The heating season has ended, making it the perfect time to consider how to save during the next one. Typically, heating systems are inspected and modernized during the summer, allowing you to be prepared for the first autumn frosts. But how do you set the thermostat and thermostatic valves for comfort and savings?
In spring, most people don't even think about heating. However, this is a missed opportunity – heating companies and technicians have more availability, so they can give you more attention. You also have plenty of time to consider all repairs, renovations, or changes to the system settings. You can make adjustments to the heating without losing thermal comfort.
If you start preparing for the start of the heating season in time, you won't be surprised by malfunctions or high energy bills when the heating is already running, and interventions become more complicated and expensive.
Did you know that proper heating regulation can save up to 30% on heating costs? An inappropriate choice of regulatory elements or their incorrect settings are often the main reasons for high bills. Let's look at how to properly set the thermostat and thermostatic valves.
The fundamental issue is users' lack of knowledge about the function of individual regulatory elements. The room thermostat controls the switching of the heat source (boiler, heat pump) based on one reference room where it measures the temperature. This affects the temperature of the heating water throughout the system and ensures that the source heats the water only when it is really needed.
Thermostatic valves, on the other hand, control the water flow in individual radiators based on the temperature detected by either an integrated sensor or an external sensor. Both manual and digital valves automatically maintain the temperature you set in the room.
Danfoss thermostatic valves with manual control are an inexpensive yet effective way to regulate room temperature. They have an integrated temperature sensor and quickly respond to temperature changes, ensuring smooth regulation. You can limit the range of set temperatures, which is a suitable solution for children's rooms or public spaces.

Elegant Danfoss thermostatic valve
If you have a combination of thermostat for the boiler and manual thermostatic valves in the house, the valve in the reference room must always remain fully open. If you set the thermostat to a temperature of, for example, 22°C, but close the valve in the reference room, the temperature will naturally drop, and the thermostat will unnecessarily increase the boiler's output.
Of course, you need different temperatures in each room during the day. While you might want to heat up the living room in the evening, a lower temperature is sufficient in the children's room during the day. This is where thermostatic valves come in – set each one to the desired temperature for the specific room. Once the desired temperature is reached, the valve on the radiator will close, preventing unnecessary overheating.
Another common mistake is changing settings when the interior temperature suddenly drops or rises. As we have already mentioned, both the thermostat and thermostatic valves automatically maintain the set, and thus optimal, temperature. If it suddenly gets colder, just wait a moment for the radiators to increase their output. Changing the set temperature won't speed up the process or increase comfort, it will only increase your bill. This also applies when the temperature rises, for example, during cooking – do not change the settings, the radiators will respond on their own.
Frequent switching places excessive stress on the boiler and shortens its lifespan. This occurs if the temperature in the reference room fluctuates, for example, due to drafts or cold from an unheated hallway, but also due to inappropriate thermostat placement. It should never be near radiators, windows, etc., where the measured temperatures are distorted.
Smart thermostatic valves can function independently, but this is recommended only in remotely heated properties where the user cannot influence the temperature of the heating water. If you have a local heat source, you won't achieve the desired savings without a programmable wifi thermostat.
How to avoid these mistakes? Follow this simple guide:
Determine the reference room, which should be in the living area of the house. Typically, this is the living room.
Always leave the valve in this room fully open.
Set the valves in other rooms to the desired comfort temperature.
For smart valves, set heating schedules in accordance with the room thermostat.
A smart wifi thermostat combined with smart thermostatic valves can bring significant savings, with the return on investment for these systems estimated at 1-2 years.
Digital thermostats and valves can be programmed according to your usual daily routine and controlled remotely via a mobile app. Individual models then feature various smart functions that optimize heating operation for maximum comfort with low energy consumption. So, if you are considering modernizing your heating system, smart heating should definitely not escape your attention.

Installing the Honeywell smart wifi valve is easy to do yourself
Honeywell Evohome wireless thermostatic valves have a display where you can set the exact desired temperature. You can also control them via a mobile app, giving you perfect control over heating anytime and anywhere. The valves feature an open window detection function and are compatible with Evohome wireless thermostats. They are suitable for both remotely and locally heated properties.
To avoid being surprised by heating bills, prepare for the heating season now. Consider the appropriate system settings based on your needs and consider investing in modern and efficient solutions. At BOLA, we are happy to provide expert advice on your selection.