Are there fights in your house over the heating? In addition to personal temperature preferences, the conflict is likely to come over exorbitant bills during the winter months. No wonder. According to the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), heating means approximately 41% of the total energy consumption of an average home in Spain. However, there are many variations.
Spending, logically, is concentrated in the coldest communities. Areas with a continental climate, such as central Spain, which make up just over a third of households, have heating costs that can be 53% higher than in the Mediterranean or Atlantic area. This is compensated, on the other hand, by the greater energy expenditure on air conditioning in those areas.
The costs associated with air conditioning highlight the problem of energy poverty in Spain. According to Eurostat data collected by MITECOthe percentage of the population unable to keep their home warm increased from 9.1% in 2018 to 20.8% in 2022.
When the intense cold forces us to look for efficient ways to maintain a comfortable temperature without skyrocketing energy bills, doubts arise. Is it better to turn the heating on and off as needed or keep it on at minimum continuously? The answer is not simple, since it depends on various factors such as the insulation of the home, the type of heating system and the habits of those who live in it.
Turn on and off as needed
For many people, turning on the heat only when they are at home seems to be the most logical option. This strategy makes sense from an energy point of view, since it avoids unnecessary spending when no one is home. However, there is one point to consider: if the home loses heat quickly due to poor insulation, the heating system will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature each time it is turned on. This can generate consumption peaks that, depending on the system used, may not be as efficient as they seem.
In well-insulated homes, this strategy can be more efficient because the walls, floors and ceilings retain heat longer, meaning the system does not have to run for long periods. Additionally, scheduling the heating to turn on before you arrive home can ensure a comfortable environment without wasting energy while you are away.
Keep heating to a minimum
On the other hand, some people choose to keep the heating on at a low temperature, such as 16-18ºC, even when they are not at home. The idea behind this strategy is to prevent the home from getting too cold, which would make it easier for the system to reach a comfortable temperature when the thermostat is raised. In this case, the insulation of the home is once again a determining factor. If heat escapes quickly, keeping the heating at a minimum could result in constant consumption that does not translate into significant savings.
However, this strategy can be useful in extremely cold climates or in homes where the heating system takes a long time to heat the space. It is important to calculate whether or not continuous consumption at minimum exceeds the expense of turning on the system only when necessary.
How to optimize consumption
Today, there are alternatives that can help optimize the use of heating and reduce energy consumption. One of the most recommended is the use of smart thermostats, which allow specific schedules to be programmed and the temperature adjusted according to the needs of the occupants. These devices can also learn your routines and adjust the system automatically, maximizing efficiency.
Another option for those who have central heating are thermostatic valves for radiators, which allow the temperature in different rooms to be regulated according to their use. For example, there is no need to heat an empty bedroom during the day or the living room at night. These types of devices can help customize energy consumption and avoid unnecessary spending.
Finally, it is always advisable to invest in good thermal insulation for any of the mentioned strategies. This includes double-glazed windows, well-sealed doors, thick carpets and the use of thermal curtains. A well-insulated home retains heat longer and reduces the need for constant heating.
Hybrid strategies
In some cases, combining both strategies may be the best solution. For example, you can set the heat to stay at a low temperature during the hours you are not home and turn it up when you return. This ensures that the home does not get too cold and prevents excessive consumption when turning on the heating from scratch.
It is also useful to take advantage of passive heat sources, such as sunlight during the day, by opening curtains to allow the sun to naturally warm the rooms. On the contrary, at night, closing them helps conserve the accumulated heat.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution that works for every home, but using modern technologies like smart thermostats and thermostatic valves, along with insulation improvements, can make a big difference to your energy efficiency—and your bill at the end of the month. .
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