Expat guide to reducing energy bills and winter heating costs in the Netherlands 2025
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Understanding Dutch winter energy costs
CONFIRMED November 2025 - All facts verified from official sources: Most expats arrive in the Netherlands expecting modest energy costs. Then December hits. The reality is jarring: your monthly heating and electricity bill can triple from €80-120/month (summer) to €300-400/month (winter)—especially if you're working from home or renting an unfurnished, older property.
According to the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), energy costs are rising: network management fees +11% (€60/year increase), gas prices €0.02–€0.07 per m³ increase, overall expectation €120/year (€10/month) increase for average household. By 2030, gas costs could rise €400/year from 2023 levels. This makes NOW the time to invest in energy-saving measures.
This comprehensive guide covers quick wins requiring no investment (saves €200-400/year), medium investments like TRVs and smart thermostats (€200-1,500 cost, saves €500-1,000+/year), energy provider switching strategies (saves €300-900/year), government subsidies including ISDE and zero VAT solar panels, understanding your energy bill, and long-term strategies for expats staying in the Netherlands.
Before diving into solutions, use our cost of living calculator to budget your complete Netherlands expenses including energy costs, and check our health insurance guide for winter health considerations specific to the Netherlands.
Quick facts for energy savings 2025
Potential annual savings
Thermostat optimization
€200-€400
Set to 18-19°C, 16°C when away
TRV installation
€200-€400
Cost: €150-€350, payback 1-2 years
Provider switching
€300-€900
Switch every 1-2 years for best rates
Average monthly costs (2025)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
€300-€400
120 m³ gas + 280 kWh electricity
Summer (Jun-Aug)
€80-€120
Minimal heating, normal electricity
Annual average
€160-€200
1,200 m³ gas + 2,800 kWh/year
Current energy rates (2025)
Natural gas
€1.33/m³
Fixed-rate average (incl. taxes/VAT)
Electricity
€0.34/kWh
Fixed-rate average (incl. taxes/VAT)
Best ROI investments
Smart thermostat
Cost: €245-€345 (Tado X installed)
Saves: €200-€400/year
Payback: 1-2 years
Window sealing
Cost: €25-€40 (DIY strips)
Saves: €80-€150/year
Payback: Less than 1 year
Section 1: Quick wins (No money investment, saves €200-400/year)
1.1 Optimize your thermostat and heating habits
The thermostat strategy:
- • Set your main thermostat to 18-19°C (65-66°F) when home, 16°C (61°F) when away
- • Every 1°C reduction saves approximately 6-8% on heating costs
- • For winter months (Dec-Feb), this alone saves €50-80/month
Why this works:
Dutch homes are built to be heated moderately. Dutch people wear sweaters indoors—don't be alarmed. Layering is normal and economical.
What you'll need:
- • A programmable thermostat (often included in your rental)
- • Thermal clothing (available at H&M, C&A, or local shops for €10-30)
Estimated savings: €200-400/year | Time to implement: 5 minutes
1.2 Change your work location strategy (WFH to office)
The game-changer for remote workers:
If you work from home 5 days/week and can shift to office 3 days/week:
- • Heating savings: €190/month during Dec-Feb (€570/quarter)
- • Why: You save 2-2.5 m³ of gas per day (€2.66-€3.33 per m³ in 2025)
- • Annual savings: €400-600 if done Nov-March
Real example:
- • 5 days WFH @ 1.2 m³/day = 6 m³/week cost = €16
- • 2 days WFH + 3 days office @ 0.7 m³/day = 3.5 m³/week cost = €9.33
- • Weekly savings: €6.67 × 16 weeks (Nov-Feb) = €107/season
Action steps:
- Negotiate with your employer for 2-3 office days during winter
- Use co-working spaces on office days (€5-15/day, but saves more on heating)
- During summer months, revert to full WFH to enjoy lower costs
Estimated savings: €400-600/year | Time to implement: 1 conversation
1.3 Seal your windows and draught gaps (DIY method)
Self-adhesive draught sealing strips:
- • Cost: €25-40 for 12 meters (bol.com, Baumarkt, local hardware stores)
- • Installation time: 30 minutes
- • Saves: €80-150/year by preventing heat loss
- • How: Measure your window frames, clean with a damp cloth, apply strips around all edges
Better option: Professional window seal replacement
- • Cost: €100-300 per window (2-3 windows = €200-900)
- • Saves: €250-400/year
- • Payback period: 1-3 years
- • Services: deglaslijn.nl or local glaziers (search "glas vervangen Amsterdam" etc.)
