Easy on the wallet
These simple tricks reduce heating costs
Heating can quickly become a cost trap – these tricks save you money.
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Heating is becoming more and more expensive in Germany. But even with small changes, consumers can save costs.
In Germany, temperatures are falling and many of them are already running at full speed. But the prices for gas and heating oil have risen dramatically this year. Due to the new CO2 tax, consumers will also have to dig deeper into their pockets. With these tips, your own four walls stay warm and your wallet is saved.
Do not overheat rooms
To save money on heating, the room temperature is important. One degree less reduces consumption by six percent, as the “consumer advice center” writes. Between 19 and 22 degrees Celsius is sufficient in living rooms, in the bedroom around 18 degrees are ideal. It is best to close the doors to the warmer rooms and ventilate the cooler rooms well. Otherwise, moisture will collect in the coldest places and mold will develop.
Do not deliver radiators
Regardless of whether it is curtains or furniture: a radiator should never be blocked. Otherwise, energy costs can be up to five percent higher. If there is something in front of the radiator, it cannot release the heat evenly into the room. It is also important to keep the heater clean. Dust and lint will reduce performance.
Service radiators regularly
Having your heating system checked and serviced regularly is a sensible investment. Because only if they work properly do they ensure warm rooms. It is also important to ventilate the radiators regularly. Action is called for at the latest when a gurgling sound can be heard or the radiator stays cold. By venting, consumers can reduce their costs by up to 15 percent.
Attach the thermostat
With the help of a thermostat, consumers do not have to estimate the desired temperature, but can set it precisely. A programmable model has the advantage that the apartment is heated regardless of presence. If the resident is out of the house, the rooms can stay cooler. Just before you get home, the heaters heat up again.
Correct ventilation is what counts
Proper ventilation not only prevents mold growth, it also cuts heating costs. Brief ventilation ensures fresh air, the walls do not cool down completely and the room warms up quickly afterwards. Two or three times a day the motto is: Open the window! Constant tipping, however, drives up heating costs. The walls cool down and it takes a lot longer for the room to heat up completely again.
Tight windows are the be-all and end-all
Old windows are energy guzzlers. Because drafts affect our well-being and we heat more. Replacing the sealing profiles or the entire window is worthwhile and the investment costs are amortized. If they are completely tight, the costs are reduced by up to 30 percent. To find out how tight the windows are, wedge a piece of paper between the frame and the sash. If it cannot be pulled out when the window is closed, it is sealed at this point. Alternatively, hold a burning candle in front of the window. If the flame flickers, there is a leak.