How to save money on heating a private house - 12 simple but effective tips

Heating start - timing

While most of the country's private households are equipped with autonomous heating systems, most apartments are connected to centralized systems. The periods of heat supply for apartment buildings are regulated in the following documents:

• Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 354 of May 6, 2011;
• Federal Law No. 190 of July 27, 2010 "On Heat Supply";
• SanPiN 2.1.22645-10.

The timing of starting heating in homes depends on the region. Also, the determining factors are forecasts of weather forecasters and established weather conditions. The temperature value that is considered acceptable is 19-21 ⁰С. In rooms where small children and elderly people are constantly there, there is a slightly different standard - 1-2⁰C higher.

The right to start the heating season exists all year round. Services are obliged to start heating the next day after the end of a period of 5 days, during which the average daily temperature did not exceed + 8⁰C.

The command to supply heat is given by the local government. The date is determined by the relevant decree, which is published on the official website of the city or district administration. The management companies and homeowners' associations do not have the right to start heating at their own discretion.

Using alternative sources

The use of alternative energy sources can be considered as one of the ways to save on heating. They can replace or partially compensate for any energy carrier.

Solar energy

So, if you want to save electricity, you can use solar panels. They come in different sizes and capacities, and can be installed on the roof, on the wall, on the window or in the yard. Moreover, the inhabitants of apartment buildings can hang them on the balcony. About four or six such solar panels can produce about a kilowatt of power per hour. Factory products cost a lot, but there is always an opportunity to assemble a solar battery with your own hands.

The efficiency of solar heaters is more dependent on the presence of the sun than on the temperature.

Another type of solar plant can heat water free of charge for hot water supply or heating: solar collectors. Since the coolant moves in them, they have a solid weight. Hanging such a heater on the window will not work. So this is more of an option for homeowners. How big can the savings be? If we talk about central Russia, solar water heaters will cope with heating water by 100%, and heating savings will be about 30% per season. It is possible to install more powerful installations, which will block 100% of the heating, but this is unprofitable. Excess capacity during the warm period will have nowhere to go, and the installations are not cheap.

There is also air heating with solar energy: air collectors. They cannot become the main source of heat, but they will help to save money for sure. These are very simple devices, but they must take up a large area to be effective. Most often, the entire southern wall is assigned to them. The construction is as follows:

• The inner layer (the first from the wall) is an absorber - a layer that absorbs light and converts it into heat. In the simplest case, it is black plastic wrap (if you decide to do it yourself).
• The outer layer is light-transmitting. It can be transparent plastic or glass. Plastic is more durable, so it is better to use it.
• Between these two layers there are partitions that form a labyrinth through which air moves.The transparent material of the outer layer is attached to the partitions.

  

  Heating principle with air convectors

There are two methods of solar air heating: closed and open system. In a closed system, air is taken from the room, passes through a solar collector and enters through another opening warmer. In this case, the tightness of the air manifold is important: the less heat goes away, the more efficiently it will work.

In an open system, air is taken from the street (through small holes in the outer cover), heats up and enters the room. The second option is a combined ventilation system with an air heating system.

Despite the seeming frivolity of this method, it can be a great way to save on heating. For example, a closed system at -2оС outside on a sunny day (in the middle lane) warmed the air up to + 65оС. You can try to make such a device yourself for heating the garage. Evaluate and understand whether or not it is worth doing this for the home.

Biogas plants

If you have animals in your backyard: cows, pigs, rabbits, chickens, quails, etc., you have the opportunity to independently provide yourself with gas and electricity. Such an opportunity is the processing of manure into biogas. Moreover, this absolutely waste material can also become a source of income. Installations, if properly organized, pay off in 4-5 years if you sell only surplus gas, and in 2-3 years if you also sell fertilizers that are obtained as a result.

Having a source of energy, it is a sin not to use it.

Heat pumps

Owners of private houses can completely solve the heating problem by installing a ground source heat pump. This pleasure is not cheap at all (installation is meant), but it allows you not only to heat the house in the cold season, but also to cool it in the summer. What makes heat pumps better? By spending 1 kW of electricity to transfer heat, you can deliver up to 4-6 kW of heat to the house. But keep in mind that the best heating system for a heat pump is water floors. Then the efficiency will be optimal.

