Spring's wild weather swings leave households scrambling for warmth

Spring Started So Well—Then the Cold Snap Hit

March began on such a promising note: temperatures nearing 20°C, abundant sunshine, and good cheer all around. But then, suddenly, winter made an unwelcome return. That's spring for you—a rollercoaster of temperatures and emotions. Some may have already turned off the heating when the mild weather arrived, only to find themselves shivering at home now. But beware: cranking the heat back up to full blast isn't the smartest move. Why? Markus Lau, a technical expert from the German Liquid Gas Association (DVFG), explains.

What to Keep in Mind When Heating in Spring

Chilly mornings, warmer afternoons, and cool evenings—with fluctuating outdoor temperatures, consistent heating is key. That's why the DVFG recommends keeping your heating on a low, steady setting rather than constantly adjusting it. "Frequently turning radiator thermostats up and down wastes energy—and drives up heating costs," says Markus Lau. Instead of reacting to every shift in outdoor temperatures, leave the thermostat alone.

Ventilating in Spring: More Often and for Longer

The golden rule for spring ventilation? Air out rooms more frequently and for longer than in winter—ideally three to four times a day, for 10 to 15 minutes each time. The reason? "Warm spring air holds more moisture, so it takes longer to absorb excess humidity from bathrooms or kitchens," Lau explains. This is especially important after showering or bathing to prevent your bathroom from turning into a mold haven.

To avoid losing too much heat while ventilating, timing matters. Don't open windows too early in the morning or too late in the evening, when outdoor temperatures are lowest. Instead, wait until after sunrise for your first air-out and do the last one in the late afternoon before sunset. This helps maintain a steadier indoor temperature. Cross-ventilation—opening two opposite windows—is the most effective method, while leaving windows tilted does little. You should ventilate whenever indoor humidity exceeds 65%, aiming to bring it below 50% afterward. For precision, consider using a hygrometer to monitor moisture levels.

Spring Cleaning: Don't Forget the Radiators!

A dusty, grimy radiator can't operate as efficiently as a clean one, Lau notes. "From a cost perspective alone, it's worth including radiators in your spring cleaning—removing dust and dirt to improve performance." Pay special attention to outer surfaces and the spaces between fins, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens, where higher humidity makes dust more likely to cling. Before cleaning, turn off the radiators and let them cool completely to avoid burning your fingers.

The Bottom Line: A clean radiator running at a steady, low setting is the most efficient way to heat your home in spring. This approach smooths out the temperature swings outside while saving energy and money. Pair that with frequent, thorough cross-ventilation during the day, and you'll enjoy the best possible indoor climate.