Experts warn: The common habit that most households practiced during the summer months can cause serious problems when the heating season starts. A simple trick will save you hundreds of euros on repairs.

When it starts to bake outside, many of us automatically turn the thermostat on the radiators to the position of zero. It seems logical – why should the radiator be set to higher values ​​when we experience heat in the summer? However, it turns out that this seemingly reasonable step can lead to unpleasant surprises and unnecessary autumn expenses.

Surprising recommendations: Set the radiator in the summer to “five”

The German Association of Liquefied Gas (DVFG) recommends something that may seem senseless at first glance. In the warmer months, you should turn the wheel on the radiator to the highest position. Why? It is a prevention of additional cost when the heating season begins.

“Setting the thermostat to the maximum value during the summer helps to prevent valve blockage and jamming them during the next heating season,” explains technical expert DVFG Markus Lau.

It would seem that since the water in the radiators does not heat up in the summer, you can easily set the thermostat to “zero”. However, experts warn that such a procedure can lead to anerals of radiators.

Radiator reset: Hidden trap to your finances

Radiator resetting will issue you with additional costs when outdoor temperatures begin to fall. The valves that remain in one position all summer may be stuck or blocked.

Subsequent repair or replacement of valves may cost tens to hundreds of euros, depending on the type and number of radiators in your home.

What exactly do the numbers on the thermostat mean? A secret revealed

The thermostat range starts from zero or a snowflake symbol and ends with a “five”. Each of the values ​​corresponds to the approximate temperature:

  • Zero or snowflake: minimal heat that prevents the water from freezing in radiators
  • One: temperature from 12 to 13 ° C
  • Two: a temperature of about 15 ° C
  • Three: Temperature between 18 and 20 ° C
  • Four: a temperature fluctuating between 22 and 24 ° C
  • Five: about 28 ° C

These values ​​are indicative and may vary slightly depending on the thermostat manufacturer and the type of heating system.

Winter mistake costing you hundreds of euros per year

Many people set radiators to the “five” in winter that they will heat up the apartment faster. However, this is a mistake because “Five” means that the radiator maintains a high temperature and will work at full speed, which generates high costs.

It is best to set the wheel to a value of three to four. The room will not be heated more slowly, but the accounts will be lower.

When set to five, the radiator will heat up until the room temperature reaches approximately 28 ° C, which is unnecessarily high and energy -intensive.

Which radiator is the most economical and which gives the best warmth? Not always it goes hand in hand