Reducing heat consumption does not always require large investments. Use the temperature adjustment options of the heater – do not operate it in the maximum mode unless necessary.

Use the maximum mode to heat the room quickly but lower it later. By lowering the temperature by 1 °C, it is possible to reduce the consumed electricity by up to 5%.

To reduce energy consumption, it is recommended to provide regulated ventilation during the operation of ventilation equipment which works only when necessary. It is possible to reduce the operating time, for example, in rooms that are not used regularly.

Equipment maintenance also plays a big role in the efficiency of ventilation equipment. If a mechanical ventilation system is used, it is recommended to ventilate by opening the windows fully for a few minutes.

Most of the heat in buildings is lost through windows and exterior doors. If a cool airflow is felt near the window or door, most often, the seal needs to be replaced.

From the moment of installation, the seal is exposed to various conditions, therefore, over time, it no longer performs its functions and undesirable airflow occurs. The effectiveness of the window seal can be checked by inserting a piece of paper between the frame and the window. If it can be easily pulled out, heat flows out and cold flows in just as easily. However, even when replacing the seal, it is important to consider the coefficient of thermal insulation "U", which indicates how much heat escapes through a certain area of the structure in a given time and is usually indicated on the manufacturer's label. Attention should be paid not only to the U-value of the window package but also to the total U-value, which includes the window frame.

Seasonal weather changes, improper installation, and poor-quality materials are some of the reasons why heat escapes through windows and doors and you should think about replacing them.

When selecting windows, you should pay attention to several performance characteristics:

• heat insulation,
• air permeability,
• wind load resistance,
• acoustic properties,
• safety class.

The options for adjusting the heating system can be different. One of the easiest ways is to control heat consumption mechanically by installing manually adjustable radiator valves. In this case, the water supply to the radiator can be completely or partially closed, but it is impossible to set the desired room temperature exactly.

The second option is to install thermostats. They react quickly to temperature changes, so they use energy and heat efficiently. The body of the controller valve is designed to be mounted at the radiator inlet, considering the direction of water flow. The required temperature in the rooms is set by turning the tuning scale of the thermostat.

Another measure to increase the energy efficiency of the heating system is its balancing. The purpose of balancing the heating system is to allow the water to be distributed between the radiators in such a way that each radiator receives the calculated flow and temperature. Balancing is done by dividing the water between:

• radiators,
• mains and risers,
• various heating loops.

If the heating system is not balanced, individual radiators receive too much flow, the power of these radiators is too high and the room temperature is too high. At the same time, other radiators receive too little flow, as a result of which they have a lower heat output and a lower temperature in the rooms.

Heating systems equipped with thermostats are partially balanced, but these valves can be in such poor condition that the system needs to be balanced to operate energy efficiently. Advantages of thermostats:

• They are easily adjustable and maintain a constant temperature in the room.
• They contribute to a better distribution of water flow in the system, as they balance oversized radiators to a certain extent, different use of rooms, and a generally unbalanced system.
• Reduced thermal energy losses during room ventilation, even without closing the thermostatic valve.

More complex measures require more time and financial investments. One of these investments is building insulation. To do this, an assessment made by a specialist is required, determining the current state of the building to create an individual set of insulation measures. The methods of insulating exterior walls, basements, and attics differ, so it is important to use the appropriate materials for the intended construction. When insulating a building, the benefits can be not only the reduction of heating costs but also a comfortable environment to be in.

Before deciding to renovate a building, it is necessary to assess its technical condition and carry out a detailed evaluation of the house. It is necessary to be able to carry out correct and suitable renovation of the building. To start construction works, it is necessary to prepare and submit the necessary documents to the construction authority. It should be remembered that construction works can only be carried out by registered contractors.

To avoid disagreements with the construction company, attention should be paid to the preparation of a high-quality contract, determining the deadline for the work to be performed, payment conditions, as well as actions in situations when the amount of renovation work, price, etc. changes. During the construction process, it is important to monitor the proper execution of the works. Proper maintenance of the building after renovation is a basic condition for long-term financial economy and maintenance of microclimate.