Heating costs are typically the ones that significantly impact our household budgets. With just a little effort and minimal expenses, your electricity and heating bill can be considerably reduced, while keeping your home warmer.
Approaching Heating Season
As the heating season approaches, those living in houses or apartments without central heating will soon face significantly higher monthly expenses. We’ll explore all the tricks that can help you minimize heating costs to the fullest. Many of the tips mentioned here can also be applied to apartments connected to district heating systems.
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While they might not reduce your monthly bill, they can certainly contribute to a warmer home. As the title suggests, we’ll focus on tricks that can be executed with minimal investment, excluding insulation installation or the use of solar heating systems and heat pumps.
Setting Optimal Temperatures
Begin by determining the optimal temperature for your house or apartment. In the living room, it’s typically between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius (68°F to 71,6°F). If it feels chilly, opt for wool socks and a sweater. In the kitchen and bedroom, the ideal temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 °F), while in the hallway, it’s around 15 degrees Celsius (59°F) . Keep in mind that every increase in temperature leads to about a six percent increase in energy consumption. Prevent heat loss as much as possible.
Addressing Window and Door Drafts
Improving the quality of your existing windows can significantly enhance insulation without requiring major investments. Windows and doors are the most critical areas. When there’s a significant temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, conduct a simple test. Place your hand, preferably the back of it, near all window joints to assess if there’s a draft. If so, additional sealing is necessary. Check the condition of the sealing rubber.
Replacing it can be complicated, especially if the windows are old, as finding an adequate profile might be challenging. Opt for sponge strips for sealing, which can be placed in different areas without interfering with the existing ones. Ensure that by adding new strips, you create a closed, airtight circle. Proper sealing at the bottom of the window is crucial, as it’s where cold air tends to accumulate the most.
Addressing Cold Floors
Cold feet are a common issue in houses, especially due to poor floor insulation. Simply raising the room temperature usually isn’t the solution. Invest in quality indoor slippers with thick soles, and warm socks that don’t constrict circulation. Where possible, place rugs, which retain heat much better than hardwood or tile floors.
Utilize Sunlight
When the sun is out, open the blinds and let the warmth in. If your heating system allows, lower the temperature by five degrees during the night. Apart from potential cost savings, doctors also recommend sleeping in cooler environments for better health. Start reducing heating two hours before bedtime, allowing time for both the heating system and room temperature to drop.
Proper Ventilation
The method of ventilating rooms can affect overall consumption. Extended ventilation with windows slightly open is the least economical option. Keep windows closed and ventilate by briefly opening all windows.
Radiator Placement
During heating installation, radiators are typically placed below windows. This isn’t random; windows are poor heat insulators compared to walls, allowing cold air to descend. Radiators prevent this cold air flow, ensuring warmth is evenly distributed throughout the room.
When using other heating methods, such as electric heaters, place them under the largest window in the room. The least favorable location is opposite the window, as it creates an unfavorable air circulation pattern, leaving the room constantly chilly, especially near the floor.
Internal Insulation
If external insulation isn’t feasible, consider internal insulation. Thermal insulation panels are affordable, and with some DIY skills, they can be installed independently. Every apartment has a few critical walls, and insulating them not only reduces heating costs but also makes the living space much more comfortable. Instead of insulating the entire building, insulating just two or three walls can significantly improve living conditions.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reduce your heating bill without breaking the bank.
Foto: Freepik