Finding the cheapest heating doesn’t depend on a single device, but on how the energy source, insulation, and hours of use are combined. A small flat, a house with several rooms, or a business with continuous hours require different solutions; paying less means calculating the cost per useful kilowatt, not just the purchase price.
Cost comparison by energy source
The price of fuel makes the difference. A high-performance electric heat pump usually ranges around €0.04-0.06/kWh thermal, while natural gas sits near €0.05-0.07/kWh and diesel typically exceeds €0.09/kWh. Firewood and pellets are competitive in rural areas (€0.04-0.06/kWh), but they require storage and manual loading. Direct electric resistance and butane are the most expensive options and only pay off for occasional use.
Which system to choose depending on the property
- Urban flat: an inverter split heat pump with a timer reduces costs compared to electric radiators. If there is a communal gas boiler, it’s worth adjusting the thermostats before changing systems.
- House: aerothermal heating with underfloor heating offers the best performance in well-insulated homes; in scattered houses with their own firewood, a ductable pellet stove can be unbeatable.
- Business: ducted units with zoning and door closing prevent heating empty areas; maintaining filters and grilles is key to not losing efficiency.
- Low-budget household: improving weatherstripping, sealing blind boxes, and applying insulating film to windows can cut the bill before investing in new equipment.
Mistakes that drive up the bill
Raising the thermostat above 21-22 °C increases consumption by 7% for each additional degree. Turning off the heating during the day and turning it back on at full power costs more than maintaining a stable temperature with programming. It’s also not advisable to cover radiators with furniture or dry clothes on them: they block heat emission and the system runs longer.
Cost-effective maintenance
Bleeding radiators at the start of the season, cleaning heat pump filters every month, and servicing the boiler according to regulations maintain performance. A neglected system can consume 10% to 15% more.
The smart decision involves measuring the actual surface area to be heated, reviewing insulation, and comparing the estimated annual cost of each alternative before buying. That way, the cheapest heating stops being a commercial promise and becomes a concrete figure on the bill.