Use a clever gadget: Heating: Set the thermostat – that’s what the plastic pen is for

At the peak of the energy crisis, the prices for classic fuels such as heating oil and gas rose massively at times. Liter prices of more than two euros for heating oil or gas prices of more than 40 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) were the reality. In the meantime, the situation on the energy market has calmed down again. Local heating oil prices slipped below the 1 euro mark in February and gas prices have also reached pre-war levels and are below the 15 cent stamp leveled off.

Plastic pin on the heater: what purpose it serves and how consumers use it

But the energy and price crisis has also fueled a rethink. Away from the dependence on fuel and instead to autonomous from fuel oil and Co. set working technologies – that is the idea. However, systems such as a heat pump are significantly more expensive than oil or gas heating – at least to buy. For many consumers, they are therefore not a short-term solution. Therefore, smart gadgets or tools to save on heating costs are increasingly being used.

But many consumer often already have a clever gadget on their radiators: a plastic pen. This serves as a marker or limit and can be pushed back and forth. The principle behind it is simple: If the plastic pin is pushed in the direction of the heater, it blocks. The thermostat can then no longer be turned up any further. Some radiators are also equipped with two plastic pins. In this variation, a maximum and minimum temperature can be set.

Use the plastic pin on the heater correctly: how to save energy and money in a very simple way

The plastic pin always blocks at the marked point. If the pins on the thermostat are set at around 3 and 5, only one level can be set within this range. However, this range can be quickly changed by dragging and re-inserting it. This means that if you pull the plastic pin out of the thermostat, you can set the heating level again as you like. The plastic pen on the radiator therefore serves as an aid or child safety device – but it can be worthwhile for consumers to use it.

Because thanks to the plastic pins, it is not possible to accidentally set a higher level on the heater. This can reduce consumption and thus lower heating costs. Good to know: one Heating does not heat faster when turned up higher. This only increases the heating time and the final temperature that is reached in a room. Therefore, it makes little sense to turn the heating up to the highest level. The Federal Environment Agency recommends that the temperatures are not too high in principle in all rooms anyway:

Regulate the heating better with a plastic pen: It’s that easy to adjust the temperature

Levels 2 to 4 are in view of the recommendations from Federal Environment Agency therefore relevant. If you want to use your plastic pen, you can follow this recommendation. However, these are only guide values ​​– the Federal Environment Agency also points this out in its recommendation. According to the authority, the temperature in living rooms should be perceived as “comfortable”. This is another advantage of the plastic pen: If it is too cold, you can quickly and easily turn the heating up.

For this simply the plastic pen pull back and set the thermostat to the desired level – if necessary, the pin can then also be adjusted to the new level. In contrast to other gadgets such as digital thermostats, the plastic pins on heaters are usually already available from the factory and do not have to be bought. If the plastic pen is missing, it can be bought cheaply. On the Internet, this is often offered as a “saving clip” from one euro. But be careful, the plastic pen must be compatible.

Buying a plastic pen for heating from as little as 1 euro: what you should pay attention to

Consumers should always take a look at the thermostatic head before making a purchase. The description of the economy clip usually states whether the plastic pin fits the corresponding controller. With prices starting at one euro, the savings clip is significantly cheaper than others. Investments of several hundred euros are quickly due here, as it is often necessary to invest in a complete set. That’s why smart devices in the home don’t always pay off – at least not immediately after purchase.

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