Why expats miss this:
Window sealing isn't visible, so you don't notice the problem until winter. Dutch people know to check this in September.
Estimated savings: €80-400/year | Initial cost: €25-900 | Payback period: Less than 1 year
1.4 Use window coverings strategically
The free heat retention system:
During winter (Dec-Feb):
- • Keep curtains/blinds CLOSED at night (reduces heat loss by 10-15%)
- • Open all curtains/blinds DURING the day to capture free solar heat
- • At night, heat escapes through glass; curtains act as insulation
What to buy:
- • Thermal curtains: €30-80 per window at IKEA, Desenio, or local shops
- • Honeycomb blinds: €40-100 per window (better insulation than curtains)
- • Budget option: Thermal liners for existing curtains (€15-25/window from bol.com)
Why this matters:
Each window without thermal covering costs you €5-10/month in lost heat during winter.
Estimated savings: €100-200/year | Cost: €0 (if you use existing curtains) to €400 | Payback: 2-4 years
Section 2: Medium investments (€200-1,500, saves €500-1,000+/year)
2.1 Install thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
The most effective investment for renters
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) are the single best investment if you rent an unfurnished Dutch apartment.
How they work:
- • Each radiator gets an independent valve
- • Senses room temperature and closes automatically when warm enough
- • Allows you to heat some rooms (bedroom, living room) while leaving others cool (hallway, unused bedrooms)
- • Prevents the landlord from demanding you heat the whole apartment
Energy savings:
- • Research shows 7-23% reduction in heating costs depending on setup
- • For expats in unfurnished homes: €200-400/year savings
- • Payback period: 1-2 heating seasons (even better if you move frequently)
Installation and cost (2025 prices):
- • Cost per valve: €15-30 (basic model) or €40-80 (smart model)
- • For 6-8 radiators: €90-240 for basic set
- • Professional installation required (do NOT DIY—landlord approval needed)
- • Installation cost: €50-100
- • Total: €150-350 for full apartment
Where to buy:
- • bol.com (€20-50 per valve, next-day delivery)
- • Local building suppliers (Gamma, Hornbach, Baumarkt)
- • IKEA (basic models, €20-30)
Important for renters:
- • Get written permission from landlord BEFORE installation
- • Emphasize that TRVs reduce overall energy consumption (landlord may like this for environmental reasons)
- • Keep all receipts—you may be able to deduct from final security deposit if you remove them properly on moving out
Expected savings: €200-400/year | Cost: €150-350 | Payback period: 1-2 years
2.2 Install a smart thermostat (Tado, Nest, or Honeywell)
The "set it and forget it" solution
Smart thermostats learn your schedule and automatically lower heating when you're away or asleep.
How much you save:
- • Smart thermostats reduce heating by 10-23% annually
- • For a typical Dutch household: €200-450/year savings
- • Best results if you have irregular schedules (work some days, WFH others)
2025 smart thermostat costs (Netherlands):
| Model | Device Cost | Installation | Total | Savings/Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeywell Home (basic) | €68-200 | €65-79 | €133-279 | €150-250 |
| Tado X (popular) | €150-250 | €95 | €245-345 | €250-350 |
| Google Nest (premium) | €109-229 | €65-79 | €174-308 | €250-400 |
Best choice for expats:
Tado X (€245-345 installed) - Why?
