Overview
- Germany switches from 3:00 to 2:00 in the night of 25–26 October, with most smart devices updating automatically but many heating timers not doing so.
- The Deutscher Verband Flüssiggas and its expert Markus Lau urge homeowners to manually set boiler time switches to winter time to keep schedules aligned with daily routines.
- If left uncorrected, night setbacks may heat too early in the morning and cut off an hour too soon in the evening, a mismatch that can persist until March and increase costs.
- Consumer advisers say correctly timed night setbacks can save about 5–12% in single-family homes, but heaters should not be turned off completely at night and a 3–4°C reduction is typically sufficient.
- Tenants can lower radiator thermostats overnight or use programmable smart thermostats that often adjust for the clock change automatically, though underfloor heating may not benefit from setbacks due to slow response.