Smart heating – saving energy and money
As autumn sets in and temperatures drop, the desire for cosy warmth within our own four walls grows. By following a few simple tips on heating and ventilation, you can not only improve your quality of life but also make effective savings on energy and costs.
‘Autumn is the time when the days get shorter and the braking distances get longer,’ goes a well-known saying – but that’s not all: we also spend more time at home again. And we naturally want it to be nice and warm in there! Although the days of bonfires are over, there are still a few tricks to bear in mind when it comes to heating properly. This helps create a cosy atmosphere at home whilst also being kind to the environment and your wallet.
Setting the room temperature correctly
Before the heating season begins, it’s worth having your heating system serviced and bleeding the radiators so that you can achieve maximum heating efficiency. Furniture in front of radiators or heavy curtains can reduce heating efficiency, as the heat cannot reach the room. What is considered a comfortable room temperature varies from person to person. For living areas and offices, a room temperature of 20 degrees is generally recommended. This can usually be achieved by setting the thermostat to position 3. The bathroom may be a little warmer; settings 3 to 4 are usually suitable for 20 to 22 degrees. In the bedroom, on the other hand, 17 degrees is sufficient, which corresponds to settings 2 to 3 on the thermostat. The same applies to hallways or less frequently used rooms, such as a guest room. Where a smart building automation system is in use, it is easy to programme which rooms should be heated to what temperature and when.
Avoiding heat loss
If you are away from home for more than two days, you can save energy and money by setting the heating to economy mode or turning the thermostat down by one setting. And: it’s worth only heating when it’s really necessary. Depending on the weather, the heating can be switched on or off. If the sun shines through the window during the cooler months, it helps to warm up the rooms during the day. Heat loss in the evening can be reduced by closing the roller shutters or window shutters. And if there’s a draught in your home, this isn’t just uncomfortable – it also leads to heat loss. This means sealing any draughty windows, doors and gaps, and closing the chimney flaps when the fireplace isn’t in use.
Don’t let rooms cool down by airing them out in bursts
You can also save energy and money when ventilating. The magic word is ‘intermittent ventilation’. This means opening the windows several times a day for a few minutes to allow fresh air to circulate and, at the same time, let moisture escape. If, on the other hand, you keep the windows open or tilted all the time, you prevent proper air exchange – instead, the walls cool down.
Energy efficiency affects property value
As a homeowner, it’s worth ensuring that the heating system offers the highest possible energy efficiency and is optimally matched to the building and the heat distribution system. “Windows, the façade, and the size and height of the rooms are also factors that need to be taken into account,” says Thomas Graf, an experienced estate agent from Bern. “A property’s energy efficiency always has an impact on its value.” That is why it pays to take a close look at a property’s energy consumption, whilst also bearing in mind a potential future sale of the property.
Comprehensive quality services
Have you already found your ideal, cosy and warm home? The experienced property team at thomasgraf ag will be happy to advise you personally on the various aspects of home ownership – whether it’s a flat or a detached house. This established property service provider also offers an exciting selection of attractive properties for sale in both categories. thomasgraf ag is a certified member of the Swiss Chamber of Estate Agents (SMK) and will also support you through the sale of a property – providing personalised service and adhering to the highest quality standards. Thanks to thomasgraf ag’s close cooperation with the asset manager and family office service provider TRIONINVEST, as well as the financial services provider hypolino ag, we offer you combined property-specific and financial expertise, many years of industry experience and a strong network.