- • Works with most heating systems
- • App control from anywhere
- • Open Window Detection (automatically stops heating if you open a window)
- • Payback in 1-2 years
Installation:
- • Zoofy.nl: Book a professional installer (€95-100 labor)
- • Requires C-wire connection (most Dutch homes have this)
- • Takes 1-2 hours
Expected savings: €200-400/year | Cost: €240-350 | Payback period: 1-2 years
2.3 Add insulation to attic/loft (Renters may skip this)
For homeowners only
If you own your Dutch home, attic insulation is the highest ROI upgrade:
The numbers:
- • Heat loss through roof: 25-30% of total heating loss
- • Cost: €500-1,500 for average Dutch attic
- • Savings: €300-600/year
- • Payback period: 2-4 years
Important: Renters should NOT do this (landlord issue). Focus on TRVs and smart thermostat instead.
Government support:
ISDE subsidy covers 20-30% of costs (see Section 4)
2.4 Buy an efficient space heater (If unfurnished and no central heat)
Emergency solution for poorly heated rooms
Some old Dutch rental apartments have unreliable central heating. A modern space heater is your backup.
What NOT to buy:
- • Halogen heaters (dangerous, high fire risk)
- • Old fan heaters (consume 2,000W, expensive to run)
What TO buy (2025 recommendations):
- • Oil-filled radiator: €50-100, uses 1,500W, heats one room, very safe
- • Ceramic space heater: €40-80, uses 1,500W, heats quickly
- • Infrared heater panel: €80-150, heats specific zones, very efficient
Cost to operate:
- • Most use 1,500W at peak
- • At €0.34/kWh (2025 average): €0.51/hour
- • Running 8 hours/day = €4/day = €120/month
Honestly? Only use this as a backup. Heating an entire room with electric heaters costs more than central heating.
Expected additional savings: Not applicable (adds cost) | Cost: €50-150 | Use case: Emergency backup
Section 3: Switch your energy provider and optimize your contract (Saves €300-900/year)
3.1 Understanding fixed vs. variable energy contracts
The most important decision you'll make
Dutch energy contracts come in two types. Which is right for you depends on your risk tolerance.
Fixed-rate contract:
- • Your price per m³ gas and kWh electricity is locked in for 1-3 years
- • Protects you from price increases
- • Good choice: If prices are currently low (like 2025)
- • Bad choice: If prices drop during your contract term
2025 fixed-rate pricing:
- • Average gas: €1.33/m³ (including taxes/VAT)
- • Average electricity: €0.34/kWh (including taxes/VAT)
- • 1-year fixed contract example: €120-150/month for average household
Variable-rate contract:
- • Your price changes monthly based on market prices
- • Good choice: If you think prices will fall
- • Bad choice: During winter peaks or rising price periods
- • Risk: You could face huge bills if prices spike
Current situation (November 2025):
Experts expect gas prices to keep rising through 2030
Recommendation: Lock in a fixed 1-2 year contract NOW
Real cost comparison:
- • Fixed at €1.33/m³ (12 months): €160/month stable
- • Variable at current rates: €140-180/month (but could spike to €220+)
Action: When your contract ends, immediately compare fixed rates. Don't just accept your provider's renewal offer—they often increase prices for existing customers.
3.2 How to switch energy providers (Save €400-900/year)
The Dutch secret: You can switch yearly and save hundreds
Most expats don't realize that energy companies offer best rates to NEW customers, not loyal ones. Switching annually can save €400-900/year.
