With the abrupt lowering of the temperatures of this early October, in particular the minimums during the night, many Italians begin to ask when it will be possible to turn on the radiators. The legislation establishes a precise calendar, different for each climatic zone, which indicates not only the ignition dates but also the maximum number of daily hours allowed. This serves to guarantee responsible use of energy and avoid sanctions.
As governed by the decree of the President of the Republic n. 74 of 16 April 2013, Italy is divided into six climatic zones (A, B, C, D, E, F) which determine the duration and dates of operation of the heating, regardless of the regional borders. The municipal authorities can however intervene in case of exceptional climatic conditions.
The climatic zones and the ignition dates
Zone A, which includes very hot locations such as Lampedusa, Linosa and Porto Empedocle, allows you to turn on the heating from 1 December to 15 March, for a maximum of 6 hours a day. Area B, which covers cities such as Reggio Calabria, Crotone and Palermo, allows the ignition from 1: December to 31 March, with 8 hours a day.
Area C, including cities such as Naples, Bari and Cagliari, provides for the use of radiators from 15 November to 31 March for a maximum of 10 hours a day. Area D, which includes Florence, Rome and Pescara, can use heating from 1 November to 15 April, up to 12 hours a day.
The area and, which covers most of the North and the northern Apennines, allows the ignition from 15 October to 15 April, with a maximum of 14 hours a day. Finally, zone F does not provide for limits of date or duration, affecting cities such as Trento, Belluno and Cuneo.
Maximum temperatures and penalties
The maximum temperature scheduled for the radiators at home is 20 ° C, with a tolerance of two degrees. Those who do not respect these rules risk fines from 500 to 2,500 euros. In particularly rigid climatic situations, municipalities can authorize higher values through a motivated ordinance.
Follow the calendar correctly and respect the hours and temperatures established not only avoids sanctions, but contributes to a more responsible use of energy, reducing waste and costs during the winter months. Those who want more details must always refer to the municipal ordinances and the guidelines of the local authorities, who can modify the dates and the ignition hours based on exceptional climatic events.
You may also be interested in:
