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Heizkosten 2026: What Heating Costs This Winter + Simple Ways to Pay Less

The first heating bill (Heizkostenabrechnung) in Germany can be a shock. The good news: a few simple habits and some small items make a real difference. Here's what the numbers say for 2026 and what you can do today.

What does heating cost in 2026?

The Heizspiegel 2026 (by co2online) gives these forecasts for a 70 m² flat in an apartment building:

• Gas: about €1,120 per year (around 4% less than last year).
• Heating oil: about €1,275 per year (around 24% more).
• District heating (Fernwärme): about €1,310 per year.
• Heat pump: about €735 per year.

These are averages and forecasts, not your bill. Your real cost depends on your building, your flat and your habits. According to the same source, around 90% of households can still save something.

Is a Heizlüfter or oil radiator cheaper?

Usually not. The Verbraucherzentrale (quoted by PC-WELT) says electric heaters are cheap to buy but expensive to run, and should only be an emergency solution. Heating with electricity normally costs much more than heating with gas.

Small calculator: how much could 1–2 °C less save?

A common rule of thumb: each degree lower saves about 6% of heating energy (Verbraucherzentrale, via PC-WELT). Try it with your own yearly heating cost:

6 simple fixes for your flat

1. Lower the thermostat a little: one degree is hardly noticeable with warm socks and a jumper.
2. Turn it down when you're out: but don't switch it off completely in cold weeks.
3. Stop draughts under the door: a draught stopper keeps warm air inside.
4. Seal leaky windows: self-adhesive window seal tape is easy to fit. In a rented flat, ask your landlord first if you want to change anything bigger.
5. Keep radiators free: no sofa or heavy curtain in front of them.
6. Air the right way: open windows fully for a few minutes (Stoßlüften), not tilted all day.

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