Overview
- Consumer groups stress that radiator dial numbers indicate target room temperatures, so turning to the highest setting does not warm a room faster.
- Advisers recommend room-specific targets—around 20°C in living areas and 16–18°C in bedrooms—and a night setback instead of switching heating off overnight.
- Lowering a room’s setpoint by 1°C cuts energy use by about 6%, with a reduction from 20°C to 16°C saving roughly 24%, according to DVFG expert Markus Lau.
- A professional heating check can optimize settings and lower the system’s flow temperature; a 10°C reduction typically saves 5–10% energy, equal to up to about €110 a year for a 10,000 kWh gas household.
- Safety guidance urges keeping domestic hot-water storage near 60°C and outlets at least 55°C to limit Legionella, and maintaining about 15°C in unused rooms to prevent mold.