“It was not for nothing that our elders said that the sledge should be prepared in the summer. This rule also applies to the heating season. Even before it begins, it is necessary to carry out essential work, and once the heating season has already begun, follow several important rules. All this can help to significantly reduce heating bills”, Mantas Kavaliauskas, head of product development at Elektrum Lietuva, is confident.
According to the interviewee, before the start of the heating season, there is always a lot of work waiting for the owners of private houses: it is necessary to check whether there are no visible damages in the heating system, if you have a solid fuel boiler – to clean the chimneys and chimneys. Well before the beginning of the heating season, it is advisable to try to turn on the heating at least once and make sure that the heating boiler and the entire heating system are working properly and that there are no defects.
“A lot is determined by the tightness of the house and the heating methods used. Sometimes heating bills increase due to inefficient boilers. By replacing them, for example, with air-to-water heat pumps, heating costs can be reduced by almost a third. Usually, urgent investments are made by poorly heating radiators and unreasonably high costs for heating,” says the energy specialist.
Thermostats to the rescue
When living in both a private house and an apartment, it is necessary to check whether the tightness of the house is ensured after closing the windows and doors. It is important to assess whether it is worth replacing worn or weather-cracked sealing tapes for better insulation. Blinds and denser curtains, which are advised to be closed at night, can improve the thermal insulation of the house and reduce heat loss. Carpets also reduce heat loss.
Before the heating season starts or has already started, the radiators should be wiped with a damp cloth and the air that interferes with the efficient operation of the heating system should be released from them – this is done by opening the valve on the side of the radiator. It is extremely important that the heat sources are not blocked by furniture or objects capable of reflecting heat, and that clothes are not dried on radiators.
“The installation of smart thermostats helps to reduce heating bills. The latter can be set to different temperatures during the day and at night and thus adapted to the rhythm of the home. Different rooms should have a different heat regime, for example, setting a lower temperature for better sleep in the bedroom. Heating bills are affected even by closing the doors of less-used rooms – then the heat remains in those rooms where more time is spent,” advises M. Kavaliauskas.
Planning is important
Planning can also contribute to more efficient energy use. It is advisable to ventilate the rooms before increasing the temperature in them and turning off the smart thermostat, which will start heating more when it senses the cold coming from outside. In the kitchen, when using the oven or stove for a longer period of time, a lower temperature can be set. After you finish using the oven, it is advised to leave the oven door open to use the heat for cooking.
How the heating devices are used is also very important. For example, if you live in your own house at the beginning of the heating season or when warmer weather prevails, it may not be worth it to heat the premises by employing heat boilers or pumps and it is sufficient to use the air conditioner alone. The latter should be used only when you are at home, for example, on weekdays only in the mornings and evenings.
“If you go away for the weekend, you can also reduce the load on the heating system to a minimum. Savings if electricity is used for home heating can also be helped by a properly chosen electricity plan. When heating the house in the early mornings and on weekends, the selected double time zone plan will help you to save the most – it is at this time that the price of electricity is much lower,” advises the representative of “Elektrum Lietuva”.
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#heat #house #economically #simple #rules #Business
**Interview with Mantas Kavaliauskas, Head of Product Development at Elektrum Lietuva, on Heating Efficiency This Winter**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mantas. With winter fast approaching, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their heating expenses. What are some essential steps you recommend taking before the heating season begins?
**Mantas Kavaliauskas:** Thank you for having me. Absolutely, preparation is key. Before the heating season starts, homeowners should inspect their heating systems for any visible damage. If you have a solid fuel boiler, it’s critical to clean the chimneys. It’s also a good idea to turn on the heating system at least once to ensure everything is functioning correctly and check for any defects.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like good advice. You mentioned the importance of the home’s tightness and the type of heating methods used. Can you elaborate on how these factors impact heating bills?
**Mantas Kavaliauskas:** Certainly! The tightness of your home affects how well it retains heat. Drafts can lead to significant heat loss, which forces your heating system to work harder. In addition, inefficient boilers can increase costs. For example, switching to air-to-water heat pumps can reduce heating costs by almost a third. Investing in proper heating systems is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for long-term savings.
**Interviewer:** What tips do you have for enhancing home insulation as the season progresses?
**Mantas Kavaliauskas:** To improve insulation, start by checking the seals on windows and doors—replacing worn or cracked sealing tapes can make a big difference. Using blinds or dense curtains at night can also help reduce heat loss. Additionally, placing carpets on bare floors provides extra insulation.
**Interviewer:** Great insights! Let’s talk about radiators. How can homeowners optimize their performance?
**Mantas Kavaliauskas:** It’s essential to periodically clean the radiators and bleed them to release any trapped air, which can hinder their efficiency. Make sure radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or items that could reflect heat away. Also, avoid drying clothes on them, as this can interfere with their heating capabilities.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what role do smart thermostats play in reducing heating bills?
**Mantas Kavaliauskas:** Smart thermostats are fantastic tools for managing heating costs. They allow homeowners to set different temperatures for different times of the day and even adapt to individual room needs. For example, a cooler temperature at night can improve sleep while conserving energy. It is also helpful to close doors in lesser-used rooms to retain heat where you need it most.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mantas, for these practical tips on staying warm while keeping costs down this winter!
**Mantas Kavaliauskas:** You’re welcome! Planning and making small changes can lead to significant savings. Stay warm and efficient!
