The first cold snaps in Spain brought a maintenance advice that is gaining traction. It does not require new appliances, is quick to implement and promises to improve heat circulation in radiators, helping to reduce bills. The essential thing is to do it with the heating turned off and cold, to operate safely.
A simple trick that improves efficiency
In a dirty radiator, dust forms a barrier that makes it difficult for hot air to circulate between the fins. By removing this layer, heat diffuses better throughout the room and reduces the temptation to turn up the thermostat. It is a zero-cost measure that can be repeated throughout the winter, especially in homes with greater dust accumulation.
How to safely clean a radiator
The procedure is straightforward. With the equipment turned off and cool to the touch, wrap a microfiber cloth around the end of a broom handle, carefully pass it along the inside and back of the radiator and finish with the fine nozzle of the vacuum cleaner on the outside and near the baseboard. Avoid liquids that could enter the circuit and, finally, ensure clearance between the radiator and curtains or furniture, so as not to block the air flow.
When to reinforce your cleaning routine
If you haven’t carried out this maintenance for months, make up for it with a longer session and also assess the condition of the grilles and air vents. In older systems, it is worth combining cleaning with radiator purging to expel air pockets and stabilize the surface temperature.
Recommended temperature at home
Savings don’t just depend on cleaning. According to the (OCU, Spanish consumer protection association), in winter it is reasonable to keep the house between 19 and 21 ºC during the day and lower it at night; each additional degree on the thermostat can increase consumption by around 7%. In a converging sense, the Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE, public body of the Ministry for Ecological Transition of Spain) points to 21 ºC, with appropriate clothing, as a reference for comfort.
As a rule, it pays to program the heating by zones and times. Reducing 1–2 ºC when the house is empty and increasing it again shortly before returning helps maintain comfort without consumption peaks. At night, a slight descent, combined with closed curtains and closed interior doors, limits thermal losses and avoids heating areas where it is not necessary.
Other gestures that reduce the bill
Bleeding radiators to eliminate air in the circuit improves heating uniformity. Do not obstruct the panels with sofas or clotheslines to avoid losses. Placing reflective panels behind radiators facing external walls can return heat to the room, reducing energy wasted through conduction.
Regular maintenance: cleaning also counts
Energy efficiency guides recommend vacuuming dust between the fins and using brushes designed for radiators. It’s a task that takes just a few minutes and, if repeated regularly, helps maintain performance without touching the thermostat.
When the trick doesn’t arrive
If, despite cleaning and adjustments, the house continues to feel cold, investigate underlying problems. A boiler without periodic maintenance, faulty thermostatic valves, poor insulation on windows or walls without thermal insulation can nullify the effect of any domestic gesture. In these situations, technical intervention and improvement of insulation tend to have a greater structural impact.
The rule is simple. Before spending on new appliances, take care of the basics. Clean radiators, unobstructed air paths and adjusted reference temperatures are a good start. If it works, save immediately. If that’s not enough, you’ll have data to decide interventions with measurable returns.
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