In October, November and December of 2024, the Dutch set their thermostat on average to 16.57 degrees Celsius. the lowest indoor temperature in the EU. Read here what else we do in the field of heating and also tips.
The average temperature has fallen over the past five years in homes of Dutch people with a smart thermostat from Tado, as you can see in the graph at the bottom. The Dutch continue to make cuts and leave other European countries far behind. In 2024, the average indoor temperature in Denmark was 19.77° C, in Germany 18.92° C and in France 18.86° C. This is evident from research by Tado°, known for smart heating products for homes [1].
Tip
Vereniging Eigen Huis recommends not setting the thermostat lower than 15° C, so that your heating does not have to work very hard to get back to the right temperature. In addition, the chance of a damp house – and mold, asthma complaints and rheumatism – is greater if the thermostat is lower than 15° C. It is therefore wise to take this into account.
We are frugal
The research also shows that not all countries surveyed are as concerned about energy costs and/or take action as the Dutch. In Denmark, the average indoor temperature between 2019 and 2024 was between 19.35 and 19.90° C. And between 2022 and 2024, this average increased again annually (from 19.35° C to 19.60° C to 19.77 °C).
The Dutch also wait the longest before turning on the heating
Dutch people not only set their thermostat to the lowest temperature on average. Compared to other countries, they only turn it on for the first time when it is coldest outside. Dutch people turned their heating back on for the first time in 2024 when the average temperature outside was 11.83° C – compared to 15.96° C in Italy, 15.02° C in Spain, 13.41° C in France, 12.48 °C in Germany and 11.96°C in Denmark.
Save energy smartly
According to the Consumers’ Association, the tado° Smart Thermostat Christian Deilmann, CPO and co-founder of tado°, says: “A simple way to save energy is to invest in smart thermostats. tado° customers save an average of 22% on their heating and hot water bill [2]which means that a smart thermostat and smart radiator valves pay for themselves within a few months. 52% of Dutch people say they would have previously bought a Smart Thermostat from tado° because they were surprised by its benefits.” For 28% of respondents, one of the most important benefits is having control over their energy consumption.
[1] Survey among 685,000 European households by tado° in October, November and December 2024.
[2] Based on internal data on the average of all tado° customers. Distribution of averages: total: 22%, UK 19%, Germany 25%, Italy 22%, Spain 22%, Netherlands 21%, Belgium 22% and Denmark 25%.