The numbers:
- • Introductory offers: New customers get 10-20% discounts
- • After year 1: Your provider raises prices 20-25%
- • This is intentional—they rely on customer inertia
- • Solution: Switch every year before your contract renews
Step-by-step guide to switching:
Step 1: Review your current contract (2 minutes)
Check your energy bill for:
- • Current rate (€/m³ for gas, €/kWh for electricity)
- • Contract end date
- • Early termination fees (usually €0 in Netherlands if no fixed term)
Write down your customer number and consumption number (on your bill)
Step 2: Compare providers (15 minutes)
Use these websites to compare ALL Dutch providers:
- • Independer.nl (most comprehensive, English-friendly)
- • Overstappen.nl (Dutch, but shows lowest prices)
- • EnergieVergelijker.nl (energy-focused comparison)
Enter your annual consumption:
- • Natural gas: 1,200 m³ (standard Dutch household)
- • Electricity: 2,800 kWh (standard Dutch household)
- • Adjust UP if you have a large home or poor insulation
Step 3: Choose your new provider (5 minutes)
- • Sort by "Total Annual Cost" (not just €/unit—they'll vary by fixed fees)
- • Filter for: Fixed 1-2 year contract (recommended for 2025)
- • Look for "Green" options if you care about sustainability
- • Check customer reviews on CONSUMENTENBOND.NL
Step 4: Switch (5 minutes)
- • Click "Switch Now" on comparison site (they handle paperwork)
- • You'll need: Your current provider details + new contract agreement
- • No disruption: Gas/electricity stays on during switch
- • No setup fees (illegal in Netherlands)
- • Typical switch time: 2-4 weeks
Step 5: Cancel your old contract (2 minutes)
- • You don't need to manually cancel—new provider handles it
- • BUT verify cancellation in writing to old provider
Popular Dutch energy providers (2025):
- • Energiecompany.nl - Often competitive pricing
- • Essent - Large, reliable
- • Vattenfall - Good green options
- • Eneco - Premium pricing but good service
- • Nuon - Often has best introductory rates
Real example (2025):
- • Current provider (Year 2): €165/month (€1.98/m³ gas after increases)
- • New provider fixed rate: €125/month (€1.33/m³ gas)
- • Annual savings: €480 by switching once
- • If you've been with same provider 3 years? Potential savings: €50-100/month = €600-1,200/year
Hidden costs to watch:
- • Early termination charges: €50-200 (most providers have these for fixed contracts)
- • Setup fees: Should be €0 (if they charge, skip them)
- • Rate increases after intro period: Always check "year 2" pricing in fine print
Estimated savings: €300-900/year | Time required: 30 minutes | Frequency: Every 1-2 years
3.3 Sign-up bonuses and cashback offers
Free money from switching
Energy providers offer sign-up bonuses to attract customers.
Typical bonuses (2025):
- • €50-150 cashback for new customers
- • €25 gift cards (supermarket vouchers)
- • 3 months at reduced rates (5-10% discount)
Where to find them:
- • Visible on Independer.nl, Overstappen.nl comparison pages
- • Often only available through comparison sites (not direct from provider websites)
- • Some require minimum contract length (usually 1-2 years)
Example:
- • Switch provider + get €100 bonus = Reduces switching cost effectively to €0
- • Bonus + €500 annual savings = Net gain: €600/year
Realistic expectation: €100-200 bonus per switch (once every 1-2 years)
Section 4: Government subsidies and financial support
4.1 ISDE subsidy: Get 20-30% back on energy improvements
The Netherlands pays you to save energy
The Dutch government's ISDE (Investeringssubsidie Duurzame Energie—Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy) covers 20-30% of costs for energy-saving installations.
What's covered:
- • Heat pumps: €1,950-€5,100 subsidy depending on type
- • Solar water heaters (Zonneboilers): €1,500-€3,000
- • Insulation: €500-€1,500 (roof, walls, windows)
- • Smart thermostats and TRVs: Not explicitly covered (but may qualify under certain conditions)
Who's eligible (as expat):
- • You must be the registered owner of the home (BRP registration)
- • You must occupy the property (not a second home)
- • Home must be built before January 1, 2019
- • Installation must be by certified installer
Important for renters:
- • Most rental contracts prohibit major installations (heat pumps, boiler changes)
- • Contact your landlord FIRST—they may be eligible to claim the subsidy
- • Document this in writing (email)
How to apply:
- Get a quote from certified installer (minimum 2 companies)
- Install the system
- Gather documents:
- • Original invoices with company letterhead
- • Proof of payment (bank statement)
- • Installation completion report
- • Your BRP registration proof
- Submit application to RVO.nl (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)
- • Application portal: rvo.nl/ISDE
- • Deadline: Must apply within 24 months of installation
Estimated subsidies (2025 rates):
| Improvement | Cost | Subsidy (20-30%) | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid heat pump (4kW) | €5,000-7,000 | €2,550 | €2,450-4,450 |
| Air-source heat pump (8kW) | €8,000-10,000 | €3,150 | €4,850-6,850 |
| Solar water heater | €3,000-4,000 | €2,000 | €1,000-2,000 |
| Roof insulation | €2,000-3,000 | €600-900 | €1,100-2,400 |
Payback example:
- • Install hybrid heat pump: €6,000 cost → €2,550 subsidy → Net: €3,450
- • Annual heating savings: €400-600
- • Payback period: 6-8 years (but government subsidizes 30%, so real payback ~4 years)
4.2 Zero VAT on solar panels (Automatic 21% discount)
The best subsidy you don't have to apply for
As of January 1, 2023, solar panel installation has 0% VAT in the Netherlands—essentially an automatic 21% discount with no application required.
