The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Turn down the heating and save money
THE objective with this column is to learn how to make your home comfortable with the minimum amount of heat, by using the heating systems and the controls that you have, such as programmers, timers, thermostats, and radiator valves. Experiment with the following tips and mix and match to see what works for you. Essential TIPS 1. Switch the heating system on later in the morning and off earlier in the evening. The best way to find the right balance for your house is to experiment a little. First of all try turning on the central heating 30 minutes before you get up and off one hour earlier in the evening.
2. Turn the heating in living areas down to 20°C – this could save you 10 per cent off your heating bill. The temperature in hallways and bedrooms should be cooler – ideally 15–18°C. Use temperature cards (available from SEAI) in a number of rooms, to prevent overheating and familiarise yourself with what different temperatures feel like.
3. If you have a thermostat on your central heating boiler, experiment to get the lowest comfortable setting (some systems may require a plumber). You can reduce it in mild weather, but don’t go below 60°C. Typically, the optimum setting is between 70°C and 80°C (i.e. adjust the dial between ‘min’ max’ on gas boilers) — but it really pays to experiment. Make a note of the settings you try, and the results you obtain to control the heat output in response to the weather and indoor temperatures.
4. Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to adjust heat output from radiators in response to your heating needs.
5. Use internal doors to maintain heating zones and distribution of heat throughout the main spaces. Close doors to separate heated from unheated areas of your home, and minimise the heated area. 6. Turn off radiators in rooms which are not used very often. 7. Turn off your heating at night when you’re in bed and likewise when you’re not at home, or if you’re going to be away for a few days.
8.Open the curtains and blinds in rooms facing south during the day to let in the heat of the sun.
9. Use conservatories during sunny winter days to heat the house by opening the doors from them into the house while it’s sunny, but by closing them when it’s overcast and dark outside.
10. Try to make effective use of windows to provide sufficient ventilation without over-cooling rooms. Don’t leave external doors and windows open unnecessarily.