As winter approaches, many seek ways to save on heating costs. One effective method is to use a fireplace, but regular maintenance is mandatory. Chimneys must be cleaned at least once a year to prevent hazards and potential insurance issues. Hiring a professional is essential for documentation. For additional savings, maintaining proper room temperatures, using thermostats, and being mindful of hot water usage can lead to significant reductions in energy bills.
With winter on the horizon, many are searching for tips to save on heating costs. A fireplace can be a great way to lower your bills: but is it mandatory to have it cleaned?
Yes! It is required to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year, and in some cases, twice a year. This rule applies not only to chimneys but also to wood, gas, or oil boilers, as well as pellet stoves. Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences. If a fire occurs, your insurance may refuse to cover you, and you could face fines of up to 450 euros.
Professional Cleaning Required. While you might be tempted to save money by cleaning your chimney yourself, it’s important to note that an annual maintenance check must be performed by a professional chimney sweep. According to Michel Martin, vice president of the National Federation of Chimney Sweeps, only a certified professional can provide you with a cleaning certificate, which is essential for your insurance. The cost for this service typically ranges from 30 to 100 euros, depending on your location and the type of equipment. However, be cautious as this industry is prone to scams. Here are three tips: be wary of unsolicited calls or door-to-door sales, ensure your service provider is qualified, and request multiple quotes to guarantee a fair price.
Maintaining Ideal Temperatures: 19°C in the Living Room, 17°C in Bedrooms. A straightforward way to save on heating is to adjust the temperatures in your home. Not every room needs to be heated the same way! Recommended temperatures are 19°C for the living room and dining area, 22°C in the bathroom while in use, and no more than 17°C in bedrooms. By doing this, savings can be significant! Lowering your heating by just one degree can reduce your energy consumption by 7%. Therefore, for an annual bill of 2000 euros, you could save 140 euros—an impressive amount!
Using a Thermostat for Temperature Control. Another effective solution is to install a thermostat. This device connects to your boiler or radiator and allows you to set temperatures for each room. Once the living room reaches 19°C, the heating stops! These thermostats start at around 30 euros and can potentially save you up to 15%, translating to about 300 euros per year based on our previous example of a 2000-euro annual bill.
Reducing Hot Water Usage. Lastly, don’t overlook hot water consumption. When using taps, try to keep the mixer lever towards the colder side, as leaving it in the middle causes you to use lukewarm water, increasing energy consumption!
If you have additional questions, feel free to submit them directly through video on our dedicated page.
You can also email your questions to: [email protected].