With falling temperatures, the need has come to heat our homes and given the costs of gas and energy, it is always good to understand how to save on heating costs without sacrificing comfort. Among the most popular advice on the web is that of close radiators in less used rooms to save energy. But is this practice really effective? And how can results be optimized thanks to thermostatic valves?
Does closing radiators in unused rooms save money?
In many central heating systems, the radiators are turned on simultaneously in all rooms, without the possibility of selection. To overcome this limitation, closing the radiator valves in less frequented rooms is a valid option to limit energy consumption. In fact, by preventing the flow of hot water into certain radiators, the amount of energy needed to heat the entire circuit is reduced.
This strategy is especially useful in large homes or homes with rooms that are used only occasionally, such as a dining room intended for guests.
However, to achieve real savings, it is essential to understand how the heating system works and make the best use of it thermostatic valveswhere present.
Thermostatic valves: an ally for savings
The thermostatic valvesnow mandatory in the most modern systems, allow you to adjust the temperature of each radiator based on the needs of the room. This means that, instead of completely closing a radiator, we can reduce its power by setting it to a minimum temperature.
For example, noin unused rooms you can adjust the valve to 1 or 2, thus avoiding wasting energy and maintaining a minimum amount of heating to prevent problems such as humidity or the formation of mould. In the most frequented roomssuch as the living room or bedroom, we can raise the setting to 3 or 4 to obtain comfortable heat without waste.
This customization allows you to optimize the use of the boiler, distributing the heat more intelligently and reducing bill costs.
Beware of dated systems
If yours heating system is old or without thermostatic valves, completely closing a radiator can create pressure imbalances in the circuit, reducing the overall efficiency of the system. In these cases, it is advisable to consult a specialized technician to evaluate any modernization interventions that improve energy performance.
Furthermore, closing too many radiators can make the boiler work less efficiently, leading to an increase in energy consumption rather than savings. Periodic boiler inspection and regular maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance.
Other tips for saving energy in winter
Closing unused radiators is just one of the many ways to save energy. Here are other useful strategies:
Closing the radiators in unused rooms can therefore help reduce energy consumption, but this practice becomes truly effective only if combined with correct use of thermostatic valves and careful management of the heating system. Don’t forget that energy saving also starts from small daily measures, such as adequate maintenance of the system and careful management of the temperature in the home.
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