Save energy, increase your autonomy and stay warm – even if the gas tap is turned off.
Energy prices are volatile, and those dependent on gas feel it every year. Yet you don’t have to sit in the cold to use less gas. With a few clever products and habits, you can drastically reduce your consumption — or even temporarily continue without gas. I tested it myself during a cold week in January. Result: it was comfortable, cheaper and I felt much more independent. Here are ten clever ways to do the same.
1. Heat yourself, not the room
Why keep the entire living room at 21°C when you’re sitting on the sofa with a blanket? Electric blankets and heated clothing consume a fraction of what a gas-fired boiler requires.
Recommendations:
2. Insulate cleverly what you already have
Heat loss through windows, doors and floors is gas-guzzling. Small adjustments can result in up to 25 per cent less consumption.
Recommendations:
🧷 Read more: Get ready for the winter months
3. Set your thermostat cleverly
With a smart thermostat or radiator controller, you automatically lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away. This way you can better regulate your heat consumption and not waste unnecessary energy.
Recommendations:
4. Consider wood or pellets
Those with space can install a wood or pellet stove. Modern appliances are cleaner, more efficient and gas-free. Installing such a stove does require an investment.
Recommendations:
- Wood pellets with an ENplus A1 certification are recommended for your pellet stove
5. Keep the warmth inside
Use draught excluders, close doors between spaces and only heat the rooms you use. This way the warmth stays in the right space.
6. Shower more cleverly
Hot water is often the biggest consumer. With a water-saving shower head or boiler with timer, you save immediately.
🧷 Recommendation: Water-saving shower head
💡 Attention block
👉 Test your gas-free week. For one week, turn your thermostat down 2 degrees and cook electrically. Note the difference in comfort and consumption — you’ll be surprised how much gas you don’t actually need.
Being less dependent on gas doesn’t mean you have to sit in the cold. With a bit of preparation, clever products and conscious choices, you can live comfortably, warmly and energy-efficiently. Self-sufficiency starts with control over your own heat.