October is here: 5 simple habits to cut your heating bill
Every year, October marks the return of chilly evenings and the first heaters being switched back on. Across Europe, households brace for rising energy bills as the days get shorter. Yet cutting consumption doesn’t always require big investments: small habits are enough to reduce costs without sacrificing comfort.
Lower the thermostat by one degree
This is the simplest and most profitable step. Dropping from 20°C to 19°C reduces consumption by about 6–7%. In an average apartment, that means €80–120 saved per year. The trick is to pair this with sweaters or blankets in the evening, instead of overheating the home.
Program heating according to your routine
A programmable or smart thermostat adjusts the temperature automatically to fit your schedule. For instance, lowering to 17°C at night or while you’re out during the day can save up to 15% of energy. These devices start at around €40 but usually pay for themselves within a single heating season.
Make use of natural light and heat
Taking advantage of autumn sunlight is free and effective. Opening shutters and curtains during the day warms rooms naturally. Conversely, closing them as soon as evening falls helps retain the stored heat. Thick curtains can reduce heat loss by 10–15%, according to Ademe. For more comprehensive winter preparation tips, check our guide on preparing your home for winter without expensive renovations.
Maintain and optimize your radiators
A radiator that hasn’t been bled or is blocked by furniture uses more energy and provides less heat. Bleeding radiators at the start of the season and keeping air circulation free boosts efficiency by 10%. In some homes, adding reflective panels behind radiators fixed to exterior walls can reduce heat loss.
Avoid heating unused rooms
There’s no point in heating a guest room or unused office. Closing doors and lowering the temperature in these spaces avoids constant waste. Focus warmth where you actually spend time: living room, kitchen, and occupied bedrooms.
Conclusion: Preparing your home for autumn doesn't require major renovations. By combining these simple steps, you can save hundreds of euros per year while gaining comfort and energy security. The key isn't sacrifice but smarter habits. Considering a bigger upgrade? Read our comprehensive heat pump guide for France 2025 to understand costs and timelines. Pair these heating habits with our autumn lighting tips to maximize savings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal thermostat temperature to save energy?
The French ADEME recommends 19 degrees in living rooms and 16-17 degrees in bedrooms. Each degree above 20 increases your heating bill by approximately 7%. A programmable thermostat can save 10-15% annually.
How much can home insulation save on heating bills?
Proper roof insulation alone can reduce heating costs by 25-30%. Wall insulation saves another 20-25%. Combined, good insulation can cut heating bills by 40-60% in older French homes.
Is a smart thermostat worth the investment?
Smart thermostats cost 150-400 euros but typically save 15-25% on heating bills. For a French household spending 1,500 euros per year on heating, the payback period is 1-2 years.
How effective is draft-proofing for reducing heating costs?
Draft-proofing doors and windows costs under 50 euros in materials and can reduce heat loss by 10-15%. It is especially effective in older French buildings with single-glazed windows.
About the author:
Julien Maurice is the founder of AdminLanding and writes the editorial guides on GreenDailyFix covering French renovation aid, energy policy, and the administrative side of the energy transition. Contact: [email protected]
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