The cold is getting more and more biting. Then comes the time to restart the radiators and therefore see the bill climb. To avoid a phenomenon of energy overconsumption and ensure its comfort, your interior must obviously be well insulated and ventilated. However, you can also put in place a few solutions to increase the performance of your heating and reduce your energy bills. Find out how to increase the heat from your radiator to reduce your heating bill.
1) Choose the right radiator to optimize your heat
Of course, it will not necessarily be possible for you to change your installations. However, if you are planning to install new radiators anyway or are having your house built, the question is bound to arise. However, choosing more efficient heat emitters will allow you tosave up to more than 20% on your heating bill. If you do not opt for underfloor heating, you have three options:
– Cast iron radiators which have a very good heating quality and longevity, but which remain heavy and rather expensive;
-Cast aluminum radiators, incompatible with other types of radiators and preferably reserved for new and well-insulated installations;
-And finally the steel radiators which cool very quickly.
Whichever you choose, make sure you don’t do not oversize the heater returned by the radiators. The power, which must compensate for the heat losses of the accommodation, will depend on the heating surface and the heat output of the appliances (to be consulted with the manufacturer), the temperature and the water flow which passes through the appliance. If you do not intend to change your installations, also know that the simple replacement of an old manual radiator head by a thermostatic valve (or thermostatic valve) allows you a energy saving of up to 28% energy.
2) Do not neglect the purge for a better return of heat by the radiator
Some signs do not deceive! Your radiator gurgles or has trouble heating and the heat is concentrated at the bottom without going up? This indicates it’s time to purge it. This will optimize its thermal power and remove the air present in the heating circuit. Thus, the heating will be more homogeneous. On the other hand, if you observe dark water when purging, you may need also provide for sludge removal.
3) Good dust removal for efficient heating
To reduce your daily bill, the simplest actions are often the most effective. For example, you can dust off your radiator to improve the efficiency of your energy-intensive space heater. Indeed, this allows better spread the heat within the home. This will prevent you from causing overconsumption of energy. No more exploding electricity bills! This good habit is to be carried out at least twice a yearpreferably before the start of the cold season as well as after.
4) Install a reflector panel behind the radiator to reflect the heat
The heat is not centralized and tends to scatter on the curtains, the wall or even the ceiling. However, it is possible to increase and optimize the heat of your radiator with a reflector panel placed at the level of the gap between the radiator and the wall. Very often, we use here a simple sheet of aluminum glued with double-sided tape to push the heat towards the center of the room and reduce the energy consumption of the radiator. On the other hand, this trick is less recommended in homes where there are moisture problems in the walls. Indeed, the heat which spreads there makes it possible to fight this same humidity. Also, this trick only works on cast iron radiators. No need to try it with your electric convectors and other radiators!
Extra tips to save energy
Consider installing a high-efficiency insert on the chimney
L’adding an insert allows a better yield of the wood as well as a reduced consumption of wood. Indeed, the air will then circulate inside, warm up and come out through the air outlets provided for this purpose. This makes it possible to obtain a significantly higher calorific power. If you also opt for dry wood and if possible hardwood (oak, beech, etc.), you will also obtain better combustion in your fireplace compared to softwood.
Install an air heat recovery unit on an open fireplace
Chimney fires warm hearts, but less our homes with a efficiency of less than 10% in terms of heating. In the end, a large part of the heat escapes through the flue. This is why you can opt for a heat recovery unit (blowing andiron, air exchanger or reverse combustion exchanger). This makes it possible to increase its energy efficiency, all without the air sampled having been in contact with the fumes.
