High energy prices: How to save costs with smart heating

In light of the Ukraine war, energy costs are currently rising to record highs worldwide. A consumer expert on ZDF reveals how you can now save money through smart heating.

While drivers catch their breath when they look at the gas pump, homeowners and renters are worried about enormous price increases for heating. Because: Above all, the costs for gas and heating oil make up a large part of our energy costs.

Christina Wallraf from the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center explains how you can reduce your energy consumption and save costs in the short and medium term.

How to heat your home smartly:

Large savings can be achieved with a lower room temperature. According to the expert, if the temperature is reduced by two degrees, a family of four can save up to 250 euros.
It is also advisable to only heat the rooms you are in – and always make sure that the room doors are closed so that the heat does not escape.
Correct ventilation also plays a central role: tilt ventilation should always be avoided, as this causes the outer walls to cool down. According to the expert, forced ventilation is significantly more energy-efficient.

What owners can also do:

Owners or landlords can take additional measures to reduce energy costs.

Wallraf recommends first checking whether the radiators are set correctly. A hydraulic balance can also be used to check whether they are always heated evenly. Savings can also be achieved by installing smart radiator thermostats.
Insulating heating pipes in the basement could also help.
In addition, it is advisable not to fill the heating tanks completely at the moment and to wait for any price reductions.

Changing providers can also help reduce costs.
Larger leaps in efficiency are possible through higher investments in structural measures, such as replacing windows, heating or energy-efficient facade insulation.

Important: If you would like to be subsidized for energy-related renovation measures, you must have applied for the subsidy before you start with the measures. “Under no circumstances” should measures be taken beforehand, according to the consumer expert.