As autumn settles in and the days grow colder, households across Germany are bracing for another rise in heating costs.
Heating costs are set to climb again this winter, driven by a combination of higher wholesale prices, increased carbon taxes, and a colder start to the year.
A recent report from Germany’s statistics office, revealed that in 2024, 6.3 percent of the population – over five million people – were unable to keep their homes adequately warm for financial reasons.
While this figure is lower than the previous year and below the EU average, it highlights the real challenges which many people face when it comes to keeping energy bills under control.
The good news is that there are a number of tried and tested actions you can take to reduce your heating costs, without sacrificing comfort.
Here are seven practical tips to help you save money and stay warm this winter.
Ventilate properly
German windows can be tilted inwards to open just partially, something which can be a source of irritation for newcomers to the country.Â
Some people simply leave their windows tilted open for long periods of time, a solution which does little to refresh the air and actually cools down the walls, forcing your heating to work harder.
Instead, it's better to ventilate thoroughly by opening windows wide three to four times a day for just five to thirty minutes, depending on the outside temperature.
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Turn off your radiators before ventilating, and open doors between rooms to allow for optimal air exchange.
This method, known as “shock ventilation”, not only improves air quality but can save you up to €112 a year in a flat, or €240 in a house, according to Finanztip.
Lower the room temperature
Every degree makes a difference. Reducing your thermostat by just one degree can cut your heating bill by around six percent, according to the experts.
Not every room needs to be the same temperature: 20C is sufficient for living rooms, 17–18C for bedrooms and kitchens, and 22C for bathrooms, according to the experts at dealsForme.
On most radiators, the middle number – usually a three – stands for 20C.
Programmable thermostats, which can be found for as little as €20, allow you to set different temperatures for different times of day and rooms.
Estimates suggest that lowering the temperature by one degree could save you €76 in a flat or €170 in a house each year.
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Use radiators evenly and think about where you put your furniture
If you have multiple radiators in a room, use them all at the same setting to ensure even heat distribution.
Avoid placing large furniture or curtains directly in front of radiators, as this blocks heat from circulating. Ideally, furniture should be kept at least 30–50 centimetres away from radiators. This simple rearrangement can make your heating system much more efficient.
Save on hot water
Hot water accounts for around 15 percent of household energy use.
Fitting a water-saving shower head can halve your water consumption without sacrificing comfort – saving up to €185 a year in a flat or €217 in a house.
Wash clothes at 40C instead of 60C. Also, always fully load your washing machine and dishwasher and use eco programmes where possible.
If your hot water is heated by electricity, switching to a cheaper tariff can also yield significant savings.
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Insulate windows, doors, and heating pipes
A significant amount of heat is lost through draughty windows and doors.
Use sealing tape, draught excluders and thick curtains to keep the warmth in. Closing blinds and curtains at night can reduce heat loss by up to 20 percent.
Insulating heating pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, is another effective measure – which can save around €20 per metre of pipe annually.
Bleed and Maintain Your Radiators
If your radiators are making gurgling noises or not heating evenly, there may be air trapped inside.
Bleeding your radiators once a season is a simple task that ensures they heat efficiently.
All you need is a bleed key, available from any hardware shop. Turn off the heating, open the valve, and let out any trapped air until water flows steadily. Regular maintenance and bleeding can save up to 15 percent in energy costs (up to €189 in a flat or €450 in a house).
Invest in professional advice and upgrades
If you own your home, it might be a good idea to seek professional energy advice.
An energy consultant can help you identify the most effective renovations, such as upgrading insulation, installing a modern boiler, or switching to a heat pump.
According to the experts, comprehensive energy-efficient renovation can reduce heating requirements by up to 80 percent.
Many of these measures are subsidised by the government, and the investment often pays for itself within a few years through lower bills.
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