The heater should be cleaned regularly, not only on the outside but also on the inside.
This ensures a better indoor climate – and saves energy costs at the same time.
The radiators in the apartments have to do a lot, especially now in the cold months, so that people can make themselves comfortable.
However, in order for the heating to work as well as possible, it must be vented regularly, for example.
Incidentally, this also works without the right key.
But: cleaning is often forgotten.
And that, although even a small layer of dust can be enough to severely limit the heating output.
Experts therefore recommend cleaning radiators at least twice a year.
Save energy costs: A clean heating system is worth it
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The ribbed radiators are one of the oldest forms - and are relatively easy to clean.
© Gustafsson/Imago
Over time, dust and dirt particles accumulate in and on the radiators.
This is almost inevitable.
While you sometimes pay attention to the outside when dusting, the inside is often forgotten.
After all, you can't see it.
Cleaning the gaps is not only useful for allergy sufferers or asthmatics.
Cleaning these areas is also worthwhile when it comes to saving energy: Layers of dust reduce heat output by up to 30 percent.
You can find everything to do with household and garden tips in the regular living newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.
How does the cleaning of heating grids work?
There is a grille on top of most panel radiators.
This can either be easily removed or must be unscrewed.
The grid is best rinsed well in the shower or bath with dish soap or soapy water.
As a rule, they rarely fit in the kitchen sink.
Tip: Grease cleaners, for example, help with particularly nasty dirt, and a dishwashing brush is ideal for the narrow spaces.
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Inside: How to get to those hard-to-reach places
In order to be able to remove dust and dirt from the inside of the heater, you can use a few tricks that work well, depending on the type of radiator.
Important: Turn off the heating, it must be cold.
Almost all radiators can be cleaned from the outside with a damp cloth.
Where appropriate, use a feather duster or vacuum cleaner to fill the gaps.
With the second option, you should choose the narrow tube attachment, as the tube does not always fit between the individual links.
More than just a hair dryer: A hair dryer can also be used to remove dust from the gaps.
Simply blow through the slats from top to bottom.
It is best to put a damp towel underneath so that the dust does not swirl around the whole room but is caught.
Experts recommend radiator brushes for stubborn dirt.
They are available in different lengths and are therefore suitable for every heating system.
The brushes are also available for special shapes, such as towel dryers.
A steam cleaner can also be used for stubborn dirt.
With panel radiators, the nozzle is attached from above.
Here, too, a towel (dry) is used to collect dust and dirt.
Caution: With rib heaters, the wall behind should also be protected.
In general, the following applies to the steam cleaner method: less is more.
Optional: delete the heating
If, despite all the cleaning, the radiator is not really clean or is yellowed and unsightly overall, painting can be an option.
For this you should use a special radiator paint from the hardware store, which is available in "matt" and "glossy".
The paint is best applied with a paint roller.
If you can't get it, use a radiator brush.
Ensure better heating performance
To ensure that the heating output and energy efficiency are as good as possible in the cold months, a few things about heating should generally be observed:
free space | The heater should not be covered, for example by curtains or a sofa in front of it. |
|---|---|
ventilation | If the heater does not warm up evenly everywhere, it should be vented. |
cleaning | Only a clean, dust-free heater can provide its full performance. |
thermostat | Avoid constantly heating up and cooling down, rather choose a constant day temperature. |
draft | Check whether there is a draft somewhere (windows, doors) and close the cracks accordingly. |
By the way: When leaving the apartment, the heating does not have to be turned off completely.
In case of doubt, reheating can cost more energy.
It is better to put the heating on level one or two (about 16-18 degrees).
If you follow these tips, you not only save energy, you can also spend the winter comfortably warm with a clear conscience.
But even if you don't want to have your heating on all the time, you don't have to freeze.
Rubric list image: © Gustafsson/Imago
