5 simple habits to get more from your heating

Before considering major work, a few simple habits help you make the most of the heat from your radiators.

1. Bleed your radiators: if the top stays cold while the bottom is hot, air may be trapped inside. Bleeding can solve the problem. With the radiator cold, gently open the bleed screw until water comes out, then close it. Then check your boiler pressure.
2. Clear your radiators: furniture, a long curtain or laundry on top gets in the way of the heat.
3. Close shutters and curtains at night: they reduce heat loss through the windows, as long as they don't cover the radiator.
4. Air rooms briefly: a few minutes a day refreshes the air. Remember to turn off the radiator meanwhile.
5. Adjust the temperature room by room: a bedroom doesn't need the same warmth as a living room. Thermostatic valves make this easier.

According to ADEME (the French energy agency), each degree less saves about 7% on heating. Actual results depend on your home, its insulation and your habits.