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Energy-efficient heating: how to reduce your heating costs and protect the climate

19. February 2025

Heating is essential in the cold season, but it can also account for a large proportion of energy costs. However, there are many simple ways in which you can make better use of the heat and reduce energy consumption. With a few adjustments, you can not only reduce your heating costs, but also make a contribution to climate action.

Sealing doors and windows

Heat is often lost through leaky windows and doors. If you seal these areas, the heat stays in the room and you need to heat less. This can make a big difference, especially in older buildings. A lot can be achieved with simple sealing strips.

Keep radiators clear

Radiators should never be covered by furniture or curtains. These obstructions prevent the heat from being emitted into the room properly, which leads to higher energy consumption. Make sure that there is enough space around the radiator, at least 30 cm, so that the heat can circulate efficiently.

Close shutters and curtains in the evening

At night, when it gets colder outside, a lot of heat is lost through windows. To reduce this heat loss, it is helpful to close shutters, curtains or folding shutters. This keeps the heat in the room and you have to use less energy to maintain the room temperature.

Correct ventilation

Constantly tilting the windows leads to unnecessary heat loss. It is better to open the windows wide several times a day and air them out properly for a few minutes. If possible, open opposite windows to optimize air exchange. Don't forget to turn down the thermostats during ventilation - this saves energy.

Bleed radiators regularly

Air in the radiator reduces the heating output and means that the heating has to run for longer. Bleed your radiators at least once a year to use the full heating capacity. This is easy to do with a bleed key and ensures more effective use of heating energy.

Heating off in summer

If you don't need the heating in summer, switch it to hot water only mode. This saves unnecessary heating costs and ensures that your heating system is only active when you really need it.

Correct indoor climate

Make sure you adjust the room temperature to suit your individual needs. While the bedroom is comfortable at around 16°C, you should aim for around 20°C in the living room or office and possibly 22°C in the bathroom. Lower the temperature at night or if you are not at home for a longer period of time - even a slight reduction saves energy. Just one degree less can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Using programmable thermostats

With programmable thermostats, you can precisely set the heating times and temperatures in the individual rooms. They automatically reduce the heating as soon as the desired temperature is reached. This ensures a comfortable temperature and saves energy at the same time. As a tenant, you can also save a lot on heating costs.

Conclusion

Heating doesn't have to be expensive or wasteful. With simple measures such as sealing windows, keeping radiators clear and proper ventilation, you can significantly reduce energy consumption. Not only will you help to reduce your heating costs, but you will also reduce your overall energy consumption. Start heating your home more efficiently today and protect the climate!