When the clocks go back on October 26th, most people only think about their smartphone and kitchen clock. But if you forget an important timer, you not only risk cold evenings on the sofa, but also unnecessarily high heating costs.
The forgotten clock on the heater
Next Sunday it’s that time again: On the night of October 25th to 26th, the clocks will be set back from three to two o’clock – winter time begins. While smartphones, computers and most modern devices change automatically, there is one clock in the home that is often overlooked: the heating system timer.
As can be seen from a report from the German Liquid Gas Association (DVFG), the changeover in heating system timers usually does not work automatically. If you don’t take action yourself and change the clock manually, you may not be heating according to your actual needs from Sunday onwards. The result: the night reduction starts and ends at the wrong time.
If the heating switches off at the wrong time
What does that mean specifically? Night reduction is a function that ensures that less heat is automatically used during times when heat is required – for example at night. However, if the timer remains in summer time mode, everything moves forward by one hour. For example, the heating then starts at 5:30 a.m. instead of 6:30 a.m. as desired. In the evening, however, the heating output reduces at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. – and it becomes uncomfortably cool on the sofa.
The potential for savings is considerable: As a report in the Westfälischer Anzeiger shows, up to 15 percent of energy can be saved if the boiler control is set correctly. To do this, consumers simply need to set the timers to their specific needs. However, if the timer is set incorrectly, this savings potential is completely lost – in the worst case, even for half a year until the next time change at the end of March 2026.
Solution for tenants: Smart thermostats as an alternative
Tenants who do not have access to the central heating system do not have to miss out on the advantages of night-time reduction. Manual regulation via the thermostat valves on the radiators is also possible. As n-tv reports, programmable or smart thermostats can offer a convenient solution here. These can be controlled via an app and in many cases even change the time automatically.
The savings effect through manual night setback is somewhat lower in apartment buildings than with central systems, but the individual heating costs of the apartment are still noticeably reduced. Important: The room temperature should not fall below 16 degrees Celsius to avoid mold formation.
D. Maier / editorial team finanzen.net