Underfloor heat pump - perfect compatibility

Apartment owners can also supply a heat pump, but already air-to-air or air-to-water systems. This solution is not so universal: not all installations can operate at very low temperatures. Some are able to heat the room to -20 ° C, there are models that work up to -40 ° C. But, at low temperatures, their effectiveness is not the greatest. Not the best property, but the installation of air heat pumps is several times cheaper and easier. In fact, these are ordinary air conditioners that work for heating. That is why they have a high price: there is no spiral that heats the air (and dries it). There is a heat pump that removes heat from the air outside and transfers it to the room or heating system.

How fees are calculated

Calculations are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 354 of May 6, 2011. When performing operations, the categories of objects are taken into account:

• Residential and non-residential premises located in apartment buildings;
• Communal apartments;
• Home ownership.

Apartment buildings

When performing calculations, the readings of individual metering devices installed in apartments are taken into account. This allows the owners not to overpay, will not allow defaulters to save at someone else's expense. The calculation is carried out taking into account the following factors:

• The period during which the calculations are made;
• The presence of a common household appliance, accounting for resource consumption;
• The way of arranging apartments with individual metering devices;
• Thermal energy supply method.

Dwelling houses

The rules for calculating payment for heating of private households determine the owners to pay for heating directly for the dwelling and outbuildings - if there is a connection to the system. In the event that individual metering devices are not installed at the facilities, the standards established in the regions are used for calculations. When the instrument is equipped, the board is calculated according to its readings.

Maintenance of buildings of large areas or located in regions with harsh climatic conditions requires considerable financial costs. Owners have to resort to affordable savings.

Outcomes

The surest way to save on heating costs is to reduce heat loss. Therefore, first of all, you need to do insulation. Careful preservation of heat can reduce heating costs several times. Then it is worth taking a critical look at the equipment used. If your boiler is already 10 years old, think about replacing it: modern heating equipment uses heat carriers much more efficiently, and all thanks to "smart" control. Well, another option is to consider the possibility of using alternative heat sources. This is not only fashionable, but also promising: prices are increasing, and alternative sources are mostly free.

How to save on heating in an apartment

Currently, it is not at all necessary to use centralized systems to heat an apartment. There are also more profitable alternatives. In order not to overpay, it is recommended to adhere to several saving rules.

Warming

It is possible to provide comfortable living conditions in a house or apartment by solving the issue of heat loss. There are cold spots in many areas. Usually these are windows, doors, balconies, walls. Neglecting these points is a common reason for wasteful heating costs.

Installing a counter - for or against

Not in all cases, the installation of an apartment meter is justified. In addition to the heat consumed, the owners have to pay for its delivery, heating staircases and other non-residential premises. When equipping a house with good thermal insulation, it may be more profitable to calculate the payment, taking into account the heat consumption of the entire building. The indicators are calculated by dividing the amount payable by the number of apartments in the house.

Temperature control

Reducing the temperature in the apartment by the owner, subject to the installation of a metering system, will also resolve the issue how to save on heating in an apartment... In this case, registration with the management company is required.
Reducing the temperature in the house by 1⁰ will save up to 6% heat.

Refusal from central heating

Despite the fact that at first glance it seems impossible to refuse heating by connecting to a centralized system, there are alternative options, and their use is quite realistic. An alternative to central heating is the arrangement of an autonomous heating unit, the components of which are the following elements:

• Available heaters, which can be of various categories - from budget oil radiators to expensive monolithic systems;
• Warm floors, which can also be of two types - cable or infrared. Not so long ago, only homeowners with high incomes could afford the installation of underfloor heating systems. They are now becoming more affordable;
• Electric and gas boilers provide many benefits. Their installation will allow you to control the quality and amount of supplied heat, to maintain an optimal microclimate in the room.

The use of a gas or electric boiler during operation is quite beneficial. The only drawback is that at the initial stage of the installation it will take a lot of effort.This is the time required to coordinate all issues with the relevant authorities, install the structure, etc.

