Danish Heating Habits Shift: More Homes Warm Up in 2023 Despite Similar Temperatures
Danish households have been adjusting their heating habits over the past couple of years. In 2022, high energy prices delayed the start of the heating season, while in 2023, lower temperatures brought it forward. Despite similar average living room temperatures in October 2022 and 2023, more people heated their homes in 2023.
In 2022, the average living room temperature in January was 21.1°C, dropping to 20.7°C in October. However, high energy prices led many to delay turning on their heating. In 2023, the lower outside temperature was the primary reason for switching on heating, with an equal spread in the number of people doing so in October's first and latter halves. Despite this, 70% of homes use district heating or 'fjernvarme', which helps maintain interior temperatures above 18°C to prevent mold and damp during winter.
The 'fyringssæson' or 'heating season' in Denmark typically begins on October 1st and ends on April 30th. In 2023, only 10% of households turned on their heating in September, with 44% waiting until October. This shift in timing shows a change in heating habits among Danish households.
As energy prices and weather patterns continue to fluctuate, Danish households are adapting their heating habits. Despite similar average temperatures in October 2022 and 2023, more people heated their homes in 2023, highlighting the influence of lower outside temperatures on indoor heating decisions. District heating remains the primary source for many households, ensuring comfortable and mold-free living conditions during the winter months.
