For expats adjusting to Germany’s eco-conscious culture, making greener choices can feel like a daunting task. However, new smart heating tools such as heat pumps and smart thermostats mean that bringing energy-efficient systems into your home can benefit your wallet as well as the environment.
Effortless energy efficiency starts at home
Moving to a new country means having to learn even basic things all over again. Who knew heating your home could differ so much from country to country? Winter in Germany can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping your house warm while managing both your costs and your environmental impact. There are two smart heating innovations that can have a big impact on how you heat your home and how much it costs to do so: smart thermostats and heat pumps.
The rise of the heat pump
At the moment, Germany’s heating systems are still predominantly run on traditional energy sources. Over 48 percent of households rely on gas for their warmth, while 23 percent still use oil heating, but things are starting to change. For those looking to both lower their monthly bills and reduce their carbon footprint, there is a cleaner and smarter alternative option available: heat pumps.
These systems work a little like reverse refrigerators, extracting heat from their environment, be that air, ground or water, and using that to warm your home or your hot water. They are up to three times more efficient than conventional heating methods, and the number of heat pumps installed in Germany has nearly doubled since 2019.
Why heat pumps make sense
Switching to a heat pump is not only better for the environment than traditional gas or oil, but can also cut your costs significantly. On average, households that use heat pumps report significantly lower annual heating costs compared to those reliant on gas or oil. Heat pumps come in different varieties, so you can choose the one that suits your house best. Some models can heat a radiator system, others give you hot water and some are reversible, meaning they can keep you cool in the summer and toasty in the winter.
Smart thermostats
Whether you’re heating a small apartment or a larger home, smart thermostats allow you to take full control. Using the connected app on your phone, you can schedule heating patterns, optimise energy use and even track your consumption in real-time. It's easy to turn the heating down remotely, so you aren't heating an empty house should your plans change, and you can set different temperatures for different rooms. Monitor, adjust and save money by never wasting energy on unnecessary heating or cooling again.
Practical tips for smarter heating this winter
If investing in a new heating system is too big of a commitment right now, there are simple steps that everyone can take to optimise their heating:
- Seal windows and doors: Prevent heat loss with weatherstripping. This is quick and cheap and effective at reducing drafts and keeping the warmth in.
- Optimise radiators: Ensure radiators are not obstructed by furniture so that their heat can circulate through the whole room.
- Utilise smart thermostats: These devices let you control room temperatures remotely via an app, ensuring you don't waste money on unnecessary heating.
- Ventilate intelligently: Open windows briefly, but fully, to get fresh air in without cooling the walls.
- Set ideal temperatures: Maintaining a temperature of 20–22C in living spaces and 18C in bedrooms gives both comfort and cost efficiency.
So, don't sit shivering in your jumper this winter. By purchasing a heat pump or implementing any of the above tips, you can have a comfortably warm house without breaking the bank.