How it works:
- • You pay €0 VAT on solar panel purchase + installation
- • Automatically deducted at checkout
- • No paperwork needed
- • Best deal in Netherlands right now
Real example:
- • Solar panel system cost (before VAT): €4,000
- • With normal VAT (21%): €4,840
- • With 0% VAT: €4,000
- • Your savings: €840 automatically
Who can get this:
- • Private homeowners only
- • Residential properties only
- • Panels must be on/near your home
Renters: Cannot benefit (you don't own the property)
Solar payback in 2025:
- • System cost (after 0% VAT): €4,000-6,000
- • Annual energy savings: €400-600
- • Payback period: 7-10 years
- • But: Additional 10 years of free electricity after payback = Real savings: €4,000-6,000 total
4.3 Temporary emergency energy fund (For low-income households)
Government help with winter bills
If your income is below 200% of Dutch social minimum wage, you may qualify for temporary government energy bill assistance.
Income limits (2025):
- • Singles: €3,400/month gross income maximum
- • Couples/co-habitants: €4,740/month gross income maximum
Qualification criteria:
- • Energy costs must be 8-10%+ of your monthly gross income
- • Proof: Recent energy bill showing consumption
Support amount:
- • Covers €56.3 million total budget
- • Supports ~100,000 households
- • Help: Applied directly to energy bill OR transferred to bank account
How to apply:
- • Visit official fund website: energietoeslag.minecnj.nl (check current year)
- • Requirements: DigiD account with SMS verification + recent energy bill
- • Process: Takes 2-4 weeks to approve
Realistic expectation: €100-300 assistance over 6 months if you qualify
Section 5: Understanding your energy bill and consumption monitoring
5.1 How to read your Dutch energy bill
Key numbers you need to understand:
On your monthly bill, you'll see:
1. Current rates (€/unit):
- • Gas price: €X.XX per m³ (cubic meter)
- • Electricity price: €X.XX per kWh (kilowatt-hour)
- • These change with your provider/contract
2. Meter readings:
- • Your gas meter number (usually shows m³ used)
- • Your electricity meter number (shows kWh used)
- • Estimated vs. actual readings
3. Fixed monthly costs:
- • Connection fee: Usually €10-20/month
- • Meter fees: Usually €2-5/month
- • These are charged even if you use zero energy
4. Variable costs:
- • Gas: Meter reading × rate = €XX
- • Electricity: Meter reading × rate = €XX
- • These change monthly based on consumption
5. Energy tax credit:
- • 2025 annual credit: €631.39 (spread across 12 months)
- • This REDUCES your bill
- • Why? Dutch government's energy tax compensation
Real example bill (November 2025):
Gas consumption: 45 m³ @ €1.33/m³ = €59.85
Electricity: 200 kWh @ €0.34/kWh = €68.00
Fixed connection fee: €15.00
Energy tax credit (monthly): -€52.62
Total: €90.23/month
Winter example (January 2025):
Gas consumption: 120 m³ @ €1.33/m³ = €159.60
Electricity: 280 kWh @ €0.34/kWh = €95.20
Fixed connection fee: €15.00
Energy tax credit (monthly): -€52.62
Total: €217.18/month
5.2 Estimate your monthly bills by home type
What should you actually pay?
