The weather in Germany is getting chillier and damper, many people may be wondering when they can turn up their radiators - and if there are any regulations to be aware of.
Here what you need to know.
Should I start heating my home?
The right time to start heating your home depends on several factors including the weather, your own personal preference, whether you live in rented accommodation or own your own property, and the age and features of the property you live in.
For most people in rented accommodation in Germany, your landlord has to turn on the central heating before your radiators work.
Germany has a 'heating period' or 'Heizperiode' during the cooler months. It usually begins on October 1st and ends on April 30th. However, depending on the region and weather conditions, the heating period can start as early as September and continue into May.
This heating period is not regulated by law in Germany, but has been confirmed by case law in various judgements. If disputes arise between landlords and tenants, both sides like to refer to the start and end dates of the heating period. However, other factors such as the weather and the building in question are taken into account.
Landlords and tenants must nevertheless adhere to certain regulations during the heating period, which are based on past case law.
Meanwhile, some people in rented properties who have a boiler can turn the heating system on and off themselves.
And homeowners are also free to decide themselves on how and when to heat their home.
How warm does my rented accommodation have to be?
Landlords must ensure that homes are warm enough - even outside the heating period. The heating must be switched on when the outside temperature drops below 16C and does not rise above 20C in the following two days.
There are also rules for room temperatures. During the day (6 am to 11 pm) tenants must have the option of heating to 20C in living rooms and 21C in bathrooms/toilets.
If heating systems are not working, tenants should first inform the landlord. If it is not repaired quickly, tenants can argue for a reduction in rental costs.
READ ALSO: How high will heating bills in Germany be this winter?
Do I have to keep my rented accommodation at a minimum temperature?
Often tenants are obliged by a clause in their rental contract to keep their homes heated to a minimum level to prevent mould and other problems.
Though the German Tenants' Association often argue that such clauses are invalid, when cases have gone to court, judges have decided that temperatures under 18C are too cold.
Is it okay to not heat my apartment?
It's not a great idea. Anyone planning to heat less in view of high energy prices, for instance, should be aware that they may have to pay for damages.
If temperatures are too low and cause damp or mould to form, the tenant may have to pay to have it removed.
Tenants who are away for a longer period of time must also ensure that their home is not damaged by cold. To prevent a burst pipe, they should pay attention to the outside temperature and make sure that someone else turns up the heating if necessary while they are away.
Most German radiators have an anti-freeze setting that can be used for this purpose as well.
When should I start heating?
For both renters and property owners, there are some general guidelines that apply to the age of the building you live in:
If you live in a building built before 1977, you are advised to start heating once the outside temperature reaches 15-17C or lower.
For buildings built between 1977 and 1995, the advice is to start heating when the outside temperature sinks to 14-16C or lower.
For buildings built in 1995 or after, residents can often hold off on heating their homes until the temperature outside is 12-15C.
For low-energy houses, it is advisable to switch heating on when the outside temperature dips to 11-14C.
It should be noted that the average temperature in Germany is changing. 2023 was the warmest year in Germany since measurements began in 1881. This is likely to change heating behaviours in the long run.
READ ALSO: How to get a rent reduction for problems in your German flat
What is the optimum room temperature?
According to experts, these are ideal temperatures to aim for when heating your home:
Bedroom: 16-18C
Kitchen: 18-20C
Living room and children's room: 19-20C
Bathroom: 21C
How can I save on heating costs?
There are plenty of ways you can help to keep your heating costs down. Some of them are common sense such as keeping doors and windows insulated with draft excluders, and regularly airing out rooms.
According to experts, it's better to turn your heating on and off as and when you need it, rather than keeping it at a constantly low temperature. That's because even though reheating a room uses a lot of energy, it still uses less than heating constantly.
If you're determined to keep your radiators switched off most of the time, then it's advisable to move your furniture away from the walls slightly, to prevent damp or mould build-up and also to use a dehumidifier in rooms where you intend to keep cold.
It is also advisable to switch energy providers when you can to try and get a good deal on your heating.
READ ALSO: How to change electricity and gas providers in Germany
Comments