When can the heating be turned on?
With temperatures dropping in mid-October, many Italians are wondering when it will be possible to turn on the radiators. National legislation provides a precise calendar that varies depending on the climate zone to which it belongs, establishing switch-on and switch-off dates, maximum daily hours and temperature limits. The aim is to promote responsible use of energy, reduce waste and contain costs, as well as avoiding sanctions for those who do not respect the rules.
The reference legislation
The rules on turning on heating are defined by Presidential Decree no. 74 of 16 April 2013, which divides Italy into six climate zones, from A to F, based on the average annual temperature. This classification does not follow regional boundaries but climatic ones. However, each Municipality can intervene with extraordinary ordinances in the event of particularly harsh or anomalous weather conditions.
Climate zones and lighting periods
In zone A, which includes the hottest places such as Lampedusa, Linosa and Porto Empedocle, the heating can be turned on from 1 December to 15 March, for a maximum of six hours a day.
Zone B, which includes cities such as Reggio Calabria, Crotone and Palermo, allows switching on from 1 December to 31 March, for up to eight hours a day.
In zone C, which includes Naples, Bari and Cagliari, radiators can remain on from 15 November to 31 March for a maximum of ten hours a day.
Zone D, which concerns Florence, Rome and Pescara, provides for the use of heating from 1 November to 15 April, for twelve hours a day.
Zone E, which covers much of the North and the Northern Apennines, authorizes switching on from 15 October to 15 April, with a maximum limit of fourteen hours per day.
Finally, zone F, which includes areas such as Trento, Belluno and Cuneo, has no date or duration limits: in these locations the heating can be turned on freely all year round.
Maximum temperatures and penalties
The law establishes that the maximum temperature in heated environments must not exceed 20°C, with a tolerance of two degrees more. Anyone who does not respect these limits can incur fines of between 500 and 2,500 euros. In the event of exceptional cold spells, Municipalities can still issue ordinances authorizing higher temperatures for a limited period.
Why respect the calendar
Respecting the calendar is not only a legal obligation, but a gesture of responsibility. It means consuming less energy, saving on bills and helping to reduce environmental impact. Before turning on the radiators it is always advisable to check any municipal ordinances or local updates, which may change the turning on dates based on climate trends.
Following these rules is convenient for everyone: fines are avoided, consumption is optimized and a more sustainable use of energy is guaranteed during the winter months.
