Why Heating is Getting More Expensive (And What You Can Do About It)
The Current Situation: Are Heating Costs Exploding?
- Gas price increase: The gas price has risen by two and a half times since January 2025.
- Main reason: The conflict in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a quarter of the world's shipped oil and a fifth of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes.
- Global impact: Although Germany is hardly directly affected, global market prices are rising for everyone.
- Gas storage: The targeted fill level of 80% before winter is not expected to be reached.
Specific Costs for a Sample Apartment (70 m²)
| Energy Source | Projected Costs 2026 | Price Change vs. Previous Year |
|---|
| Heating Oil | 1,275 € | +24 % |
| District Heating | 1,310 € | hardly more expensive |
| Wood Pellets | increasing | +17 % |
| Natural Gas (existing customers) | decreasing (temporarily) | -4 % |
| Heat Pump | 735 € | +3 % |
Important: The average gas price is falling temporarily for existing customers because utilities purchased cheaply and the gas storage levy was dropped. However, new customer tariffs are over a third more expensive. Price increases of 10-20% are expected for existing customers at the turn of the year.
Additional Cost Drivers
- Network charges: Make up about one-fifth of the gas price and have risen by 10%.
- CO₂ price: Was 55 € per ton in 2025, currently between 55 and 65 € per ton in 2026.
What Can You Do? 10 Saving Tips
Free & Easy Tips
- Bleed your radiators: Especially important on upper floors. Air in the system reduces efficiency. Easily done with a radiator key from a hardware store.
- Ventilate properly: Open windows wide several times a day instead of leaving them tilted constantly. A hygrometer helps monitor humidity and prevent mold.
- Heat strategically: Every degree you lower the thermostat saves roughly 6% heating energy. Heat rooms according to their use (see recommendations from the German Environment Agency).
- Circulate the air (with high ceilings): A fan on a low setting distributes warm air more effectively in the room.
- Close stairwell and apartment doors: Prevents cold drafts and heat loss.
Tips with a Small Budget & Effort
- Seal windows and doors: Check for drafts (e.g., with a strip of paper) and seal them with draft excluder tape from a hardware store. Savings: approx. 13 € per window per year.
- Use a low-flow shower head: Reduces hot water consumption (approx. 12% of energy use) and saves money.
Financial & Strategic Tips
- Secure current prices: If you have your own gas contract, switch to a tariff with a price guarantee to lock in the current rate for a year.
- Check your utility bill!
- Deadline: Your landlord must present the bill for 2025 by Dec 31, 2026. If it is late (due to their fault), you don't have to pay the balance.
- Apportionment: Check if costs are distributed fairly.
- Disallowed costs: Repair costs, bank charges, or postage cannot be passed on by the landlord.
- Right to reduce payment: If heating costs are not billed based on consumption, you can reduce your share by 15%.
- Adjust monthly advance payments: Increase your monthly payments or build a small reserve in a savings account to avoid unexpected large bills.
Conclusion
You are not helpless against the price increases. With the tips mentioned alone, an average of 465 € per year per apartment can be saved. Act now, because your consumption this winter will determine the amount of your additional payment in 2027/2028.
Further Information:
- The full interview with energy economist Malte Küper is available on the Finanzus podcast.
- A detailed guide on checking your utility bill is available in the newsletter.
