Over 1.8 million households endure freezing temperatures during winter to cut down on heating expenses.

1.8 Million Germans Sacrificed Comfort for Colder Homes Last Winter

Over 1.8 million households endure freezing temperatures during winter to cut down on heating expenses.

A Verivox survey reveals that 1.8 million people, or three percent of the German population, intentionally lowered their home temperatures to cut heating costs last winter. Among those most affected were individuals with gas heating, as reported by the Heidelberg comparison portal. Additionally, 19 percent or 13 million adults adjust their temperatures noticeably[1].

With the return of the full VAT rate on natural gas in April 2024 and the CO2 price hikes at the start of the year, heating with gas became costlier, leading many homeowners to turn their heating down, often experiencing chilly living conditions[1][2].

The survey, which polled 1,007 participants aged 18 to 79, was representative of the population in terms of age, gender, and federal state.

While the survey doesn't imply that these individuals froze their homes to save costs, it does highlight factors contributing to increased heating costs:

1. Cold Spells: The winter of 2024/2025 saw periods of extreme cold, causing households to use more heating and, in turn, incurring higher costs[1][2].
2. High Energy Prices: Heating costs for households witnessed around a 23% increase compared to the previous year, primarily due to escalating energy prices[1][2].
3. VAT Rate on Natural Gas: The reinstatement of the 19% VAT rate on natural gas heightened gas expenses for households[2].

[1] ntv.de[2] AFP

1. The community policy should consider addressing the rising cost of employment policies, such as the increased VAT rate on natural gas, to help alleviate financial burdens faced by households.
2. Notably, the latest Verivox survey reveals that 1.8 million Germans intentionally lowered their home temperatures, indicating a significant shift in employment policies related to personal-finance and health-and-wellness.
3. In the face of costlier heating, employment policies could focus on promoting energy-efficient fitness-and-exercise alternatives to help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle while saving on expenses.
4. As the winter of 2024/2025 experienced periods of extreme cold, science and policy initiatives should investigate ways to improve insulation and home energy efficiency, minimizing the need for excessive heating and subsequent heating costs.
5. To keep the German population warm during colder months, employing policies could incentivize households to switch to renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels and promoting a greener, more sustainable future.

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