Does heating cost too much? Discover the plastic bottle trick to reduce consumption and make the most of your radiators.
The month of November has managed–even finally, in some ways–to cool the air but bringing with it a problem that will stay with us all winter long: heating our homes. The cost of energy, in fact, is certainly not low and can take a significant toll on the household budget. So much so that, in order to keep their homes warm, some people have come up with a little gimmick, using a common plastic bottle in order to help optimize the efficiency of radiators. But how does this trick work? Let’s try to find out together.na the trick
The power of a plastic bottle: how the trick works
The idea behind it is actually very simple: just place a plastic bottle full of water near the radiator.
True, at first glance it is a choice that may seem unusual, but it is based on a simple principle of thermal physics.
Water has a high heat capacity, which means it can store a considerable amount of heat and release it gradually. When the radiator is running, the water in the bottle absorbs the heat generated and, once the radiator is turned off, releases it into the room over an extended period, helping to keep the room warm without the need to turn the heat back on right away.
This small measure thus makes it possible to maintain a more stable temperature in home environments, reducing thermal fluctuations and the need to keep heaters on for extended periods. Doing so also reduces costs in the bill, optimizing energy use.
How to best apply the plastic bottle trick
So, to be able to put this method into practice and make the most of it, just follow a few simple tricks. What you need is a medium to large plastic bottle. The bottle should be filled to the brim and closed tightly. Then, you need to place it next to the radiator, as close as possible, in a spot that allows it to absorb the heat emitted as evenly as possible.
Even, using multiple bottles can be even more effective. Indeed, if you have the space and the ability to do so in your home, distributing them strategically along the radiator can ensure an even longer-lasting (and environmentally friendly) effect.
Yes, because if the main advantage of this trick lies in its inexpensiveness (all you need is a plastic bottle and some water), it is a “smart reuse” of plastic bottles, as well as a method that allows us to waste a little less energy to run the radiators. And, therefore, it can be good for the environment too!
If, however, you really want to make it as efficient as possible, you should not just use the “plastic bottle trick” but remember that combining multiple tricks often leads to greater success. When integrated with other cost-saving strategies, our simple advice can become a real cost-saving strategy.
For example, with the installation of thermostatic valves and good, consistent maintenance of radiators over time, this method can pay off and contribute in no small part to optimizing the efficiency of the heating system without sacrificing comfort. All at an extremely low cost!
