Buying a house or flat and want to know which will be cheaper to heat? A simple way to compare two options by heat loss and fuel cost before you buy.
What you'll learn
Two homes at a similar price can cost very differently to run — one is warm and economical, the other "eats" money on heating every winter. In this article there's a simple checklist for comparing two options before you buy, so you don't overpay for years.
What the heating bill depends on
A monthly heating bill is made up of two parts:
- How much heat the house needs — the heat loss (kW). It depends on the size and on the insulation of the walls, roof, floor and windows.
- Which fuel and at what price you obtain that heat with.
So "cheaper to heat" means lower heat loss plus affordable fuel.
The buyer's checklist
- Dimensions. A larger area and higher ceilings mean more heat is needed. Write down the dimensions of each option.
- Wall insulation. Ask what the walls are made of and whether there's insulation. Cold, uninsulated walls are the main loss item.
- Windows. How many there are and what glazing units. Old windows pull heat out strongly.
- Roof and floor. Whether they're insulated — especially in a private house on the ground.
- What fuel is available. Gas, electricity, room for a heat pump or a pellet boiler.
Don't rely only on the seller's word that "it's warm here". Enter the dimensions and insulation of each option into the heat-loss calculator — and compare the kW on the numbers.
How to compare on the numbers
- For the first option, enter its dimensions and insulation into the heat-loss calculator → write down the kW.
- The same for the second option.
- Fewer kW means less heat is needed, that is cheaper to heat (for the same fuel).
- If you want the bill in money, carry the kW over into the heating cost calculator and compare for your fuel.
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Example
House A (well insulated) — 8 kW of heat loss. House B (no wall insulation, old windows) of the same size — 14 kW. For the same gas, house B will cost about a third more to heat each winter. Often that's what decides the choice.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't know the exact U-values? A rough estimate of the insulation is enough (present / absent, new / old windows) — the calculator has typical values.
Can flats be compared this way? Yes, the principle is the same. Bear in mind that in a flat some of the walls are internal, so the losses are smaller.
What next? If you're also choosing a heat source, read gas, heat pump or pellets — what's cheaper.
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