With the arrival of autumn and a sudden drop in temperatures, conversations about turning on the radiators have begun across Italy. However, according to Il Messaggero, not everyone will be able to switch them on just yet. Heating restrictions are in place across the country.
Regulations for the 2024-2025 winter season set the official dates for turning heating systems on and off, as well as guidelines for their usage. These heating restrictons aim to contain gas consumption and reduce environmental impact.
National guidelines establish different heating periods depending on Italy’s climate zones. The country is divided into six geographical areas, each with specific dates for when heating can be activated, ranging from 15th October to 1st December, according to Il Messagero. Deactivation is scheduled between 15th March and 15th April. In colder regions like Zone E, heating can be turned on from October 15 for up to 14 hours a day. In warmer areas such as Zone A, residents must wait until 1st December, and can only use heating for a maximum of six hours per day.
Heating Zones in Italy
Italy is divided into six zones, with heating regulations differing depending on the zone’s typical temperatures.
The zones are as follows.
Zone F
Zone F encompasses the coldest municipalities in Italy, where there are no restrictions on heating usage. The cities within this zone include Cuneo, Belluno, and Trento. Due to the harsh winter conditions in these areas, residents are free to use heating as needed throughout the year.
Zone E
This zone covers municipalities that experience moderately cold winters. In these areas, heating can remain on until April 15. Cities in Zone E include those from regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna, among others. Some of the key cities in this zone are Alessandria, Aosta, Arezzo, Asti, Bergamo, Biella, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Como, Cremona, Ferrara, Gorizia, Lecco, Lodi, Milan, Modena, Novara, Padua, Parma, Pavia, Perugia, Piacenza, Pordenone, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Rovigo, Sondrio, Turin, Treviso, Trieste, Varese, Verbania, Venice, Verona, Vercelli, Udine, Frosinone, Rieti, Campobasso, Enna, L’Aquila, and Potenza.
Zone D
According to *QuiFinanza.it*, Zone D includes areas with Degree Days between 1,401 and 2,100. Heating can be kept on in these regions until April 15. The cities in this zone include Rome, Ancona, Genoa, Florence, Pescara, La Spezia, Livorno, Grosseto, Lucca, Macerata, Pisa, Pesaro, Viterbo, Avellino, Siena, Chieti, Foggia, Matera, Teramo, and Vibo Valentia.
Zone C
Zone C is characterised by a milder climate, with Degree Days between 901 and 1,400. In these areas, heating systems were turned off by March 31, marking the end of the heating season. The cities included in this zone are Naples, Latina, Caserta, Salerno, Bari, Brindisi, Benevento, Catanzaro, Cagliari, Lecce, Ragusa, Cosenza, and Taranto.
Zone B
This zone, among the warmest in Italy, includes provinces with Degree Days between 600 and 900. Like Zone C, heating was turned off on March 31. Cities in Zone B are Palermo, Syracuse, Catania, Messina, Trapani, Agrigento, and Reggio Calabria.
Zone A
Zone A experiences the mildest weather conditions in Italy, with Degree Days below 600. Heating in this zone was switched off earlier, on March 15, in accordance with regulations. The areas included in Zone A are Lampedusa, Linosa, and Porto Empedocle.
These zoning regulations help manage energy consumption during Italy’s colder months, ensuring efficient heating use while considering the varied climates across the country.
Maximum indoor temperature of 19º in condominiums
Additionally, the rules stipulate that indoor temperatures should not exceed 19°C, with a tolerance of 2 degrees. Industrial and artisanal buildings are limited to a maximum temperature of 17°C.
Local municipalities, however, have the authority to modify the activation dates and temperature limits based on local conditions. Last winter, for example, many administrations permitted earlier heating due to an unexpected cold snap.
Another key aspect of the regulations is the maintenance of heating systems. Before switching on radiators, checks must be carried out to ensure the system is in proper working order. This includes routine boiler maintenance, pressure checks, and radiator cleaning—essential tasks to improve energy efficiency and prevent breakdowns.
Fines for breaking rules
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty penalties. Fines for breaking national heating rules range from 500 to 3,000 euros. Additionally, municipalities may impose further local penalties, with repeated violations potentially leading to fines of up to €800.
These measures, outlined by Il Messaggero, reflect a broader effort by authorities to reduce energy consumption and promote responsible heating use during the winter season, ensuring both environmental protection and cost savings for residents.
