Consumer advocates are quietly reminding households that this winter’s biggest energy wins may not come from new gadgets, but from a long-ignored habit that takes about a minute and costs nothing at all.
The overlooked one-minute habit OCU is promoting this winter
Spain’s leading consumer organisation, Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU), has been analysing the real cost of electric radiators. For homes that depend on them for heating, the group estimates annual expenses close to €700, a figure that also raises concern in countries such as the UK and France.
Rather than urging families to invest in flashy “next-generation” heaters, OCU is backing a surprisingly basic routine: cleaning and clearing existing radiators. It may sound insignificant, but energy specialists say this neglected step can reduce wasted heat and gently lower bills, especially during colder months like December 2025.
The core message is simple: before spending money on new heating equipment, treat your current electric radiators as active appliances, not invisible fixtures.
This advice sits alongside familiar efficiency tips such as sealing gaps around windows and doors, airing rooms briefly in the morning, and setting sensible indoor temperatures. The difference is that many households focus on thermostat settings while ignoring the radiator itself, leaving it dusty, blocked, and less effective.
What the “one-minute move” actually involves
OCU boils its guidance down to three quick actions that require no tools and very little effort:
- Switch the radiator off and allow it to cool completely.
- Wipe the entire surface, especially grilles and fins, using a slightly damp cloth or microfibre duster.
- Clear the surrounding space: remove towels, furniture, or objects that block airflow above, in front of, or underneath.
For hot-water radiators connected to a boiler, there is an extra step: bleeding trapped air from the top using a radiator key or screwdriver so only water circulates. This is not needed for standard electric convectors, but the principle remains the same — remove anything that interferes with heat transfer.
Why a dusty radiator quietly inflates energy bills
A thin layer of dust works like an unwanted jacket on a radiator, holding heat inside the metal instead of releasing it into the room.
Electric convectors, radiant panels, and inertia radiators all rely on free airflow through grilles and around heated surfaces. When dust and lint clog these paths, the unit must work harder and stay on longer to reach the desired temperature, while the electricity meter keeps climbing.
From a basic physics standpoint, radiators depend on convection, radiation, and conduction. Dust and clutter undermine the first two, reducing comfort while increasing energy use.
How dust disrupts heat delivery
On a poorly maintained electric radiator, several issues appear at once:
- Blocked grilles and fins cause slow, uneven heating and cold spots, forcing longer run times.
- Dusty hot surfaces feel warm near the unit, but leave the room lukewarm, consuming more kilowatt-hours.
- Items placed on or in front create local hot zones that trigger the thermostat to demand more heat.
Energy agencies across Europe note that simple radiator maintenance can remove a portion of avoidable energy losses. While estimates differ, the conclusion is consistent: cleaning and unblocking radiators can eliminate several percentage points of wasted electricity without adding comfort.
There is also a secondary benefit. Once heat spreads more evenly, many households find they can lower the thermostat by 1 °C and feel just as comfortable. France’s energy agency ADEME estimates this single-degree adjustment can reduce heating energy use by around 7 percent over time.
If a room warms evenly, dropping from 21 °C to 20 °C often goes unnoticed by occupants, while the bill reflects the change.
Small daily habits that amplify that one-minute clean
OCU connects radiator cleaning with a few low-effort habits related to temperature control, air quality, and moisture. These are not major lifestyle changes, but small adjustments that support one another.
Managing warmth and fresh air sensibly
Many homes aim for 23 or 24 °C in winter, yet energy specialists usually recommend:
- 19–21 °C for living areas during the day.
- 17–18 °C for bedrooms at night.
- A gentle nighttime or daytime setback instead of turning heating off entirely.
Although it seems counter-intuitive, brief ventilation helps. Stale, humid air holds heat poorly and feels uncomfortable. Opening windows fully for five minutes in the morning refreshes the air without significantly cooling walls or furniture.
Humidity, condensation, and winter windows
In poorly ventilated rooms, moisture from cooking, showers, and breathing lingers. Warm air pushed by radiators then turns this moisture into condensation on cold glass and, over time, hidden mould.
Some home experts suggest a simple trick: polishing windows with a microfibre cloth and a tiny drop of washing-up liquid. This leaves a subtle film that slows condensation formation and keeps glass clearer on frosty mornings. It does not replace ventilation, but it can improve brightness and comfort during dark winter days.
Plants, air quality, and proper placement
Heavy heating can dry out indoor air and allow pollutants from furniture, paints, and cleaning products to build up. While houseplants are not miracle solutions, certain types tolerate warm, dry conditions and help moderate humidity.
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) — handles low light and dry air well.
- English ivy — suitable for shelves away from direct heat.
- Areca palm — gently adds moisture and softens living spaces.
Plants should never sit on top of radiators, as this traps heat and risks overheating. The best position is nearby, where warm air can circulate freely.
What this could mean for a December 2025 heating bill
Consider a flat heated mainly by electric radiators with annual costs around €700. If blocked airflow and poor maintenance waste just 5–10 percent of that energy, €35–70 disappears each year with no added comfort.
If a simple one-minute clean restores proper heat output and allows a 1 °C thermostat reduction, the combined effect over a full winter could amount to the cost of a decent grocery run or a slice of the holiday budget. Exact figures vary by country, tariff, and insulation, but the direction is clear.
Key points to remember before the next cold spell
Many people assume meaningful energy savings require new windows, advanced thermostats, or expensive heating systems. Those upgrades help, but OCU’s message highlights a quieter truth: poorly maintained electric radiators underperform, even though households already pay for them.
For families watching their December 2025 budget, the low-tech approach is straightforward: keep radiators clean, unblock airflow, manage indoor temperatures carefully, ventilate briefly each day, and support comfort with small habits and thoughtful placement of plants. Together, these steps bring heating systems closer to their intended efficiency — without adding a single new device.
