---
title: "Moldovans urged to insulate homes as heating season looms "
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/86093/moldovans-urged-to-insulate-homes-as-heating-season-looms
published: 2026-09-29T04:50:00Z
language: en
author: "Rodica Mazur"
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Moldovans urged to insulate homes as heating season looms 

> Moldovan households can cut winter energy consumption by up to 50% and lower utility bills by sealing structural air leaks and insulating multi-story buildings, energy expert Mihai Tîrșu said.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/35353140-bac3-4672-a153-09410a21d262.jpg)

Moldovan households can cut winter energy consumption by up to 50% and lower utility bills by sealing structural air leaks and insulating multi-story buildings, energy expert Mihai Tîrșu said.

Speaking on Radio Moldova's "Zi de Zi" program, Tîrșu warned that residential windows represent the single most vulnerable point for thermal loss if they lack adequate insulation performance. Most commercial property developers install glazed units with average or suboptimal thermal retention coefficients to curtail construction costs, leaving occupants exposed to higher heating expenses once temperatures plunge.

**Ventilation and solar heat capture**

Managing indoor airflow correctly during cold spells remains crucial for preventing unnecessary heat dissipation. Windows should only be opened for short ventilation intervals to refresh ambient indoor air, rather than being left ajar for extended periods.

*“We must avoid leaving windows open, especially toward evening and early morning,”* said Tîrșu.

Conversely, keeping interior curtains and blinds drawn open during clear daylight hours enables passive solar heating. Solar radiation can contribute up to 30% of residential indoor warmth during transition months, according to expert estimates.

**Structural insulation and temperature standards**

Building materials retain thermal energy differently depending on their physical mass. Masonry and structural stone cool slowly due to high thermal inertia, whereas heat escapes rapidly through windows, uninsulated ground floors, and upper-story ceilings.

*“Ground-floor apartments lose significant heat through the flooring, which can be mitigated with thick rugs,”* Tîrșu explained. *“On the top floor, the roof remains the most vulnerable surface.”*

Health and comfort standards require residential indoor temperatures between 20°C and 24°C. Supplemental heating becomes necessary whenever living spaces fall below 18°C, as protracted exposure to cold indoor environments poses health risks. Centralized district heating is generally activated when outdoor temperatures drop below 10°C for multiple consecutive days.

**Comprehensive building envelope retrofitting**

Tîrșu emphasized that applying external insulation can substantially postpone a household's reliance on centralized heating systems. External walls require at least ten centimetres of mineral wool or expanded polystyrene (EPS) for effective retention.

*“Multi-story apartment blocks do not permit individual insulation work; it must be implemented collectively across the entire building envelope,”* Tîrșu stressed. *“When done comprehensively, indoor comfort transforms completely and energy consumption drops by at least 50%.”*

Homeowners should inspect window joinery and frame perimeters before the municipal heating season begins, sealing any gaps or replacing deteriorating seals to prevent cold air infiltration.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

[Audio: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/21c04b2f-ec45-4a62-a323-c390b8c004df.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2026/9/28/2809.m4a/playlist.m3u8)

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