Savings on heating with a heater

The huge selection of heating systems available on the market will allow you to easily select a heating source that will complement a centralized system. Additional devices - heaters can be indispensable in the winter season, when low temperatures do not allow providing comfortable living conditions in the room. Manufacturers offer several types of heating devices, which have their own advantages and disadvantages:

Oil

Low cost and the ability to heat a room up to 20 square meters are the main advantages of the device. Heating efficiency is ensured by the high conductivity of the coolant. Operational safety, due to the presence of a temperature control sensor, is also important when choosing. This allows you to leave them indoors without fear of fire. The disadvantage of the models is the duration of warming up and dry air.

Converter

A converter heater is the most economical option for providing auxiliary heating. Its advantages also include an affordable price, quick warm-up, light weight and low energy consumption. The lack of models is fire hazard.

Fan heaters

Quite practical models of heaters that can be installed on any surface - both horizontal and vertical. There will be no problems during transportation. The high power allows large areas to be heated. Noise and overdrying of air during operation are the disadvantages of installations.

Infrared heaters

The ideal solution for non-residential premises is infrared heaters. The following characteristics also speak in favor of this choice - noiselessness, safety at work, economy, efficiency, low power consumption. The device is quite expensive. Buying budget Chinese models is impractical - during operation, the owners often have to change lamps.

Micathermic heaters

These devices are quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to buy. Parts sealed in a mica housing emit infrared waves during operation of the equipment, heating the room. Quiet, completely safe and compact models are able to quickly heat up a large area.

Warming the emptiness

If you are leaving home for a few days, it is inappropriate to heat it. But it makes no sense to completely turn off the heating - it will take more than a day to warm up a cooled building. Leave the heating system in operation, but set it to 15-18 degrees.

If your family does not spend some of the time at home (parents at work, children in kindergarten or school), you can lower the temperature in the house by 3-5 degrees during this time. The most convenient way to do this is with a controller installed on a heat source or in a control cabinet.

The controller is not a cheap pleasure, but it will save you from constant manual temperature changes. And due to savings on heating, it will pay off over time.

Recalculation of fees

In order not to overpay to the service company if the temperature indicators do not reach the established standards, you must contact the company for recalculation. For ordinary rooms it is 18⁰С, for corner rooms - 20⁰С. Decree No. 354 of 06/05/2011 determined that an excess of no more than 4⁰С is permissible. At night - from 0.00 to 5.00 o'clock - a decrease is possible by no more than 3 ⁰, in the daytime a deviation is not allowed.When performing calculations for each hour of violation during the calculation, the amount of the fee shall be reduced by 0.15 percent of the amount of the fee determined by the norms.

Procedure

After you have identified a decrease in temperature, with the onset of the heating season, you should contact ADS with a complaint. Further, it is necessary to wait for the specialists of the management organization, who, after inspecting the room and measuring the temperature, will prepare an appropriate act. One copy remains with you, the other is transferred to the management company. This document will serve as the basis for obtaining the recalculation.

Reducing electricity costs

In addition to all of the above, this is also an almost standard recommendation: if the boiler is old, install a modern one. Just don't give up on automation: it really saves energy. And the better the automation, the more efficiency you can achieve. It is clear that not everyone needs remote control of the boiler, but weather-dependent automation in a good design is a way to maintain a comfortable temperature at minimal cost.

How to save money on electric heating: use economical boilers

A little about the types of electric boilers. In addition to traditional units on heating elements, there are also induction and electrode units. Manufacturers claim that they are 30% more economical. This thesis is actively contested on the grounds that any electric heater, having spent 1 kW of electricity, can produce slightly less than 1 kW of heat (losses on the converter). And nothing else. But, judging by the feedback from the owners of the boilers, there is savings. Moreover, they often put technological innovations in enterprises, both large and small. And their owners talk about the available economic benefits. So, most likely, these boilers are more efficient.

If new items do not seduce you, buy multistage heating elements. In them, the heating elements are turned on in groups, and the boiler automation (where without it) turns them on / off as needed. Although the change in power is not smooth, but abrupt, such units are still much more economical than simple single-stage models. But, because of the automation, they are not cheap.

Another way is to put infrared instead of a conventional electric heater. The whole point here is that it is not the air that heats up, but the objects in the room.

Probably, everything is about how to save on heating with electricity.