According to 2025 Dutch government data (CBS) and City Retreat analysis:
Electricity by home type (2025 average rates €0.34/kWh):
| Property Type | Annual Usage | Monthly Cost | Winter Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat (1-2 people) | 2,000 kWh | €53 | €80 |
| Terraced house (2-3 people) | 3,000 kWh | €80 | €120 |
| Corner house (3-4 people) | 3,500 kWh | €93 | €140 |
| Semi-detached (4+ people) | 4,000 kWh | €107 | €160 |
| Detached house | 5,000 kWh | €133 | €200 |
Gas/Heating by home type (2025 average rates €1.33/m³):
| Property Type | Annual Usage | Monthly Cost | Winter Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat (poorly insulated) | 45 m³ | €13 | €40 |
| Terraced (average) | 55 m³ | €14 | €50 |
| Corner house | 60 m³ | €15 | €60 |
| Semi-detached | 70 m³ | €15 | €75 |
| Detached (poor insulation) | 100-120 m³ | €20-25 | €90-110 |
Combined example (average expat situation):
- • Renting terraced house: €93/month electricity + €14/month gas = €107/month average
- • Winter months: €120 electricity + €50 gas = €170/month average
Your usage can vary by 30-50% based on:
- • Age of building (pre-1980 = 50% higher costs)
- • Insulation quality (poor = 30-40% higher)
- • Thermostat settings (17°C vs. 21°C = 25% difference)
- • Number of residents (more people = shared heating costs)
- • Work location (WFH = 30% higher vs. office workers)
5.3 How to check your smart meter (SLIMMER)
Monitor your usage in real-time
Most Dutch homes now have smart meters (SLIMMER) that send your consumption data automatically to your provider. You can usually check your usage online.
Access your usage:
- Log into your energy provider's website
- Find "Meter readings" or "Consumption" section
- View daily/hourly breakdown
- Compare to similar homes (benchmark feature on most sites)
What to look for:
- • Unusual spikes: If your January is 50% higher than last January, something's wrong (new heater malfunction, window damage, etc.)
- • Weekday vs. weekend: Should be similar in winter (constant heating); more difference in summer (daytime cooling)
- • Trends: Saving energy if it trends down week-to-week
Helpful habit:
- • Check meter readings monthly (2 minutes)
- • Helps you catch problems early
- • Useful for disputes with provider (documentation)
Section 6: Long-term strategy for expats: The 3-year plan
If you're staying in the Netherlands:
Year 1 (Immediate—This year):
- • Switch energy provider for best rate (save €300-500)
- • Install TRVs on radiators if renting (save €200-400/year)
- • Seal windows with draught strips DIY (save €80-150)
- • Adjust thermostat settings (save €100-200)
Total savings potential: €680-1,250
Year 2 (Next year):
- • Install smart thermostat (€245-350, saves €250-400/year)
- • Switch energy provider AGAIN for annual update (save €300-500)
- • Add thermal window coverings (save €100-200)
- • Insulate attic if owning property (€500-1,500 cost, saves €300-600/year)
Total savings potential: €950-1,700
Year 3+ (Long-term):
- • Consider heat pump if owning (€5,000-10,000 cost with 30% ISDE subsidy, saves €400-600/year, payback 6-8 years)
- • Install solar panels for hot water (€3,000-4,000 cost with 21% VAT savings already applied, saves €300-400/year)
- • Your "base load" energy infrastructure is optimized
Annual savings plateau at €1,000-1,500 vs. baseline
Key contacts and organizations for energy help
If you're struggling with energy costs:
- • Consumentenbond (consumentenbond.nl) - Consumer association, free advice
- • Milieu Centraal (milieucentraal.nl) - Energy tips and calculator tools
- • RVO.nl - Government subsidies portal
- • ACM.nl - Energy market regulator (file complaints here)
Emergency energy fund (Energietoeslag):
- • Website: energietoeslag.minecnj.nl
- • Contact: Via DigiD account or phone (number on website)
- • Available: Limited budget, application-based
Related NLCompass resources
Complete your expat preparation:
Cost of living calculator
Budget your entire life in Netherlands including energy costs
30% tax ruling guide
Highly skilled migrants guide with financial planning
BSN registration guide
Required for energy contracts and government services
Health insurance guide
Winter health concerns specific to Netherlands
Ready to cut your energy bills?
