The cold season has arrived. All we can do is turn on the radiators at home. But how can you save on heating, whether independent or underfloor? Here are some tips, from boiler timers to radiator thermostats.
Carry out a check and service of the boiler every year. A dirty, inefficient boiler can increase gas consumption by as much as 30 per cent. It is important to have the system checked and serviced by a qualified technician from a maintenance company or a Technical Assistance Centre (CAT).
Overly warm rooms are unhealthy, not to mention that just one extra degree of temperature increases energy bills by 7–8 per cent. It is therefore advisable to install temperature-regulation systems in every heated room (thermostatic or electrothermal valves).
Regulate the switching times and temperatures in heated rooms using electronic devices. Weekly programmable chronothermostats are very useful.
And do not use radiator covers: air must be able to circulate freely around the radiators. It can, however, be useful to place reflective panels behind them. Do not cover radiators with curtains, furniture or anything else. Install reflective panels on the back of radiators so as to direct heat towards the interior of the home. Never open windows when the heating system is running: the heat escapes outside and the boiler would continue to burn precious fuel.
Use systems that prevent limescale from forming in pipes and equipment.
To reduce consumption, insulate the pipes through which hot water flows.
From pipes and heating elements to increase the efficiency of the system. If the radiators are old and do not have a bleed valve, it is advisable to install one: it increases efficiency and saves money.
Distribute domestic hot water at a temperature no higher than approximately 45 °C.
If you need to install a new boiler or a heat pump, it is essential to consult a good designer: the final energy consumption of the system depends on a balanced and correct choice of all components and equipment (boiler, type of heating elements, water distribution temperature, pipe insulation, choice of regulation and control systems, positioning of heating elements, type of circulation pumps, zoning with independent programming, building insulation). Be careful not to oversize the boiler's output — if unnecessary, it causes far greater fuel consumption.
It is good practice to read the gas meter periodically and understand how much is consumed in summer and how much in winter. Data on fuel gas consumption should also be recorded in the system log book.