Energy Efficiency during Cold Weather
In the face of rising energy prices, it's crucial to take control of heating costs and reduce energy consumption. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the heating season efficiently.
Firstly, it's essential to stay informed about energy-saving strategies and implement them in daily life. Simon Lautenbach, an energy expert at Consumer Center NRW, advises a critical review of behaviours and the adoption of energy-saving tips to manage heating costs.
One such tip is to avoid allowing rooms to get too cold, as this can lead to mold. On the other hand, overheated rooms waste unnecessary energy. Each degree lower reduces consumption by about 6%. So, find the ideal comfort temperature for each room using heating thermostats.
Maintaining the cleanliness of heating bodies is also crucial for efficient heat flow into the room. Avoid covering heating bodies with curtains or blocking them with furniture. Instead, place a simple rolled-up blanket on the floor in front of the door to help prevent drafts.
Heating bodies should be visible and allow unrestricted airflow. Additionally, ventilating heating bodies is important to prevent the buildup of moisture and maintain efficiency.
When it comes to heat pumps, the switch from summer to winter operation should be accompanied by a check of settings, including room temperatures, flow temperatures, and operating parameters. Lowering these settings a bit without sacrificing comfort can help save energy. Regular maintenance of heat pump components ensures efficient operation and contributes to the system's longevity.
Tenants without access to their own oil or gas heating should ask their landlord for appropriate settings. Leaky exterior doors and windows increase heat loss and cause drafts. Specialist companies or specialized chimney sweep businesses can provide support and check the heating curve.
Significant savings potential can be found in the individual adjustment of oil and gas heating systems. This includes scheduling downtime, nighttime reduction, daytime reduction, and setting personal weekly heating profiles.
For more detailed energy-saving tips, the Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia e.V. has released a document titled "20250916_Tipp_Start_Heizsaison.pdf". One common misconception is that turning the thermostat to a higher level heats a room faster. However, this practice wastes energy and does not speed up the heating process.
Lastly, it's important to note that not heating at all instead of reducing is not recommended as it increases the risk of mold.
By implementing these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient heating season while keeping your energy bills under control.