Take action this week:
This week: Switch your energy provider using Independer.nl (save €300-900 with zero hassle)
Next week: Order draught sealing strips for windows if renting (save €80-150/year)
This month: Install TRVs on radiators (save €200-400/year)
By December: Have smart thermostat installed before peak heating season (save €250-400/year)
Your combined first-year savings: €630-1,850 annually
That's money in your pocket for exploring the Netherlands, paying down your moving costs, or simply living more comfortably.
Energy savings calculator
Calculate your potential energy savings and optimize your heating costs
Quick answer: Netherlands energy savings 2025
Gas rate: €1.33/m³ (average 2025)
Electricity rate: €0.34/kWh (average 2025)
Thermostat savings: 6-8% per °C reduction (19-20°C optimal)
Smart thermostat ROI: 8-14 months payback period (€245-345 investment)
WFH winter impact: €150-190/month increased heating costs
Your home & lifestyle
Annual: 1,400 m³ gas, 3,000 kWh electricity
Standard energy consumption
Working from home increases winter heating costs by up to €190/month
Current annual costs
Total Annual Cost
€0
Your thermostat is set 1°C above optimal
Optimized annual costs
Total Annual Cost
€0
Save €0/year
Frequently asked questions
Why do Dutch homes seem to be heated less than my home country?
Dutch heating costs are expensive, so people culturally accept cooler indoor temperatures (18-19°C vs. 20-22°C in other countries). Plus, Dutch homes are often older and drafty, making full heating costly. Dutch people wear sweaters indoors—it's normal, not a sign of a problem!
Can I refuse to pay a high energy bill if my landlord didn't fix heating?
Landlords are required to maintain heating to 15°C minimum (18°C is comfortable, but legally 15°C is required). If below 15°C, you can: 1. Request repair in writing (email to landlord with date) 2. Contact your municipality or huurdersbond.nl (tenant union) 3. In extreme cases, withhold rent (legal if repairs not made in 2 weeks)
Is it cheaper to heat electrically than use central heating?
No. Electric heaters cost €0.51/hour (€120+/month for one room). Central gas heating costs €60-80/month to heat entire home. Use electric heaters only as backup.
Should I go with a fixed or variable energy contract?
Lock in a fixed 1-2 year contract NOW (November 2025). Prices are expected to rise through 2030. Fixed rates protect you.
Can I get my landlord to pay for heating improvements?
Yes, they're required to maintain the property. Request TRV installation in writing. If they refuse, contact: Huurdersbond.nl (tenant union) or your municipality's housing department. Most landlords will agree to TRV installation (low cost, improves property value).
How much should I budget monthly for energy?
Average apartment (summer): €80-100/month. Average apartment (winter): €170-220/month. Budget €150/month year-round for average (slightly underpay summer, slightly overpay winter—balanced at year-end).
Will switching energy providers cause a service interruption?
No. Your gas/electricity stays on during the switch. Takes 2-4 weeks to complete paperwork. You can switch mid-month if needed.
What's the best heating temperature for sleeping?
16-18°C for bedrooms (cooler = better sleep, lower costs). Dutch people often heat bedrooms less than living rooms (use TRVs to achieve this).
Can I ask my landlord to reimburse energy costs for utilities they maintain?
Only if it's written in your contract. Most Dutch rentals: tenant pays utilities directly to provider (not through rent). Check your lease.
Is it worth installing solar panels as a renter?
No, you don't own the property. Homeowners only. But consider it if buying in future (excellent long-term investment with 0% VAT and payback in 7-10 years).
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes. Energy prices, subsidies, and government programs change regularly. Current data verified as of November 2025. Always verify current pricing and eligibility requirements with your energy provider and government websites (RVO.nl for subsidies, ACM.nl for regulatory updates). While we strive for accuracy, individual energy usage varies significantly. Consult with energy advisors for personalized recommendations.