Heating savings - affordable means

There are several more ways to save on heating in an apartment:

• Installation of a heat-reflecting screen, which is an aluminum foil and an additional layer of foamed heat insulator. Usually, these devices are sold at building materials stores. By reflecting heat away from the walls and directing it into the interior, the screen prevents heat loss. Attachments are especially useful in insufficiently insulated homes;
• Heating through heating pipes is quite effective. Many, when carrying out repair work, try to close them. As a result, the amount of heat supplied to the apartment decreases;
• Floor insulation will provide more comfortable living conditions in the apartment. This can be a simple replacement of cold tiles with laminate, parquet or warm carpet.

A few simple tips will help you figure out how to save on heating:

1. Try to close doors to cooler rooms. Keeping warm for longer in warmer rooms, you can save on heating.
2. Shared leisure time together is also a great solution. Spending evenings with your family in the same room can reduce the heating intensity in empty rooms.
3. Reducing the power of the radiators at night. The ideal temperature for sleeping is 18⁰. Cool air ensures healthier sleep and more comfortable rest.Closing windows at night with curtains or blinds will also reduce heat loss.
4. Save money while no one is home. In almost every family, the apartment is empty during the day - children are in school or kindergarten, parents are at work. Reducing heating power for this period is ideal.
5. Control the humidity level. Optimal rates are from 40 to 60%. Too high humidity will require more heat to warm up, excessively dry air is harmful to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
6. The warmth of the neighboring apartments will also serve as an additional source of heating. It often happens that apartment owners, which are surrounded on several sides by well-heated apartments, do not have to spend a lot of money on heating costs. Their dwellings are heated by neighboring rooms. Heating is especially effective for "neighbors", whose apartments are equipped with underfloor heating systems.
7. Dress warmly - during the winter season, it is not at all necessary to walk around the apartment in a T-shirt and shorts. In order to be comfortable, the temperature in the apartment should be at least 23-24⁰. Maintaining the temperature regime at a level of about 21-22⁰ is much more profitable. All you need to do is just dress warmly.
8. Check the cleanliness of heating radiators. At first glance, it seems that dust practically does not accumulate in them, and that that can settle does not interfere with heating. However, this opinion is erroneous. Being a good heat insulator, dust can reduce the efficiency of radiators. The intensity of air heating decreases, and it becomes not so comfortable to be in the room.

It is quite possible to save on heating the apartment. In order not to overpay too much, it is recommended to adhere to a few simple rules, to know and be able to operate with the norms and provisions of the legislation.

Climate

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How to save on heating? This question worries almost everyone on the eve of cold weather. Both the owners of apartments with central heating and the owners of private houses usually have something to think about. After all, a sane person who cares about his well-being simply cannot ignore the rise in prices for utilities.

Is it possible to do something so that the bills for the "blessings of civilization" are not so frightening? Of course. By reducing the heat loss of housing and optimizing the operation of various systems inside it, you will be convinced that cheap heating at home is not a myth, but a reality. True, a reality on which you need to work hard.

Table of contents

1. The main recommendation for those who want to save money
2. Warming a house or apartment is a guarantee of good savings
3. How to save money on central heating?
4. Rational operation of an autonomous heating system
5. How to keep your home warm: useful tips for every day

The main recommendation for those who want to save money

You can start talking about reducing heating costs only if you are 100% sure of its efficiency. Why? Judge for yourself: if most of your heat already "flies out the window", and against the background of this, the consumption of energy resources will still decrease, you will simply freeze. Doubtful savings, isn't it? After all, drug prices in pharmacies are often much worse than utility bills.

The first thing to do if you want to get cheap heating is to insulate your home with high quality. When it does not come through the cracks, the house immediately becomes much warmer.

Warming a house or apartment is a guarantee of good savings

Wall insulation

The loss of the lion's share of the heat generated by the heating system occurs due to the fact that the walls of the building are not properly insulated.

Of course, it is most reasonable to engage in wall insulation even at the stage of building a house, however, due attention is not always given to this moment for various reasons.But this does not mean at all that a number of thermal insulation measures cannot be carried out at any time. Fortunately, today there are a lot of interesting and practical solutions.

Hinged ventilated facades are very popular. This is an excellent choice for those who have decided to thoroughly insulate themselves and are ready to "fork out". This solution, in addition to high thermal insulation properties, has the following advantages:

• does not require preliminary leveling of the load-bearing wall surface;
• long service life - up to 50 years (depending on the materials used);
• the ability to carry out installation work at any time of the year.

