Every degree of room temperature uses significant energy. If you lower your thermostat from 21 °C to 20 °C, most households save around 6% of their heating costs per heating season. This is one of the easiest and immediately effective measures.
Step by step
Radiators emit heat through radiation and convection. The higher the set temperature on your thermostat, the more often the valve opens and hotter water flows through the radiator. Heat output to the room follows a linear relationship to the setting. At a lower set temperature, your boiler sends heated water through the pipes less frequently, consuming less fuel. Modern thermostats regulate precisely and ensure that only the necessary amount of heat flows.
Source: co2online, Every degree of room temperature less saves 6% heating energy
Step by step
- Check your thermostat settingLook at your current radiator thermostat or room thermostat. Levels usually go from 1–5 or show °C readings. Level 3 often corresponds to around 20 °C, level 4 around 24 °C. Write down your current setting.
- Choose a new temperatureLower the setting by one level or 1 °C. In your bedroom it can be 17–18 °C; in your living room 19–20 °C. Keep the new setting for 1–2 weeks.
- Pay attention to how you feelMost people barely notice the 1-degree difference, especially if they move around more or adjust their clothing. After a week of adjustment, the lower temperature feels normal.
- Adjust your ventilation habitsWhen temperature drops, proper ventilation becomes even more important. Open all windows wide 3–4 times daily for 5–10 minutes (brief airing), don't leave them tilted.
- Calculate your heating savingsAfter 1–2 months, compare your heating bill or meter reading with the previous month. For a household with €2,000/year heating costs, 6% equals about €120 per year in savings.
Worked example
Before: 4-person household with oil heating: average room temperature 21 °C, annual heating costs €2,000
After: Reduce room temperature permanently to 20 °C → 6% less consumption → €120 annual savings, costs €0 (except possibly a digital thermostat, but manual adjustment is free)