Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Peter Jackson]

A silly question about ondol: is it more efficient to keep it set at a consistent temp, say 20 degrees or to turn it right down to 10 or so when not in the room? I always wonder what is the best way to keep costs down.

Any suggestions?

[Colorado]

My gas bill was outrageous last winter.
Has anyone found it more cost effective to keep the ondol turned off and buy a small electric heater?

[CabbageTownRoyals]

My Korean friends just turn it on at night, then completely off all day (when they are at work). Makes sense, its toasty warm when you wake up in the morning and saves a LOT of money.

[alinkorea]

OP. Both suggestions will be expensive. If you want to use a constant temp. try 15 degrees. Off when not in the room.
Ondol is expensive pure and simple. Using it sparingly is the only cost saving method.
I usually put it on for an hour or so when I come home. Then off. On again, for another half hour later if needed. Off during the night, and when I'm out. That said, I really don't feel the cold that much. I'm still in short sleeves.
I bought an electric blanket for my bed. Cost about 25.000 and it's brilliant .
PS. Electric heaters eat electricity

[Peter Jackson]

[Wangja]

I drop my thermostat to 16 deg when I leave for the day. It doesn't then go too cold and take hours to warm up on return.

Try and install a timer device?