Keeping your home warm during colder months

Fall and winter bring shorter days, but also chilly temperatures and the need for a warm and comfortable home, if you ask us. Keeping your space comfortable doesn’t have to mean blasting the heating. Let’s give you some practical tips so you can enjoy a cozy, warm home all season long.

How warm is normal in Dutch homes?

If you’re new to the Netherlands, you might notice that Dutch people keep their homes a little cooler than in some other countries. The Dutch government advises 19°C as the standard indoor temperature when you’re home and 15°C when you’re sleeping or away. This way, homes stay comfortable while keeping energy bills and environmental impact under control.

• Living rooms and main spaces are usually set between 19°C (66°F) and 21°C (70°F) during the day.
• Bedrooms are often cooler, around 18°C (64°F), since many people prefer sleeping in a fresh temperature. Your body naturally lowers its core temperature to fall asleep. A cooler bedroom supports this process, helping you fall asleep faster and stay in deep sleep longer.
• Lower your thermostat to around 15°C (59°F) -17°C (63°F) at night or when there’s nobody home. When you come home, avoid turning the thermostat up too high. Your home will warm up gradually, and you can already lower it again once it feels comfortable. Constantly adjusting the temperature only makes your heating system work harder and wastes more energy. Something worth keeping in mind!
  
  

Good to know: Floor heating works differently from regular radiators. It takes longer to warm up a room, but once it does, the heat stays steady and comfortable. That’s why it’s best to keep the temperature consistent instead of turning it up and down throughout the day.

Check, check, double check

Before reaching for the thermostat, make sure your apartment is well-sealed against cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping. Preventing heat loss is the easiest way to keep it warm. 

• Check your windows and doors for gaps. Seal it with weatherstrips if needed. You can buy them in a hardware store or order them online.
• Place draft stoppers along the bottom of doors to keep out cold air.
• Close unused doors to keep warmth where you need it most.
  
  

Optimize heating the smart way

In the Netherlands, temperatures often fluctuate, especially in the fall. It can be sunny and warm during the day, but crisp and cold in the morning and evening. This makes it tempting to adjust your heating constantly. Instead, think about how you can use the heat you already have in the smartest way possible. Small tricks like timing, placement, and consistency can make a real difference.

• If your thermostat is up to this, turn off the heating in rooms you're not using.
• Keep your doors closed to stop warmth from escaping.
• Let the sun in during the day by opening curtains wide, then close them at night to keep warmth inside.
• Use a small, efficient space heater if you spend evenings in one room. Be aware to keep flammable materials, such as curtains and blankets, away from heaters. Don’t leave heating devices unattended and always unplug them when not in use.
  
  

Add layers to your home

Just like you layer your clothing in the fall, layering your home with textiles is an easy way to trap warmth. Soft fabrics not only insulate but also instantly make your space feel more welcoming. Even if your apartment has hard floors, a few strategic pieces can transform the atmosphere into a cozy one.

• Lay down some rugs on cold floors to insulate and create a cozy atmosphere.
• Layer up with throws and blankets on your furniture to add insulation. It’s both stylish and practical!
  
  

Dress for the weather

Your home can only do so much. The rest is up to you! Dressing warmly indoors makes you less reliant on heating and helps you feel comfortable throughout the day. Besides, what’s fall without wrapping yourself in soft layers?

• Wear soft, insulating layers like sweaters and thermal socks.
• Keep cozy slippers nearby to avoid cold feet.
• Switch to flannel sheets and blankets.
• Buy a heated cushion for relaxing evenings or chilly mornings.