Heating system in summer mode

The heating system in summer mode saves energy and costs

Should you turn off your heating system in the summer or leave it on? This is a valid question, as space heating is typically not required in summer temperatures. However, if domestic hot water is heated through the central heating system, this will lead to a loss of comfort. If you turn off the heating in the summer, only cold water will flow from the shower head and faucet. In this case, it is recommended to switch the heating system to summer mode. Then, the heat generator will operate solely to produce domestic hot water. This saves energy and simultaneously reduces heating costs. In the following guide, you will learn what to consider when switching your heating system to summer mode and what alternatives are available for heating the domestic hot water.

Here’s why summer heating mode makes sense

Heating spaces and providing hot water requires energy. The cost of this energy is reflected in the cost of fuel. The more energy consumed, the higher these costs. Especially with fossil fuels, high energy demand is also associated with emissions. This is because burning gas and oil releases _CO2 . By switching your regular heating system to summer mode, you can not only save money but also reduce _CO2 emissions . Since the summer months are warm anyway, this doesn’t even mean less comfort.

The time depends on the weather

There’s no general rule for when to switch your heating system to summer mode. Weather conditions are the most important factor. However, the typical apartment heating season is a good starting point. It runs from October 1st to April 30th. Therefore, early May is a good time to check whether the limited heating mode is sufficient.

Modern heating systems offer a lot of comfort.

Those with a modern heating system typically don’t need to worry about when to switch it to summer mode. They automatically stop heating when a certain outside or inside temperature is reached. This threshold temperature depends on whether the heating system is weather-compensated or room-temperature-dependent. Sensors are installed either outside or inside the building. If the temperature drops below a certain threshold, the heating system switches on automatically. This ensures a high level of living comfort at all times, even during the colder summer months. The temperature at which the heating system stops or resumes operation can be manually set. For information on setting the so-called heating limit temperature on your Viessmann heating system and switching it to summer mode, please refer to the operating instructions. The operating instructions also describe how to set the various operating modes:

• Heating and hot water supply
• heating only
• hot water supply only

User manuals are also available for download in Viessmann ViBooks . You can also get expert help from specialists in the Viessmann community . There, you can also share experiences with other system owners.

Manage your heating system’s summer mode via an app

If your heating system has the appropriate interface, app control is possible. This feature is factory-integrated in new Viessmann systems. If you have an older Viessmann heating system with a Vitotronic control unit, you can retrofit it with the Vitoconnect module . Once activated, all settings can be made via the ViCare app —at any time and regardless of your current location. The app offers the following benefits:

• Energy Management: Monitor energy flow in your home
• Creating Heating Plans: Setting Up Your Heating Mode
• Voice Assistant Control: ViCare supports Alexa
• Remote Service: Get instant help from an authorized installation specialist

Vacations offer great opportunities to save money.

Turning off your heating system isn’t just for the summer. When you’re away from home for extended periods, timed programs also help save energy. By activating the holiday program on your Viessmann heating system, you can control both room heating and hot water production. This is determined by the saved arrival and departure dates.

Converting old boilers to summer mode

Many homes still use older boilers. Since they typically lack the appropriate control technology, energy-efficient heating in the summer requires a bit more effort. Boilers must be turned off or reduced manually. They are turned back on during extended periods of cold weather. Additional savings can be achieved by turning off the heating circuit pump during the summer. It is responsible for circulating water in the radiators. However, to prevent this component, also known as the circulation pump, from seizing during the summer break, it should be turned on at regular intervals. In modern heating systems, this happens automatically. To avoid damage to the system and find the optimal settings, it is recommended to consult with a heating contractor. Your installer is a reliable contact when it comes to summer operation of an old heating system.

Tips for heating in summer

If your Viessmann heating system is operating in summer mode, you’re already saving energy and costs. To prepare for the next heating season and take advantage of the additional savings potential, we’ve compiled some further tips on heating in the summer.

Don’t forget about thermostatic valves

Even if the radiators don’t heat up during summer operation, the thermostatic head shouldn’t be set to frost protection. Otherwise, blockages may occur during the heating pause. This risk can be reduced by opening the thermostatic radiator valves in the summer. This releases the mechanism that regulates the water flow in the valve. If the valves are stuck despite the thermostats being adjusted correctly, you can try to free them yourself. To do this, first remove the regulator cover. Once the bottom of the valve is open, gently tap it or gently pull on the valve pin.