Energy

Smart Heating: Efficient and Eco-Friendly Through the Winter

By

Lisa Schmid

8.11.2024

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Winter is approaching, and temperatures are dropping. For many of us, now is the time to think about efficient heating to save costs while being more eco-friendly. Smart heating can play a big role here.

Heating Trends in Germany – Which Energy Sources Are Most Common?

Energy sources used for heating Germany

Basis: 41,9 Mio. Wohnungen
Quelle: BDEW - Studie: Wie heizt Deutschland 2023?

In Germany, the majority of households are still heated with fossil fuels: Heatingwith gas dominates, used by 48.3% of households, followed by oil heating at 23.4%. District heating covers 15.2% of households, utilizing waste heat from heating plants, which is more efficient than individual heating systems.

Heat Pumps: The Most Efficient Heating System for Eco-Friendly and Cost-Saving Warmth

A positive trend is emerging with electrically powered heat pumps. A heat pump is a heating system that extracts warmth from the environment (e.g., air, ground, or water) to heat buildings or provide hot water. It operates much like a reverse refrigerator: it draws heat from the surroundings and transfers it indoors. This process requires only a small amount of electricity, as most of the energy comes from the environment. Heat pumps are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly because they primarily rely on renewable energy sources. It’s all the more encouraging to see that their share has nearly doubled since 2019.

Heating Costs in Germany Compared – Which Heating System is the Most Affordable?

Heating costs vary significantly depending on the type of system. For a 70 m² apartment, annual costs are roughly as follows:

Quelle: Heizspiegel für Deutschland 2024

Heat pumps turn out to be the most cost-effective option, while gas heating incurs the highest costs. This is yet another reason to switch to a more sustainable heating option.

Practical Tips for a Warm Home Without High Energy Consumption

Small adjustments can already help lower your heating costs in winter. Here are 5 easy tips:

  1. Seal windows: Weatherstripping prevents drafts and heat loss.
  2. Keep radiators clear: Furniture and curtains shouldn’t block radiators, allowing for optimal heat distribution.
  3. Use textiles: Rugs and curtains provide insulation and enhance comfort.
  4. Ventilate briefly: Quick, intense airing saves energy as walls retain warmth better.
  5. Set the heating optimally: Aim for 20-22°C in living areas and 18°C in bedrooms to save energy.

Energy-Efficient Heating with Ostrom

At Ostrom, there are various ways to take your home to the next level with smart heating. With smart thermostats for example, you have full control over your heating. Smart thermostats can be operated via your smartphone, allowing you to adjust room temperatures at any time. Visit our Ostrom Store and discover our products!

Smartes Thermostat - Tado°

Smart thermostats help you reduce heating costs and improve your environmental impact. The Ostrom app supports automated heating control and allows you to create heating schedules that perfectly fit your daily routine.

Ostrom-App: Smart Heating Funktion

Electricity for Your Heat Pump with Ostrom’s smart tariff

We also offer a sustainable and affordable electricity supply for your heat pump with our smart Tariff. When you register with your grid operator, they confirm your heat pump installation, and we’ll adjust your rate in the system accordingly.

How Do I Get a Heat Pump? Exclusive Partnerships for Your Sustainable Heating Solution

Are you interested in a heat pump? Perfect, because we have partnerships with several heat pump manufacturers. Learn more about our heat pump partners and find the right solution for your home.

If you choose, for example, the Vaillant heat pump, you can easily connect and control it through the Ostrom app.

User Review – Janet on Smart Thermostats

Janet Mao Product Lead @Ostrom

Hi, I’m Janet, and I work at Ostrom. I couldn't resist trying out the smart thermostats myself. Spoiler alert – I’m convinced!

I’m using the smart thermostats from Tado° because they integrate seamlessly with the Ostrom app, allowing me to control the heating from anywhere. It’s reassuring to be able to check my heating settings with a quick glance, even when I’m at the office. I’ve also set up a heating plan that keeps my home cozy automatically. If it’s a particularly cold day, I can turn up the heat a bit from the app before I head home so it’s nice and warm when I arrive.

Want what Janet has? Then explore our Ostrom Store for smart products.