This weekend we held our annual Friendsgiving of Americans abroad (as well as other nationalities) at our home in Berlin, It also marked the first time we turned on the heat this year. This is a game we play every year of waiting til we really can’t stand the cold to finally turn on our heater.
We lasted remarkably long this year considering we already had our first snow. Temperatures are regularly hovering just above freezing and my family has been huddling under blankets for much of this fall, fingers growing icy cold as we type away in our respective home offices. But along with the usual reluctance to submit to the chilly season, this year we have the added incentive of skyrocketing energy costs and the passive fight in the war against Russia.
While the news cycle is always quick to move on, people in Europe are still very much aware of the situation happening within our borders. Donations are needed to support Ukrainians who have made their way to Germany, as well as those that have remained in their country. And now that the freeze has truly arrived, the average citizen can help the war effort by avoiding using excess energy to avoid euros funnelling directly into gas-supplier Russia’s coffers. There is also the likely chance that Vladimir Putin will turn off the gas supply to the continent as he has previously threatened. It is estimated that Europe will have enough gas to survive most worst case scenarios (Germany’s stores are currently 93% full), but the message to conserve is still of utmost importance.
Keep warm this winter! Photo: Erin Porter
We are doing our part and turned the heater back off once our guests left. But the winter season looms and we have many months of cold weather to endure. It has already been reported that Europe is experiencing its worst energy crisis in 50 years, compounded by high inflation. Energy costs may be as high as €500 per month for the average European family by early 2023 – an increase of 200% from 2021!
For anyone else dreading freezing through the next few months, I’ve gathered some of my top tips on how to stay warm this winter in Europe.
How Heaters Work in Germany
Gone are the days of elegant ceramic heaters in most German houses. Once powered by coal, they weren’t just practical, but a major architectural element in each room. Not to say this method was perfect; heating a house this way was frequently dirty and time-consuming. There is also a shortage of coal for anyone still relying on these heaters, and even firewood has become hard to find, expensive, and there are reports of firewood theft.
Today, heating is typically more modern with central heaters that can be set at 1 through 5. These numbers generally correlate to temperatures:
• Zero = 14°C
• Two to three = 18°C–20°C
• Three to four = 20°C– 25°C
If you turn on your radiator for the first time and notice it isn’t working properly, you may need to ventilate or bleed/drain the system. A metal key allows moisture to be released from the radiator and allows it to work more efficiently and save money. Here is an article with instructional video on how to bleed a radiator.
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>Other things to note about heating are that it is recommended to set your thermostat between two and three and maintain a regular temperature between 18°C and 20°C during the day, lowering to one to two for a temperature between 14°C and 16°C at night, rather than completely turning on and off the heat. Experts have found this is more efficient that heating an entirely cooled room.
Avoid Mold
This consistent heating also helps avoid mold build-up, particularly in bathrooms and around windows. Maintaining a temperature of at least 15°C is usually necessary to avoid these dangerous conditions. We are relying on luften (regularly opening our windows for short periods once a day) for now, but we will see how long that is sufficient.
Insulate your Windows
Luften is necessary, even in the cold.
If your home or Wohnung (apartment) has Fensterläden (shutters), you can close them for added insulation at night. Even closing the curtains can help keep your home warmer.
Our elderly upstairs neighbors have a heavy-duty curtain inside their front door like at old-school cafes and restaurants around the city. Where I once thought that was overkill, I could be convinced to add something like that this year. We have already folded and tucked old blankets at the base of our balcony doors. For once I feel justified in exclaiming, “Es zieht!“.
Turn Off and Unplug
I was surprised when I stayed at a Berlin friend’s vacant apartment and they had us unplug their fridge and all appliances while they were away for another week. I thought we were fairly conservative with energy use and this seemed excessive. Now…I might consider it.
I am certainly double checking all unnecessary lights are off, unplugging anything I’m not actively using, and limiting my use of things like oven, etc. When I do use the oven, I leave it open when done to welcome that limited leftover heat into the living space. I am also trying to limit shower time and temperature, but as an American family this may be the energy sin we are most frequently guilty of.
Put on Layers
While I have always been one to put on a sweater rather than turn up the heat, this is more important than ever this winter. Blankets, robes, and slippers are littered around the house, ready to be pulled on at the first shiver. Dressing for winter also applies for indoors this year.
Your house might also benefit from extra layers. While I love a bare wood floor, there is no debating that carpets add a significant layer of insulation. This is doubly true for tile or other cool surfaces.
Warm from the Inside
Or you can warm cool spaces locally with another German favorite, the Warmeflasche (hot water bottles). Putting one of these in bed before you crawl in or setting one in your lap while working at your desk can be extremely helpful in radiating heat from your core to extremities.
German food and their fanatical obsession with tea also have a welcome place in winter. A cup of ginger or herbal tea in the morning can do wonders to heat you from the inside, and classics like goulash or Eintopf can remove the inner chill.
Don’t Forget your Pets
My last note is to remember your furry friends. While most of them are wearing their fur jacket inside, they are also feeling the chill. Along with outerwear when leaving the house, give them extra blankets and places to lay off the floor. You may also consider adding additional food to their diet so they can bulk up and better regulate their temperature. Make sure they have plenty of access to water, ideally warm water if they like it. Some pets may also benefit from heated mash or oatmeal. Of course, consult a vet for any big changes in diet.
So, have you turned your heat on yet?
Another great article with tips on saving money and energy resources. I’m glad to read that it is better to turn the heat down at night rather than all the way off. Thank you!!