Overview
- The de facto heating period runs from 1 October to 30 April, with landlords expected to ensure about 20–22 °C by day and roughly 18 °C at night, and tenants entitled to heating when indoor temperatures drop toward 16–18 °C.
- Experts say the switch-on point depends on building standard, with guidance suggesting heating at about 15–17 °C outside for pre‑1977 homes, 12–15 °C for post‑1995 builds, around 11–14 °C for low‑energy houses, and roughly 9–11 °C for passive houses.
- Room temperature guidance includes about 20 °C for living areas, 18 °C for kitchens and 17 °C for bedrooms, with at least 16 °C indoors to limit mold risk and short, brisk airing only with the heating turned down.
- Pre‑season checks include bleeding radiators, verifying system pressure, clearing furniture or curtains from heaters, and, for older radiators without vents, using basic tools to release trapped air or arranging service through a landlord or installer.
- Co2online’s 2025 Heizspiegel signals higher heating bills across fuels but estimates typical households can save about €400 per year through thermostat discipline, correct airing and hot‑water use, with added gains from measures like hydraulic balancing and pump upgrades; a NRW advisor notes roughly 21 °C is reached at thermostat level 3 and warns against turning systems fully off.