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Mistakes that drive up your heating bill and how to avoid them this winter
If you have electric heating at home, it’s essential to avoid the most common mistakes that can raise your electricity bill when the cold weather arrives. That’s why at Endesa we’re sharing a set of recommendations to help you use your heating system efficiently and get the most out of it —without having to wrap yourself in blankets to make it through winter.
When the cold sets in, the same old debate resurfaces: is electric heating better than gas? If you’ve already chosen the electric option, that discussion is behind you. Your priority now is finding the best strategies to get the most out of your current heating system —without wasting energy or money.
Why your heating bill is higher than expected
As winter approaches, many people are surprised to see that their electricity bill amount has increased significantly —often more than they expected. This increase can be caused by several factors: heating systems running longer and at higher power, rising energy prices (gas, electricity, or oil prices change depending on the season and demand), or a tariff that doesn’t match your consumption habits.
Furthermore, if your home isn’t properly insulated, heat escapes quickly, making your heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
The type of your system also matters; some units are less energy-efficient than others, particularly if they are outdated. Poor maintenance, an incorrectly set thermostat, or leaving the heating on all day can also push consumption up unnecessarily. All these habits lead to higher energy use without actually improving thermal comfort.
The most common mistakes that drive up heating consumption
Everyday habits can directly affect your energy consumption. Even if you think you’re using your heating system wisely, you may be making common mistakes that increase your bill —often without realising it.
Leaving the heating on all day
This is one of the most frequent and costly mistakes. To avoid keeping your system on continuously, even when no one’s home, it’s best to programme it to run only when needed and to maintain a stable temperature (between 19 °C and 21 °C during the day and around 17 °C at night). Moreover, don't forget to adapt the schedule based on occupancy.
Smart or programmable thermostats are a great solution. They automatically adjust the temperature based on presence and environmental conditions, helping you save without sacrificing comfort.
Setting the temperature too high
Neither your wallet nor your health will benefit from keeping your home overheated. During winter, it’s smart to wear warm, comfortable clothing indoors so you can live comfortably without exceeding 21 °C. Bedrooms can stay around 18 °C —ideal for sleeping and for times when the house is empty for a few hours. If you’ll be away for several days, turn the system off completely to avoid unnecessary consumption.
Not bleeding the radiators
Over time, radiators can accumulate air that prevents hot water from circulating properly. This means they heat less efficiently while using the same amount of energy, forcing the boiler to overwork to reach the desired temperature.
If a radiator feels cold in certain areas or makes gurgling noises, it likely needs bleeding. Doing this simple maintenance task at the start of heating season can greatly improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary energy use.
Covering radiators or placing them behind curtains
Choosing the right type of radiator for your home is essential —but no matter which kind you have, never cover it with damp clothes, furniture, or curtains. Doing so prevents heat from circulating properly and creates hot spots instead of evenly warming the room.
While you might find it handy to dry your clothes this way, you’re actually degrading the heating efficiency. It confuses the thermostat, as it may detect a lower temperature and force the system to stay on longer.
Keep radiators clear and with space around them so heat can spread effectively, helping the system work properly and preventing an increase in your consumption and bill.
Not insulating windows and doors
Even on the coldest days, ventilation is essential —about 10 minutes a day is enough to renew indoor air and prevent gases and humidity from accumulating. Always turn off the heating while airing out your home. Lower blinds at night and fully open them during the day to take advantage of the sun’s natural warmth.
Not making the most of sunlight
If your home has rooms with good solar exposure, you can harness natural light during peak radiation hours to heat the spaces. By opening the blinds and curtains, the sun can enter and passively raise the indoor temperature. Therefore, it will contribute to thermal comfort while reducing your reliance on artificial heating.
Keeping them closed during the day, or failing to lower them at night, will result in the loss of that heat and a waste of solar energy. So, this simple habit can reduce heating use by 5% to 10% during winter.
Skipping boiler maintenance
A boiler that hasn’t been properly serviced can lose efficiency over time and use up to 15% more energy to produce the same heat. Regular maintenance —cleaning filters and checking all components— ensures good performance, prevents costly breakdowns, and extends the system’s lifespan.
For gas boilers, an annual inspection is recommended, ideally before cold weather arrives. At Endesa, we offer the best maintenance service, carried out by qualified technicians.
Tips to save on heating without losing comfort
The key to spending only what is necessary can be summarised by a powerful fact: every extra degree you add to your heating system increases your energy use by about 7%. The more energy you consume, the higher your bill will be. That’s why we offer some tips to ‘save comfortably’:
- Radiator placement: install them under windows for better circulation of warm air. Also, keep them free of obstacles such as furniture or long curtains.
- Scheduling by the hour: many households overlook the basic principle that the heating should mainly run when the residents are home. You don’t need to keep the house at 21 °C if you’re leaving shortly, if you will be away for a few hours (or days), or if you are going to sleep under a warm duvet.
Luckily, there are also electricity tariffs designed to help you save on electric heating, depending on your usage pattern. Think about your lifestyle:
- You spend little time at home and mainly need heat for two consecutive hours in the evening while you prepare dinner.
- You mostly use heating on Sundays when you stay home all day.
- Your schedule varies weekly, but there are around 50 hours a month when you use more heating than usual.
For all these cases, Endesa has electricity tariffs that fit your consumption habits. Check them out in Endesa's electricity tariff catalogue!
How to choose a more efficient heating system
Choosing the right heating system is key to managing energy use and maintaining comfort. However, the ideal option depends on several factors, including local climate, the budget to purchase and install the equipment, and your home’s type, size, and insulation.
Generally, the most efficient systems combine modern technology with renewable energy sources. This way, they optimise the energy consumed:
Aerothermal and geothermal heat pumps are increasingly popular in Spain. They use the energy from the air or the ground to heat and cool spaces, consuming very little electricity. Underfloor heating is another efficient solution, as it distributes heat evenly at lower operating temperatures.
If your home already has a centralised system or water radiators, a condensing boiler is an excellent option. It recovers heat from the steam generated during combustion, reducing gas consumption.
For electric systems, low-consumption thermal emitters or digital, programmable radiators are great allies for efficiency and comfort. Combining these with smart thermostats allows you to control each room’s temperature independently and prevent waste.
No matter which system you choose, good insulation is essential for maximising efficiency, lowering your bill, and reducing CO2 emissions.
When to service your heating system
You should have your system checked at least once a year, ideally before winter begins. This helps detect issues, correct possible malfunctions, prevent leaks, clean components, and ensure everything works properly, preventing cold periods and emergency expenses.
A full checkup every two years is also highly recommended for domestic systems (filters, valves, thermostats, and radiators). In some cases, Spanish regulations require specific inspection intervals for certain types of boilers or centralised installations, depending on the equipment and fuel used.
Also, check your home’s thermal insulation —doors, windows, and joints should be in good condition to prevent heat loss. If your system takes longer to heat, makes strange noises, or your energy consumption has risen without explanation, request a professional inspection.
A well-maintained system, along with periodic monitoring and responsible use, can reduce your heating energy consumption by up to 30%. Because saving energy isn’t just about spending less —it’s also about keeping your home safe and comfortable.
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
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