For many homeowners, the beginning of the year presents a unique challenge where plunging winter temperatures cause them to rely more on their boilers and furnaces. The utility bills that come out of this can be overwhelming to the homeowners. Fortunately, there are ways these homeowners can pursue to put their HVAC expenses under control. This article addresses families using radiators.
Below are simple hacks to bring down energy wastage during winter.
HVAC Upgrade
In an article carried in the New York Times, the problem of people living in apartment buildings where boilers have to work extra hard to pump steam or hot water to residents of upper floors was highlighted. According to the article, these homeowners are forced to open their windows in an attempt to get relief from the billowing heat which is an absurd situation particularly in the middle of winter due to the massive waste of energy.
Fortunately, there a number of fixes to radiators that can help enhance the efficiency and ensure the rooms are heated appropriately. According to a study done by the Energy Efficiency for All, there are changes that a HVAC professional can do to stem unnecessary wastage of energy during this period while at the same time, keeping the homeowner comfortable. Whether you live in a single family home or a multi-unit apartment building, these upgrades are applicable.
Insulation, Orifice Plates and Control Knobs
By installing an orifice plate onto the radiator valve, a HVAC technician can limit the amount of steam that can effectively pass through. This means even if the boiler is working extra hard than is usually the case, the room or home will not excessively heat up. The orifice plate takes a few minutes to install into the radiator and the benefits can be felt almost immediately.
The use of more accurate thermostats and better insulation can also improve the performance of your radiators by correctly responding to the temperature in your home. Instead of setting one temperature level for the entire home, having a knob that can control the temperature level of individual radiators can be a plus.
Replacing Your Radiator or Boiler
If you continue experiencing problems with your radiator or boiler even after putting in place the above fixes, the best solution may be to replace the whole unit with a new and more energy efficient model. In some instances, you may be able to save big by swapping your old unit for a more modern piece of equipment.
Do not suffer with unpredictable winter temperatures and instead get a professional to fix your radiator or do a complete system overhaul.
