Heating your home in Germany: A Guide for Indian Expats

Moving to Germany from India brings with it a myriad of new experiences, one of which is the winter cold. If you’ve grown up in a warm climate (which is the case for most of India) and are familiar with air conditioners but not with heaters, the concept of home heating might seem foreign – it did to me too!

In Germany, homes and apartments are heated primarily through various systems designed to keep indoor spaces warm during the cold months, typically from mid-October to mid-April. Although some might need heating for a longer period, depending on individual tolerance to cold. Heating systems are essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment during these months. Unlike air conditioners that cool down air, these systems heat the indoor air or surfaces like floors.

This guide will help you understand the basics of heating systems in Germany, making your transition to a colder climate smoother.

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Why you’ll never survive a German winter without heating

Germany experiences cold winters, with temperatures often dipping below freezing from December to February. Unlike in India, where air conditioning is common, Germany relies heavily on various heating systems to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Knowing how these systems work will help you stay warm and save on energy costs.

Which heating system will you find in your German home?

1. Central Heating (Zentralheizung)

• Description: Central heating is widely used in German apartments. A central boiler heats water, which is then circulated to radiators throughout the building.
• Usage Tips: Radiators in each room can be controlled with a thermostat knob ranging from 0 (off) to 5 (maximum heat). Understanding how to adjust these settings is key to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home.

2. Gas Heating (Gasheizung)

• Description: Gas heating is another common method, especially in individual apartments. A gas-powered boiler heats water that circulates through radiators.
• Usage Tips: Regular maintenance of the gas boiler is essential. Typically, this responsibility falls to the landlord, but it’s crucial to check your rental agreement. Use the apartment’s thermostat to regulate the overall temperature efficiently.

At first, I thought the thermostat was just an on-off switch — it took me a week to realize each room has its own knob, and you can adjust them individually! Knowing this little trick made a huge difference in keeping our place warm without wasting energy.

Setting it between 2 and 3 keeps rooms at a moderate temperature of around 20°C, which is considered comfortable for daily living. Many thermostats also include a “frost protection” mode, which prevents pipes from freezing without fully heating the room. Adjusting individual thermostats based on room usage (e.g., setting bedrooms slightly cooler) can help save on heating costs.

If your home has a central thermostat, usually wall-mounted, it allows you to set the temperature for the entire apartment and sometimes schedule heating times. Learning to use these settings can help you optimize comfort while conserving energy.

In India, we’re used to turning on the AC at the push of a button. Here, you have to learn the art of adjusting radiator knobs — it’s a bit of a learning curve, but you’ll get the hang of it!

The “Mietvertrag” (rental contract) in Germany often includes heating costs under “Nebenkosten” (additional costs), which are typically estimated based on average usage. When I first saw the word “Nebenkosten”, I thought it just meant extra rent. Turns out, it’s a whole world of hidden costs — including heating! Make sure you know what you’re paying for, or you might get a surprise bill at the end of the year.

These costs are reconciled at the end of the year; you may receive a refund if you used less than estimated, or you might owe more if you used more. It’s important to ask about how these costs are calculated, as they can vary depending on the type of heating system. Understanding this section can help you avoid unexpected expenses and better manage your heating usage.

• Smart Thermostats: Introduce the concept of smart thermostats, which can be installed to optimize heating schedules and reduce energy consumption, ultimately saving on costs.
• Insulation and Draught Proofing: Offer tips on improving home insulation, such as sealing windows and doors or adding draft stoppers to reduce heat loss.
• Understanding the Local Climate: Include a brief section on regional climate variations within Germany (e.g., colder in the South and East, milder in the West and North) so that expats can better prepare their homes accordingly.

• Avoid Overheating: Overheating can be as dangerous as being too cold, especially for infants. Keep their room at a moderate temperature to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Use a Humidifier: Heating systems can dry out the air, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. A humidifier helps maintain ideal humidity levels between 40-60%, preventing dry skin and respiratory problems.
• Seasonal Bedding: In winter, flannel sheets and warm blankets can keep your child cozy without over-relying on heating systems. Always consult with a pediatrician for specific advice on your child’s sleeping environment.

Conclusion: Staying warm and comfortable in your new home

Moving to a colder country like Germany can be a big adjustment, especially when you’re used to warmer climates. Trust me, I know how overwhelming it feels when you first encounter a radiator knob and realize you have no idea what those numbers mean! But here’s the good news — once you get the hang of how heating systems work here, it becomes second nature.

Whether it’s turning the thermostat just right to keep your home cozy, mastering the Stoßlüften technique to keep your place fresh without losing too much heat, or understanding your rental contract’s heating costs, it’s all part of settling into a new way of life. There’s something comforting about coming home to a warm space after a long day out in the cold — it’s a feeling that quickly becomes part of your winter routine.

Remember, you don’t have to get it all perfect right away. Experiment with what feels comfortable for you and your family. Maybe you’ll discover you prefer a warmer bedroom, or perhaps you’ll love the toasty feel of underfloor heating in your bathroom. The key is to find what works best for you while being mindful of energy costs and efficiency.