If you want to insulate walls quickly and inexpensively, it is better to opt for a multi-layer plastering system. Heat-insulating plates with a reinforcing mesh applied to the external walls of housing, covered with a base and then a decorative layer of plaster, are a good option that requires the lowest possible time and financial costs.

Replacing windows

Old wood windows are another common cause of high heat leakage. Replacing them with modern designs with double-glazed windows, you will definitely notice that the house has become much warmer and quieter.

If this is not possible, at least you need to seriously work with the old windows - glue the insulation, close up the cracks, etc.

The same is recommended for doors.

Roof insulation

Are you a happy owner of a private home? Then know that precious heat in your case can "escape" through a poorly insulated roof. Consider various thermal insulation materials, their advantages and disadvantages, pay attention to which ones are recommended for your type of roof, consult a specialist about this - and be sure to carry out the necessary work. And don't worry: you can find a performance-appropriate option at any price point.

How to save money on central heating?

People living in houses and apartments connected to a central heating system, even perfectly insulated, can only dream of saving. Since you can't get away from the established tariffs, and every year they reach new and new "heights". And all would be fine if the batteries were really hot - they are often barely warm. Experts joke that for the money people pay for heat, the water in the system should boil actively.

Is it possible to somehow influence the situation and pay amounts adequate to the "heat quality"? Of course, you just need to install an individual heat meter. In general, these "devices" are not particularly popular for one quite obvious reason: the piping in many high-rise buildings is made in such a way that a separate riser passes through each room of the apartment. And it is quite obvious that a heat meter in this situation will require more than one. And this is a very expensive pleasure.

A common house heat meter helps to save at least partially in this situation.

If you live in a modern house, and a separate riser goes to your apartment, then the installation of an individual meter is not only possible, but also extremely desirable. With it you can save up to 50% on heating costs! The device will pay off in about 2-3 years.

Rational operation of an autonomous heating system

For the operation of an autonomous heating system to be efficient, but economical, all its elements must be correctly selected, placed and "configured", as well as regularly serviced. If your boiler is old, gluttonous, with unsatisfactory performance, you should not expect miracles from it. If you are seriously thinking about the question of how to save gas when heating, it is better to replace the "ancient" boiler with a modern development that is suitable in terms of parameters.

A unit with an excessively large capacity is not worth buying. The optimal boiler power is calculated as follows: for every 10 sq.m area needs 1-1.2 kW. It is advisable to give preference to a progressive intelligent model, the power of which is automatically regulated. A smart boiler generates exactly the amount of heat required at a given moment - this contributes to a significant reduction in fuel costs.

Condensing boilers are a very popular solution today. Compared to classic gas boilers, they are more efficient - due to the rational use of the latent heat of combustion products. In addition, such equipment is as quiet and environmentally friendly as possible.

By supplementing a high-quality boiler with a variety of heating control devices, you can forever forget about the shocking numbers in gas receipts.

How to keep your home warm: useful tips for every day

Economy heating is not only good equipment or a set of measures for insulation, it is daily work on your habits and lifestyle.

To prevent unnecessary heat loss, start properly ventilating the rooms in your home. First, do this, if possible, with the heating turned off. Second, be mindful of the timing. Full airing for two to three minutes every three to four hours is more reasonable than endless partial airing.

In spring and autumn, full airing time can be up to 15 minutes.

Be sure to also pay attention to the operation of the ventilation system in your house or apartment. All kinds of hoods need to be turned on only if necessary, because they not only eliminate unpleasant odors and purify the air, but also carry away precious heat.

Saving heat in a private house

To save on heating a private house, you can install a system with a wind generator and solar panels on the land. Stand-alone alternative equipment will provide an independent source of heat and power.

In addition, you can install a special waste incinerator in your home. So, you save the environment and get additional heating.

Some experts advise installing a heat pump that uses underground low-temperature heat from the soil or groundwater. In this case, the temperature should not drop at least plus one degree.

Thus, you will get 75% of the heat naturally. However, this method cools the soil and ground around the house, which disrupts the natural process. By the way, the heat pump is effectively combined with the water floor and gives great savings.

