Seasonal Tips to Lower Heating and Cooling Costs in Dutch Rentals
Cut down your utility bills in the Netherlands with these seasonal heating and cooling tips. Smart, renter-friendly advice for Dutch apartments.
Guide last updated on: July 17, 20255 min read
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Further Reading on Renting in the Netherlands
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Understand Dutch rental terms before you sign the lease.
Renting in the Netherlands comes with unique rules, legal phrases, and housing abbreviations that can be tricky. The Luntero Rental Glossary is your guide to every rental term — from tenancy agreements, deposits, and agency fees to utility charges, rent control, and tenant rights. Whether you’re new to renting, moving as an expat, or just want to avoid hidden costs, our glossary helps you rent smarter, negotiate better, and protect yourself from mistakes.
Seasonal Tips for Lowering Heating and Cooling Costs in the Netherlands
Keep your rental home comfortable and affordable year-round with smart, low-cost strategies tailored to the Dutch climate.
Whether you're renting a cozy apartment in Amsterdam or a student studio in Eindhoven, these actionable energy-saving tips can help cut your heating and cooling costs—often by hundreds of euros annually.
🔥 Winter: Smart Heating Strategies
Dutch winters can significantly increase gas consumption, especially in older buildings with less insulation. Here’s how to reduce costs while staying warm.
Adjust Thermostat & Heating Behavior
Lower your thermostat by 1–2 °C: Households that made this small change saved up to 25% on gas annually【Rentumo】.
Night-time setbacks: Reducing your heating to around 15 °C at night can save up to €100/year. For underfloor heating, lower by ~2 °C only to prevent overcorrection costs【DutchReview】.
Stable indoor temps: In well-insulated homes, maintain a consistent temperature with minimal fluctuation (~2 °C) to avoid inefficient reheating cycles【Settle Down Support】.
Optimize Radiator Efficiency
Technique
Impact
Radiator fans
Boost warm air flow; save up to 20% on gas
Reflective foil
Reflects heat back into the room
Furniture clearance
Keep 30+ cm distance to avoid blocking air flow
Harness Natural Heat & Block Cold
Open curtains during sunny hours to let passive solar heat in. Close them at night to retain warmth.
Seal windows and doors with weather stripping or foam seals. This can reduce gas usage by 5–10%【rentshieldpropertymanagement.com】.
Upgrade to Smart Controls
Smart thermostats or plug timers help optimize heating cycles based on usage patterns, reducing waste and saving 10–15%.
Use off-peak hours (23:00–07:00) to run appliances or preheat water at a lower rate.
Reduce Hot Water Use
Limit showers to 5 minutes to save up to €190/year.
Install a low-flow showerhead, adding another €70/year in savings【hollandtimes.nl】.
❄️ Summer: Cooling Without Cranking the AC
While the Dutch summer isn’t extreme, rising temperatures mean smart cooling matters. Here’s how to keep cool with minimal cost.
Block Incoming Heat
Method
Description
Sunscreens & reflectors
Install outside window coverings or white curtains to reflect sunlight【Settle Down Support】
Paint flat roofs white
Reduces roof heat absorption
Passive & Low-Energy Cooling
Use fans efficiently: A ceiling or standing fan uses far less energy (~132 W) than AC (~1,000 W).
Cross-ventilation: Open windows early morning and late evening, then seal up during peak heat to retain cool air.
Time heat-generating activities: Run ovens, dryers, and other hot appliances outside midday hours. Air-dry laundry outside to reduce humidity.
Cut Internal Heat
Unplug electronics when not in use.
Switch off lights during the day.
Avoid oven cooking—opt for stovetop or no-cook meals.
🌍 Year-Round Energy Efficiency Tips
Boost Insulation & Seal Gaps
Even as a renter, you can use non-permanent solutions:
Strategy
Effect
Draft blockers
Reduce heat/cool air loss from doors & windows
Window film
Easy-to-remove insulation for single-pane windows
Door sweeps
Block airflow at the base of doors
Landlord-friendly upgrades: If permitted, suggest insulating attics or crawlspaces. Dutch government programs may subsidize up to 30% of the cost【Your Dutch Home】.
Switch to Efficient Appliances
LED bulbs: Use ~75% less energy than incandescent lights. Saves up to €50/year.
Energy-rated appliances: Look for A++/A+++ fridges, freezers, and dishwashers to reduce ongoing power costs【Wikipedia】.
Maintain Equipment
Clean HVAC and boiler filters at least once a year.
Inspect pipes and ducts for leaks, sealing them with mastic or caulking.
💡 Smart Scheduling & Monitoring
Use smart meters and provider apps to monitor your usage.
Run flexible appliances (dishwashers, washers) during off-peak hours to lower costs.
Set reminders for seasonal maintenance or energy-saving actions (e.g., reverse fan direction, clean vents).
💰 Estimated Savings Breakdown
Category
Potential Savings
Thermostat adjustments
€100–€190/year
Shower time & flow heads
€190 + €70/year
LED lighting
~€50/year
Radiator upgrades
Up to 20% savings
Draft sealing
5–10% gas savings
Smart controls & meters
10–15% savings
Insulation subsidies
Long-term savings
✅ Quick Checklist for Dutch Renters
🔒 Seal windows and doors with strips and film
🌡️ Manage thermostat (15 °C nights, smart plug timers)
📊 Monitor usage with smart meters or energy portals
🧱 Suggest insulation upgrades—Dutch subsidies available
📝 Final Thoughts
Energy efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, many Dutch renters can save several hundred euros a year with just a few behavioral tweaks and small upgrades. Start with no-cost actions like shorter showers and thermostat tweaks, then layer in smart tools and insulation support to boost your savings year-round.
Need help requesting improvements from your landlord or applying for subsidies? Stay tuned to Luntero Resources for guides, sample letters, and more.
Understand Dutch rental terms before you sign the lease.
Renting in the Netherlands comes with unique rules, legal phrases, and housing abbreviations that can be tricky. The Luntero Rental Glossary is your guide to every rental term — from tenancy agreements, deposits, and agency fees to utility charges, rent control, and tenant rights. Whether you’re new to renting, moving as an expat, or just want to avoid hidden costs, our glossary helps you rent smarter, negotiate better, and protect yourself from mistakes.
