Turn on the heating later this year?
At which temperatures it becomes critical
Created: 09/28/2022, 17:00
By: Andrea Stettner
Heating costs could be extremely high this year.
Many people consider leaving the heating off for the time being.
When should she be hired?
The energy crisis is making consumers sweat with fear as winter 2022 approaches: both gas and electricity prices are skyrocketing, utility bills could be higher than ever.
Many are therefore considering leaving the heating off for the time being for cost reasons - despite falling temperatures.
But that's not always a good idea.
When the temperatures drop in autumn, it quickly becomes uncomfortable without heating.
© Ute Grabowsky/Imago
If you don't heat, you risk mold and frost damage
If you don’t heat at all when temperatures are low in autumn and winter, you run the risk of mold forming in your living space.
This occurs when the humidity in the air condenses on the cold room walls.
Warm air, on the other hand, absorbs more moisture and can be removed more easily from the room through proper ventilation.
Without heating, frost damage can also easily occur on the building, for example due to frozen water pipes.
At what outside temperature should the heating be switched on?
It is not possible to say in general terms at which outside temperature the heating should be switched on.
In fact, it depends on the age of the building and the insulation.
The heating
specialist Ökoloco recommends the following guidelines:
Old building before 1977: from 15 - 17 °C
New construction 1977 - 1995 (insulation): from 14 - 16 °C
New build after 1995 (WSchV and EnEv): from 12 – 15 °C
Low-energy house: from 11 – 14 °C
Passive house: from 9 – 11 °C
In the case of apartments in apartment buildings, however, the location in the building also plays a role.
The neighbors next to, above or below your own apartment automatically heat the adjacent walls as well.
You can take this into account with regard to your own energy consumption.
Sometimes a few tricks help to keep the apartment warm without having to heat it up.
You forget these spots all the time when cleaning
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When do landlords have to turn on the heating?
While homeowners can turn their heating on or off as they please, this is not so easy for landlords.
During the heating period - usually from October 1st to April 30th - tenants must be able to bring their living room temperature to 20 to 22 degrees.
According to the Cologne Tenants' Association, the landlord is obliged to adjust the central heating system accordingly.
He cannot ignore this for cost reasons, otherwise there is a lack of rent and tenants are allowed to reduce the rent.
A reduction of up to 18 degrees is only permitted at night.
Irrespective of the heating period, landlords must also turn on the heating if the outside temperature falls below 12 degrees for three days.
The time of year doesn't matter.
By the way, tenants have a certain duty of care towards the rented apartment.
If you do not heat, you must pay for the damage caused yourself.
If you want to save on heating costs, you should therefore pay attention to the right room temperature.
Even small changes to the radiator are enough to save gas.
