With a few small changes, you can keep your home warm and comfortable. Discover simple ways to reduce energy consumption during the colder months.
Why Energy Efficiency at Home Matters
Heating accounts for the largest share of energy use in households. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), it represents up to two-thirds of total residential energy consumption.
Improving your home’s energy efficiency not only helps protect the environment - it also lowers operating costs and increases everyday comfort.
When you reduce the thermostat setting, improve sealing, or add insulation, you reduce heat loss and increase the efficiency of your heating system. These improvements enhance the feeling of warmth in your home and help lower heating expenses.
Improve Your Home’s Thermal Efficiency
1. Seal and Insulate
Most heat escapes through windows and doors. Check the seals and replace them if necessary - small gaps can cause significant heat loss.
If your attic or walls are inadequately insulated, consider adding extra thermal protection. Many European countries offer grants or financial incentives that partially cover the cost of insulation, window replacement, or other energy-efficient upgrades.
In the evenings, close your curtains to retain warmth, and let sunlight heat your home naturally during the day. Thick curtains can reduce heat loss by more than 10%.
2. Use Textiles and Warm Materials
Rugs, heavy curtains and soft fabrics help create a warm atmosphere while keeping heat inside your rooms.
Wooden wall panels or textile coverings on north-facing walls can also help maintain a pleasant temperature.
3. Efficient Heating
The ideal temperature for living areas is around 20 °C, as it strikes a balance between comfort and energy use.
If you work from home or study, a slightly warmer room - around 21 °C - is often more comfortable during long periods of sitting.
Bedrooms should be cooler, ideally between 16 °C and 18 °C. A colder sleeping environment improves sleep quality, prevents overheating during the night, and reduces energy consumption. Many households tend to overheat their homes, which increases costs and can also reduce indoor air quality.
Every degree above the recommended temperature can increase energy consumption by up to 7%, so adjusting your thermostat with activities and room use in mind can make a real difference.
Ventilate rooms quickly and efficiently. Open windows several times a day for a few minutes rather than leaving them open continuously.
The most effective method is cross-ventilation, where you open windows or doors on opposite sides of the room. If possible, open multiple windows at once to create fast airflow. This refreshes the air in one to two minutes without losing much heat.
