How to Heat Properly - Without Letting the Bill Explode?

Heating costs account for a significant portion of energy costs in Austrian households – often up to 70 percent of the total demand. It is all the more important to reduce ongoing costs through intelligent heating behavior. Efficient use of heating energy not only relieves your wallet but also the climate.

According to the Austrian federal portals oesterreich.gv.at and energie.gv.at, noticeable savings can already be achieved through simple behavioral changes. Often, small measures are enough to reduce heating costs and optimize your energy consumption. Do you also want to save several hundred euros annually? Then here are the ten most important tips at a glance.

1. Lower Room Temperature Intentionally

One of the most effective saving measures when heating is lowering the room temperature. According to the Ministry of Climate, a reduction of just one degree Celsius can result in heating cost savings of up to six percent. With a two-degree difference – e.g., from 22°C to 20°C – the savings already add up to about twelve percent. The rule of thumb is: around 20 to 21°C is comfortable in living rooms, while 16 to 18°C is sufficient in bedrooms or less frequently used rooms.

2. Do Not Block Radiators

To ensure radiators work efficiently, it is important not to cover them with furniture or curtains. If the circulation of warm air is obstructed, the system takes longer to heat a room – leading to unnecessarily high energy consumption. At least 30 centimeters of space in front of the radiator ensures optimal heat distribution.

3. Ventilate Properly Instead of Tilting Windows

Regular shock ventilation is more energy-efficient than permanently tilting windows. It is recommended to open all windows wide three to five times a day for a few minutes. This quickly exchanges used, humid air without cooling down walls and furniture. Tilting positions, on the other hand, lead to continuous heat loss.

4. Keep Doors to Cooler Rooms Closed

A common mistake is connecting warm and cool rooms through open doors. The warm air escapes into the cooler areas, while radiators have to work harder to maintain the level. By consciously closing doors, you can save around five percent of heating energy, according to estimates from the Federal Portal.

5. Use Blinds and Curtains Correctly

After nightfall, blinds, shutters, or thermal curtains can reduce heat loss at windows by up to 20 percent. It is especially worthwhile to use this barrier with older windows. During the day, however, it is advisable to let the sun in – sunlight warms rooms for free.

6. Seal Windows

Drafty windows are a common weak point in the apartment or house. Even small gaps cause high heat losses, especially in winter. Inexpensive sealing tapes from the hardware store already help to prevent drafts. This pays off quickly, especially with older wooden windows.

7. Bleed Radiators

Air in the heating system blocks the circulation of the heating water – the radiator heats unevenly or not at all. The solution: With a simple bleeding key, you can release excess air. This measure should be carried out at least once a year before the heating season.

8. Use Thermostats and Heating Programs

Programmable thermostat valves automatically regulate the temperature in individual rooms, for example at night or when no one is home. This ensures heating only occurs when it is truly necessary. Modern devices can also be controlled via an app, which adds additional convenience.

9. Have the heating system serviced regularly

A heating system that is serviced annually runs more efficiently, saves fuel, and reduces costs in the long term. Additionally, heating professionals can check the hydraulic balance – ensuring that each radiator receives exactly the amount of heat it needs.

10. Use government subsidies for heating replacement

The federal government offers several programs for heating modernization through the platform umweltfoerderung.at. For example, the "Clean Heating for All" subsidy supports low-income households in switching from fossil-fueled space heating to sustainable, climate-friendly heating systems.

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