Winter is coming! Here are all the rules for turning on radiators

“Winter is coming!”, Lord Stark would say.

In reality, we are barely halfway through autumn and what is about to arrive is only the first cold wave which, to be honest, has been a long time coming.

The temperatures, however, are not the same throughout the country, and to turn on the radiators it will be necessary to follow different times, depending on the climate zone.

The legislation governing the operation of heating systems is regulated by a Decree of the President of the Republic, Presidential Decree 412/93, and provides for differentiations based on the degree days relating to the geographical area.

Here is the schedule of on and off dates for each climate area:

Watch out for fines

This is the general outline, but there may be variations in relation to specific needs. In these cases, Municipalities can make autonomous decisions. It is therefore recommended to check on the official channels of your municipality to make sure you do not contravene the rules, as failure to comply could result in a fine ranging from 500 to 3,000 euros.

In general, the calendar for switching on goes from 15 October to 1 December 2024, depending on the climate zone, while for switching off it goes from 15 March to 15 April 2025.

Check the boiler

A properly maintained boiler can offer economic benefits. If you want to know what is best between keeping the heating on continuously or turning it on intermittently, we invite you to read and learn more HERE. Instead, before turning on the radiators, remember to vent them!