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TM Hughes & Son

Plumber & Heating Engineer Based in South Woodham Ferrers covering the whole of Essex

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Turn Radiators Off To Save Money?


With rising energy costs recently, people are trying to find more ways to conserve energy.

A common question is, ‘Should I turn off radiators to save money’. 

Turning off Radiators can save you money, but there are also disadvantages to turning Radiators off.

This article will examine the pros and cons of turning radiators off and whether it will work for you. 

How Radiators Work

Radiators are widespread in homes, offices, and other buildings. 

Radiators are constructed from metal which retains and releases heat into the room, making the space warm and comfortable.

Different radiators exist, including traditional, electric, and energy-efficient radiators. 

Traditional radiators use a gas boiler and hot water, while electric radiators use electricity and thermodynamic fluid to heat the radiator. 

Advantages of Turning Radiators Off

There are several advantages to turning radiators off in certain rooms or during specific periods. 

When a radiator is turned off, the system requires less hot water, so the Boiler has less water to heat, and less energy is consumed. 

Homeowners can save considerable energy by turning off radiators in unused rooms or when occupants are away. 

This targeted heating approach ensures that only the necessary spaces are heated, reducing energy usage.

Lower energy consumption translates to lower energy bills. As heating costs account for a significant portion of household expenses, turning radiators off when unnecessary can result in notable cost savings over the colder months.

Additionally, reduced energy consumption has environmental benefits, lowering your carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy practices.

Disadvantages of Turning Radiators Off

However, there are also drawbacks to turning radiators off. One downside is uneven heating, which can lead to discomfort and potential health issues. 

Inconsistent room temperatures may make maintaining a comfortable living environment challenging, particularly during colder months.

Another concern is the potential for dampness and mould growth due to inadequate heating. In poorly insulated homes, turning radiators off may create cold spots and condensation, increasing the risk of mould growth and property damage. 

Mould can also pose health risks, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.

Lastly, energy waste may occur when rooms need to be reheated after radiators have been turned off. Repeated heating and cooling spaces can be inefficient, and in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to maintain a consistent temperature using a lower setting.

Factors to Consider for Effective Energy Savings

To maximise energy savings without sacrificing comfort or risking property damage, homeowners should consider several factors. First, it is essential to evaluate room usage and occupancy. 

Heating frequently used spaces and turning radiators down or off in rarely used rooms can strike a balance between comfort and energy efficiency.

Proper insulation and draught-proofing are also crucial in making the most of your heating system. Well-insulated homes retain heat more effectively, reducing the need for constant heating and minimising heat loss. 

Homeowners should ensure their homes have adequate insulation, particularly in the loft and, if possible, walls, and insulate any draughts around windows and doors.

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and smart heating controls can further optimise energy savings. 

TRVs allow precise temperature control in individual rooms, reducing energy consumption by maintaining desired temperatures without overheating. 

Smart heating controls provide automation and remote access, enabling homeowners to schedule heating and adjust temperatures as needed.

Does Turning Off Radiators Save Money?

Turning off radiators can save energy and money and lower your carbon footprint. 

Turning radiators off may result in uneven heating, longer heating times, damage to your property, and even health risks in colder temperatures. 

Before deciding to turn the radiators off, consider lowering the flow rate of your Boiler to a safe level, leaving all your radiators on but turning them down slightly. 

This may result in better energy saving than turning radiators off fully. Every home and heating system is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to saving energy and money. Turning your radiators off should be based on your heating needs, energy budget and central heating system.

While turning off radiators is a viable energy and money-saving strategy, it’s a good idea also to consider other strategies such as optimising your heating controls, installing thermostatic radiator valves, investing in energy-efficient appliances and adopting smart home technologies that will help monitor and control energy consumption throughout your home more effectively.

How To Turn A Radiator Off

If you decide to turn off any radiators in your home, here’s how.

Turning off a radiator is a simple process that usually involves adjusting the valves. 

Radiators typically have two valves: the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) and the lockshield valve. 

Kitchen and bathroom radiators generally have manual valves. Some homes have radiators with manual valves instead of TRVs

How To Turn Off TRV Radiator Valves

  1. Locate the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV): The TRV is usually found on one side of the radiator, often nearest to the floor. It has a numbered dial or a knob with temperature settings, allowing you to control the radiator’s heat output. The numbers on the dial usually range from 0 or * (off) to 5 (maximum heat).
  2. Turn the TRV to the “off” position: Rotate the TRV dial counterclockwise until it reaches the “0” or “*” setting, which represents the off position. This will stop the flow of hot water into the radiator, effectively turning it off.

How To Turn Off Manual Radiator Valves

If your radiator has manual valves instead of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), you can still turn off the radiator by adjusting these valves. There are typically two valves on a radiator: one on each side. 

Here’s how to turn off a radiator with manual valves:

  1. Locate the manual valves: Identify the two valves on either side of the radiator, usually near the floor. One valve is the inlet valve, which controls hot water flowing into the radiator, and the other is the outlet valve, which controls the flow of hot water out of the radiator.
  2. Turn off the inlet valve: To turn off the hot water flow, turn the inlet valve clockwise. This valve is usually located on the side of the radiator connected to the pipework from the Boiler. You may need a wrench or pliers if the valve is difficult to turn by hand. Keep turning the valve until it is fully closed.

Be careful when turning off valves. If you need help, seek help from a qualified Plumber or Heating Engineer.


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