Heating costs are rising and there is no relief in sight. What can you do to make your home winter-proof and thus save on heating costs? In this guide, you will learn how to use simple means to increase energy efficiency in your house or apartment.
Preliminary considerations
There are two key aspects that consumers should consider: On the one hand, it is about designing your own four walls so that you use as little energy as possible to create a pleasant living atmosphere. On the other hand, sensible energy management is required. This means the controlled management of energy use in the house or apartment. Ideally, both points go hand in hand and help you create a warm and cozy home with the lowest possible energy costs.
As-is analysis
Before you swing the hammer, install a new heating system or stock up on all the new technical gadgets, you should carry out a thorough analysis of your property. How warm or cold is it currently in your rooms? What would you like to change? Where do you see the biggest construction sites?
A thermal imaging camera can be of great use to you in this step. For example, you can use it to find exactly those places that need to be optimized. The detailed visualization of heat loss and cold bridges can be used to locate weak points in the facade, leaky windows or inadequate insulation in the roof structure. This guide explains how to find weak points most easily with a thermal imaging camera and what you should bear in mind when using it.
Another important step in the evaluation phase is comparing energy consumption with generally available comparative values. Professional energy advice, as commonly offered by certified energy consultants, can help with this. You will not only receive information about your individual consumption, but also valuable recommendations for optimization. This comparison enables you to identify realistic savings potential and plan targeted measures.
The condition analysis is therefore the basis for an effective and targeted improvement of the energy efficiency of your house or apartment. With this knowledge, you can invest in the right measures and benefit from an energy-optimized, cost-saving home in the long term.
Keep an eye on consumption
The most important thing for reducing heating costs is to keep an eye on the heating. This is the only way to have the initial values on the basis of which targeted measures can be taken. This also means recording electricity, gas or oil consumption at regular intervals and monitoring it over a longer period of time. Ideally, this observation extends over years so that, for example, deviations can also be identified that cannot be explained by weather conditions. This can make you aware of defective heating systems or leaks in the thermal insulation.
Everything is smart
Modern smart home systems such as those from Bosch or Homematic IP, which are also based on detailed energy consumption analyses, can also provide support. Programmable schedules and adaptive algorithms automatically adapt to the individual lifestyle.
Modern thermostats also offer convenient app control. You can control the temperature in your home using your smartphone while you are out and about or from the comfort of your sofa. This flexible control allows you to have full control over your heating system at all times and minimize energy waste. Have you ever left a window open and then found yourself in a completely cold room some time later? If you install smart window contacts, you can set it to alert you to an open window by cell phone after 10 minutes at the latest. This way, your rooms will no longer cool down accidentally. Smart home systems are now so sophisticated that they can control the entire energy management of the home. This includes, for example, the fossil-fueled heating system as well as modern heat pump systems in combination with photovoltaic systems. Control solar modules, roller shutters or even fans remotely. These can also be useful in the warm season to prevent rooms or conservatories from heating up when the sun shines.
Put windows and doors to the test
The simple answer is often so obvious: Have you ever taken a closer look at your windows and doors? They play an often underestimated role in the insulation of houses and apartments. Seals and frames should be regularly checked for any damage and replaced if necessary. And if the windows are several decades old, for example, investing in modern, energy-saving windows can be financially worthwhile in the medium to long term. If that’s not enough, you can also achieve an additional insulating effect with additional measures such as thermal curtains or roller shutters.
The right insulation makes the difference
Choosing the right insulation material is the key to effective thermal insulation. Classic materials such as mineral wool, polystyrene or wood fiber boards have both their advantages and disadvantages. The best thing to do is to find out about detailed test reports and guides such as those published by Stiftung Warentest or the consumer advice center. It is important that these are not out of date. Especially when it comes to insulation, new and very efficient materials are constantly coming onto the market that enable even better insulation of living spaces. However, one thing you should always keep in mind: well-thought-out thermal insulation not only offers potential savings but also the basis for a comfortable living atmosphere.
Maintenance and care of the heating system
The efficiency of heating systems depends largely on regular maintenance. It is advisable to commission a specialist to thoroughly inspect your heating once a year. For example, you can take out maintenance contracts for this. They are usually based on a flat rate offer. This means you also have someone on hand who knows your system and can get it up and running again quickly in the event of a malfunction. For fossil fuel heating systems, maintenance usually includes checking burners, pumps and valves. The indoor and outdoor modules of heat pumps should also be overhauled regularly. A well-maintained system not only works more efficiently, but also extends the service life of the entire heating system. For traditional central heating systems, it is also important to have the vent key ready at least once a year. It is ideal to vent the heating system at the beginning of the heating season. Over time, more and more air collects in the pipes and radiators. This displaces the hot water, which means that the radiator heats up more slowly and loses heating power. In turn, energy consumption and heating costs increase.
Conclusion
Sustainable temperature management is good for the environment and your wallet: effective thermal insulation and optimal heating behavior are not only ecologically sensible, but also pay off financially. By choosing the right insulation materials, regularly maintaining the heating system, using smart thermostats and consciously controlling energy consumption, you not only create a comfortable living environment, but also save money.
Images: Adobe Stock
