Repsol YPF

A huge consumer

Almost half of the energy that we consume is used to heat the property. It is true that heating needs vary greatly from one place to another, but those people who use a heating system represent the majority: 85% of Spanish homes have some heating device. We usually opt for less efficient  solutions, since 90% of systems are individual rather than centralised installations, which serve several properties and have better outputs.

A question of temperature

Consumption is a matter of degrees. For every additional degree on the thermostat, the energy consumption increases by 7%. The experts recommend setting the temperature between 19 and 21 degrees and reducing it to between 15 and 17 degrees when you go to bed. This will be more than sufficient to ensure that you are comfortable.

When should it be turned off?

Adjust your timings and, if you have a home automation system, get the most out of it by configuring when the heating comes on remotely. Depending on its orientation and insulation, it may be that a couple of hours per day are sufficient in order to achieve a sensation of comfort. Another option is the ‘economy’ setting of many systems, which reduce the temperature to 15 degrees whilst you are  absent. In any case, it is recommendable that you turn off the boiler when you go to sleep.

Acquire a thermostat

The thermostatic valves on radiators or programmable thermostats achieve savings of between 8% and 13% on your electricity bill. They are affordable and do not require a complicated installation. 

Maintain your boiler in working order

If your boiler is working correctly, your bill will be accurate. Inefficient use can generate an overconsumption of around 15%.

Purge your radiators

If you have not done it already, do not leave it much longer. When the radiators are dirty, the air that circulates inside them hinders the heat transfer.

Radiators are not driers

Do not cover them with any objects or garments. They transmit heat through radiation, as such the fewer the obstacles the better. 

10 minutes of airing

That is enough. Always do it with the heating turned off, preferably in the morning, before switching on the system again. 

External blinds and curtains, your allies

Use them at night. Remember that almost 30% of our heating needs are due to the heat lost through the windows. On cold days, the equivalent of 12kg of central heating oil per m2 of glass is lost.

Good insulation

Saving always begins with good insulation. It is recommended that you install windows with a thermal bridge break and double glazing and have good walls. However, do not worry: it is not always necessary to make large investments: a layer of cork or fibre glass can insulate as much as a stone wall that is a metre thick.

Did you know that the use of thermostatic valves and programmable thermostats on radiators can reduce the energy cost produced by the heating by 10%?

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