Saving on Heating Costs — Thermostat, Ventilation, Utility Bill Settlement

Heating Costs — a Major Expense

In Germany, heating costs often account for 30–50% of utility costs. The average household pays €800–1,500/year for heating. With simple tricks, you can save 10–30%.

Using the Thermostat Correctly

The numbers on the Thermostat mean:

Recommendation:
- Living room: Level 3 (20 °C)
- Bedroom: Level 2 (16–18 °C)
- Kitchen: Level 2–3 (18–20 °C)
- Bathroom: Level 3–4 (22–24 °C)

Important: Level 5 does not heat faster, only to a higher temperature. Turning the dial from 3 to 5 won't make the room warm faster!

Proper Ventilation — Stoßlüften

Incorrect ventilation is the most common cause of high heating costs and mold:

• Correct: 3–4 times daily short bursts (open window fully for 5–10 minutes)
• Wrong: Window constantly tilted open — the room cools down and heating fights against the open window
• When ventilating, turn off the heating (Thermostat to *)
• Turn it back on immediately after ventilation

Check Your Utility Bill Settlement

Your annual utility bill settlement (operating cost statement) contains your heating costs. Check:

• Billing period — must be 12 months
• Distribution key — consumption (50–70%) + floor area (30–50%)
• Deadline: Landlord must provide the statement within 12 months after the billing period ends
• Objection period: You have 12 months to raise objections

Money-Saving Tips

• Close doors — separate unheated rooms from the rest of your apartment
• Keep radiators clear — no furniture or curtains in front of heaters
• Bleed your radiators — gurgling radiators heat inefficiently
• Lower temperature at night — 2–3 degrees less saves up to 10%
• Close shutters/curtains — in the evening for extra insulation
• Programmable Thermostats — from approx. €15 in hardware stores, reduce costs by 10–15%

Status: March 2026. All information without warranty.