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We’ve all been there: standing in front of the radiator, turning the thermostat, and wondering what all the symbols mean. The snowflake symbol in particular causes confusion year after year. Many believe it saves energy. In fact, however, incorrect heating can have the opposite effect and be expensive.
This is because the snowflake does not stand for an economic mode but for frost protection. When activated, the heating ensures that the room does not fall below around six degrees Celsius. This protects pipes and radiators from frost damage but does not save energy. Anyone who misuses the symbol, therefore, risks higher heating costs instead of lower ones.
Understanding heating correctly
Experts therefore advise against turning off the heating completely—unless it is midsummer and frost is entirely out of the question. Even in spring or fall, it can get very cold at night. If you are not at home, the heating cannot compensate for this—the result: damp walls, freezing pipes, and possible damage.
Many people confuse saving energy with turning the heating off completely. But constantly turning it on and off puts more strain on the heating system and often consumes more energy than if it runs continuously at a low setting. A consistent base level is more efficient, especially in well-insulated homes.
When to pause the heating
Even when going on longer trips, it is rarely worth turning the heating off completely. This is because bringing cold rooms back up to a comfortable temperature consumes more energy than keeping them constantly heated at a low level. The ideal solution is a moderate setting that prevents the rooms from cooling down and still saves energy.
When ventilating, the rule is: short, powerful, and intelligent. Set the thermostat to snowflake, open the windows wide, ventilate thoroughly, then turn the thermostat back up—done. This simple routine not only protects your heating system but also reduces costs in the long term. After all, it accounts for up to 70 percent of household energy consumption and therefore deserves some attention.
Understanding your heating system saves you money and stress. The snowflake is not the enemy but a helpful safety feature. However, it is no substitute for an innovative heating strategy. Regularly airing out rooms, maintaining constant temperatures, and using your heating system wisely can save a lot of energy without leaving you with cold feet.
- source: futuzone.at/picture: Bild von Gerd Altmann auf Pixabay
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