Heating maintenance: How cleaning radiators saves energy

Regular maintenance of heating systems, including radiators and underfloor heating, can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Experts note that dust accumulation on radiator fins acts as an insulating layer, potentially increasing energy consumption by 15 to 30 percent. Beyond economic impacts, dirty heating systems can affect health; warm air circulates dust particles throughout a room, which may irritate respiratory tracts or exacerbate allergies.

To maintain efficiency, specialists recommend cleaning radiators once or twice a year, ideally during the transition periods between the heating seasons (between April 30 and October 1). Effective cleaning methods include using a hairdryer on a cold setting to blow dust behind the unit, using microfiber cloths for surfaces, or employing specialized radiator brushes for narrow gaps. For underfloor heating, users are advised to understand that thermostats control the target temperature rather than heating intensity, and these systems require a warm-up phase of approximately three hours after being turned on.