Many people do this incorrectly, thereby increasing heating costs. First of all, the radiators must be turned off before opening the windows – or the intelligent system must be programmed to do it automatically. Ventilation should be brief but intensive. Ideally, it should be done with the window open ajar and the door closed. The radiator should only be turned off a few minutes after the windows are closed. This will bring fresh air into the room while preventing the room from becoming too cold.
In winter, it is also a good idea to make use of natural sunlight. It will help you to warm up the rooms a little. On sunny days, open the windows completely to let the rays stream in. This will not only raise the temperature inside the house but will also have a positive effect on your mood. At night, on the other hand, remember to close your blinds, shutters, or curtains. This will reduce the escape of heat stored indoors.
The correct use of radiators is crucial to the correct operation of the system, and will also reduce heating costs. During the summer season, it is a good idea to leave your radiators unbolted, which will prevent them from airing up and make them ready for winter. Also, take care to ensure that rooms are at the right temperature without overheating or overcooling.