With the cold coming, the question is repeated every year: what is the most efficient and economical way to heat the house? According to experts at DECO PROTeste, the answer depends on several factors, such as the type of housing, thermal insulation, the number of rooms and the need to also use the equipment in the summer to cool the environment.
Even so, there are two systems that stand out for their relationship between cost, efficiency and environmental impact: air conditioning and the pellet stove. Both are good ways to heat your home.
The consumer protection organization analyzed several heating solutions and concluded that these two options present the best balance between comfort and savings. “The solutions with the best cost-benefit ratio and environmental impact are air conditioning and pellet stoves”, explains DECO PROTeste.
Air conditioning and salamanders lead the way
According to the organization’s calculations, a pellet stove saves around 96 euros per year compared to a fan heater. Air conditioning can represent even greater savings, of around 110 euros per year, considering a scenario of use of four hours a day, five days a week, for five months, and is also very efficient in quickly heating the house.
Air conditioning, although often associated only with summer, is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to heat the interior of your home. “The latest models consume little energy, are quick and silent to air-condition the room and can be programmed remotely via smartphones”, explains DECO PROTeste.
Pellet stoves, in turn, are ideal for those looking for a system with a low environmental impact. They burn wood waste, called pellets, considered neutral in carbon dioxide emissions, also ensuring a well-heated home.
What about portable heaters?
Portable heaters continue to be popular, found in around 65% of Portuguese homes, but should only be used occasionally. Despite their low purchase price, they have high electrical consumption, lower efficiency and a more significant environmental impact. “They are not suitable for prolonged heating of rooms”, warns the organization.
The importance of thermal insulation
DECO PROTeste remembers that, more than the equipment, the decisive factor in saving energy is the insulation of the house. “Even with a good heater, thermal insulation is the most determining factor”, states the publication, highlighting that heat is easily lost through poorly insulated windows, doors and walls, making it difficult and more expensive to heat the house.
Simple measures recommended include using thick curtains at night, applying thermal films to windows, using rollers or caulking to prevent air from entering and keeping doors closed in heated rooms.
The best strategy for comfort and savings
According to the organization, the smartest way to maintain a comfortable temperature is to act on the building’s surroundings. This includes investing in double-glazed windows, reinforcing insulation and choosing an efficient, low-consumption heating system. Invest in heating solutions that help heat your home without negative impacts.
“The objective should be to reduce energy needs and keep the interior comfortable, with lower CO₂ emissions”, concludes , reinforcing that, for most families, air conditioning and pellet stoves continue to be the most balanced options between comfort, cost and sustainability.
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