Structurally identical homes with the same technical equipment can have differences in heating energy consumption of up to 50%. This means that you as tenant can also actively save energy here. If you use heating and ventilation incorrectly it impairs the indoor climate, promotes the development of mould, costs too much and launches pollutants into the air. To prevent issues such as damp patches, mould stains and mildew, you must make sure that you are using the right heating and ventilation.
Heat all rooms enough and above all as continuously as possible, including rooms which are not in constant use. The room temperature should be between 18 and 22°C. Every degree lower of temperature saves up to 6% in heating costs; however, the indoor air temperature should not drop below 18°C otherwise the wall surface temperature will fall too low, allowing moisture to build up in the form of condensation.
Close blinds and curtains at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through the windows.
Help air to circulate. Furniture should ideally be 5-10 cm away from the wall.
Don’t obstruct radiators and prevent them giving off heat with coverings, long curtains or items of furniture. This can increase your consumption up to 20%.
Always keep the doors to less heated spaces closed. This prevents moisture from the warmer air of the next-door room forming as condensation in the cooler room.
Ventilate as required but in an energy-conscious way. Used air should be replaced with fresh air every hour or two to keep the level of pollutants and smells in the air as low as possible. Windows and doors should be opened wide for a short period of time (5-10 minutes, or 2-3 minutes in winter) and a through flow of air created where possible. Avoid continuous ventilation from fully or partially open windows during hot periods.
Larger quantities of water vapour, such as from cooking, showering or drying washing in the home, should be directed outside via targeted ventilation.
