Overview
- Consumer analysts at co2online estimate average annual costs for gas‑heated households at €1,180 in 2025, up from €1,030 in 2024, affecting roughly 56% of homes that use gas (BDEW).
- The BVS says underheating and switching systems off risks moisture damage, mold and even frozen pipes, urging households not to "save at the wrong end."
- Guidance from authorities sets clear floors: the Umweltbundesamt advises about 20°C in living rooms, while the GEV recommends never letting rooms fall below 14°C and keeping radiators at least on setting 1 during absences.
- Experts promote short, frequent airing to control humidity and prevent condensation, using the 5×5 or 3×5 rules for winter ventilation and avoiding long periods with windows tilted.
- Efficiency steps such as properly setting the heating curve and performing hydraulic balancing can trim energy use, with the economy ministry citing savings of up to about 15% from optimal controls.