Plan your home wisely so that the windows face the right side. During construction, use an insulated foundation, basement and blind area. Be sure to provide insulation for walls and ceilings, floor, attic and basement, windows and doors.

Moreover, it is better to insulate the walls from the outside. You can make an insulated facade, additionally insulate balconies and loggias, terraces and verandas. Now let's find out how to reduce heating bills if it is gas or electric.

We save on heating by properly insulating the house and reducing heat loss

If you want to reduce the cost of heating the house to a minimum, then you need to think about it at the stage of building a house. You won't be able to save on everything and get a warm home. You also need to remember that today the amount for you, for example, 6,000 rubles for heating a house is not significant, but when you retire or change in the country's economy, such an amount for the family budget can become very significant. Therefore, well-insulated walls, roof and windows are a guarantee of low heat costs. From the experience of heating houses, we can say that houses built of aerated concrete with a depth of 300-400 mm with insulation along the outer wall of 100 mm and plus facing brick with a ventilation gap from the insulation turn out to be warm. In such houses, the heat loss is much less than 100 W per 1 meter2 and in most cases there is enough heating only with a warm floor.

Savings on gas and electric heating

Gas heating savings can be obtained by choosing the right gas boiler. The most economical models are considered to be modulating and multi-position burners. They will be able to save gas by 15-20%. Condensing models save up to 10-30% of gas. They are effectively combined with a water floor and together give savings of up to 30-50%.

In addition, it is possible to install boilers that work simultaneously with solar collectors. Also put a pressure stabilizer at the inlet after the tap. It evens out pressure surges and filters out the air that is supplied with the fuel. Thus, only gas is supplied to the meter, without air. In addition, such a stabilizer ensures safety when using gas heating.

To save electric heating, use the tips listed above. Be sure to choose a modern automatic electric boiler. As practice shows, the most economical are electrode and induction types. If you purchase classic heating elements, choose multi-stage products.

In addition, an infrared electric heater can be supplied instead of the standard one. As a result, the air in the room will be heated, not objects. How you can save electricity in an apartment or in a house, read the link.

Fire, battery

Those who live in their own houses (a common story for New Moscow) solve the problem of "crooked" heating on their own - they competently insulate the building and wrap the pipes in a special material (energy flex). But the inhabitants of high-rise buildings cannot do this with all their desire. You can only put the thermostats in the apartment on your own, although this manipulation does not affect the amount in the receipt. After all, the heat consumption is spread on all residents "like brothers". But this does not mean that you will have to continue to bury your money in this mass grave. He talks about the struggle for economy engineer Viktor Volchek, who is on the board of the HOA of his house:

“An apartment building is a collective property, therefore it is only possible to solve the problem together. An important point: heat is not visible to the human eye, and people find it difficult to save what is not visible. Here is the opposite story with electricity - people live in twilight, although diode bulbs and modern class A technology can significantly save this resource. And with warmth, the opposite is true - people open the vents, they love the heat in apartments in cold weather. So, what can be done to pay less for batteries (this should have been a common decision of the tenants).

1) Install weather-dependent automation on the heating unit.

2) Balance the heating system of the house so that there is no such thing as +30 in this apartment, and +18 in that one.

3) Insulate the roof and facades (at least end ones).

4) Install thermostatic valves or control valves (taps) on batteries in apartments.

5) Eliminate illegal alterations in the building's heating system - all these warm floors from the heating system, taking out the batteries to the balcony. This damages the home as a whole and increases the cost of heating receipts.

It does not shine, but it warms. How to choose the right heater for an apartment Read more

It is difficult to fight "folk craftsmen", but here a thermal imager will come to your aid. There are small portable models at prices quite affordable for HOAs. The neighbor does not let anyone into his home, and it is him that you suspect of illegal redevelopment, because of which your rooms freeze over? We use a thermal imager without even entering the room. The device will show whether a loggia or a balcony is attached to the apartment (it is extremely difficult to reliably insulate them). But there are many other reasons why an apartment can freeze through.Here you definitely need to look at the whole house with a thermal imager. "

All this should be done by the organization serving your home. But the first point of the recommendations (to put weather-dependent automation on the heating unit) needs a general meeting of residents. Let's tell you in more detail what this is all about.