5 tips to keep your home warm and radiators working

As the weather gets colder, it's a good time to revisit the basics of heating in a rental home. What should you do if the radiator stays cold or your window is damp in the morning? SATO's Maintenance Manager Juha Saario and Building Technology Manager Robert Andersson have the answers.

During winter, there's nothing better than stepping into a warm home after being out in the cold. In almost all SATOhomes, heating is provided by thermostatic radiators, which automatically turn on when the room temperature falls below 21°C.

Despite this automation, residents still play a key role in ensuring efficient heating. Below are the most important tips everyone should know about their home’s radiators.

1. Keep furniture away from the radiator

Radiators work by circulating warm air, so they need enough space to function properly. If warm air remains trapped around the thermostat, it may falsely register the room as sufficiently heated and turn off the radiator – even if the heat hasn’t actually spread further into the room.

For proper air circulation, ensure there is about half a metre of space around the radiator.

"It's also best not to place heat-emitting electrical appliances, such as a television, near the radiator’s thermostat. These devices warm the air around them and can cause the thermostat to shut off", says SATO's Maintenance Manager Juha Saario.

2. Maintain an optimal indoor temperature

A healthy and energy-efficient indoor temperature is around 20–21°C, measured from the centre of the room at about one metre in height. In SATOhomes, radiator thermostats are set so that temperatures cannot be increased beyond this recommended level. However, if you prefer cooler indoor air, you can adjust the thermostat to a lower setting.

When the room temperature reaches the desired level, heating automatically switches off. If your radiator feels cold, it may simply mean that the thermostat has determined the temperature to be optimal. The most important thing is to measure the actual indoor temperature rather than relying on how warm the radiator feels to the touch.

In most SATOhomes, you can conveniently check the temperature via OmaSATO.

3. Do not bleed the radiator yourself

If you suspect that your radiator isn’t working properly, do not attempt to bleed it yourself.

Submit a fault report if:

• The radiator does not heat up at all or remains cold while other radiators in the home are warm.
• The radiator makes unusual noises, such as gurgling or banging.
• The indoor temperature is below 20°C.

If a radiator is not heating properly, the valve may be blocked or faulty. The House Expert or caretaker of your building will inspect and repair the radiator or arrange for the valve to be replaced.

4. Avoid drying large textiles on the radiator

You can dry small clothing items, such as damp socks, on a water-circulated radiator. However, large textiles can obstruct airflow and reduce the radiator’s efficiency.

5. Keep your radiator clean

Dust acts as an insulator and reduces a radiator’s heating efficiency.

"The best tool for cleaning is an old-fashioned feather duster", says Saario.

You can also wipe radiators down with a cloth and mild detergent.

Beyond Traditional Radiators

In addition to traditional thermostatic panel radiators, SATOhomes also feature modern heating solutions.

"In many new properties, underfloor heating is used, with pipes running beneath the flooring. This is the most energy-efficient heating method and undoubtedly the most comfortable for residents. When a home has underfloor heating, no additional heating is needed", explains Building Technology Manager Robert Andersson.

Robert also notes that around 21,000 SATOhomes are equipped with temperature sensors that monitor indoor temperature and humidity.

SATO's Service Managers regularly review temperature data from their buildings and take action if necessary. Residents can also check their home’s temperature through OmaSATO.

As part of his role, Robert monitors energy consumption across SATOhomes and responds to any irregularities. He reminds residents that maintaining a warm home involves more than just radiator efficiency.

Ventilation vents should be serviced regularly to ensure even heating. However, they should never be blocked or completely closed, even if the home feels cool, as proper air circulation is essential for healthy indoor air.

Sealing windows is also crucial, as draughty windows allow cold air to seep in. Juha advises against using thick roller blinds at night, as they can contribute to moisture buildup.

In winter, when a window gets cold and warm air is trapped behind a tightly closed blind, condensation forms, which can eventually cause moisture damage to window frames.

”It’s similar to when you take a cold drink from the fridge – condensation forms on the outside of the bottle. The best solution for blocking light is to use Venetian blinds installed between the window panes", Juha suggests.

Is your radiator making noises? Something not working? Check the division of responsibilities table to see whether the issue falls under your responsibility or SATOhomes’ maintenance, and submit a fault report via OmaSATO if needed.