You can impact your own carbon footprint

1. Lower your ambient temperature by one degree Celsius

It is most optimal to ensure that you heat your rooms during the winter at a temperature of 20–21 °C. Each additional degree increases your energy consumption by 6%. Ambient temperature should be adjusted to the use of a particular room, as you should not need to heat transitional areas and areas only used for part of the day as much as the areas where you spend most of your day.

2. Hot-water temperature should be kept at 30–45 °C

The higher you set the temperature of the water heater, the more energy you use. At a temperature above 60 °C, limescale builds up inside water heaters much faster, which further increases energy consumption. The optimal temperature of hot water is 30–45 °C, as it is only necessary to raise the water temperature above 60°C occasionally, as this prevents the growth of microorganisms that are detrimental to your health.

3. Ensure the proper insulation

The effective insulation of outer walls and at least 15 cm of insulation in attics can significantly reduce heating costs. It is also important to regularly check window and door seals, where major thermal leaks can occur.

4. Set the thermostat to a lower temperature at night

It is best to set the thermostat to a slightly lower temperature during the night, as less energy is consumed for heating areas in the morning than if the thermostat is required to continuously maintain the same temperature.

5. Properly ventilate your rooms

During winter, a lot of energy can escape through windows and doors that are left ajar. For energy savings, instead of leaving your window ajar keep them fully opened momentarily. Short-term ventilation is a lot more effective and also results in smaller heat losses.