District heating consumption: how it’s measured and why it matters
District heating is increasingly seen as a sustainable alternative to natural gas. In the Netherlands, more than half a million households and businesses are already connected to a district heating network, and the number continues to rise. But many residents and companies ask themselves: how exactly is district heating consumption measured? In this blog, we explain how district heating works, how usage is recorded, which factors influence it, and why insight is crucial for cost control and sustainability.
What is district heating?
District heating—often part of a heat network—delivers heat to homes and buildings via hot water flowing through pipelines. The heat can come from several sources, such as:
- Industrial waste heat or power plants
- Geothermal energy
- Biomass installations
- Large-scale heat pumps in combination with solar or wind power
Instead of a natural gas-fired boiler, heat is supplied directly through this network.
How is district heating consumption measured?
District heating consumption is recorded by a heat meter placed at the connection. This meter measures:
- Flow rate (water circulation) – how much warm water flows through the pipe
- Temperature difference – the difference between supply and return lines
By combining these values, the meter calculates how many gigajoules (GJ) of heat have been consumed. 1 GJ equals approximately 31.6 m³ of natural gas or 278 kWh of electricity.
Average district heating consumption per housing type
Average consumption depends heavily on housing type, insulation, and behavior. According to Milieu Centraal:
- Apartment: approx. 25 GJ per year
- Terraced house: approx. 35 GJ per year
- Corner house: approx. 45 GJ per year
- Detached house: approx. 60 GJ or more per year
Businesses and institutions often have much higher consumption, depending on floor area and usage (for example, a care facility or swimming pool).
Why is insight into consumption important?
For both households and businesses, district heating costs can be substantial. Gaining insight matters because it allows you to:
- Predict costs more accurately – tariffs are regulated, but usage drives the final bill.
- Detect energy waste – for example, due to poorly adjusted systems or high return temperatures.
- Meet sustainability goals – lower consumption means reduced CO₂ emissions.
- Benchmark efficiency – compare your building’s performance against averages.
Smart tools for measuring and monitoring
More and more often, smart meters or monitoring systems are being used to make district heating consumption transparent. For businesses, this can be done with an energy management system (EMS) that collects data and turns it into actionable reports.
Typical functionalities include:
- Real-time dashboards with daily or hourly usage
- Automatic reporting for audits and sustainability goals (EED, CSRD)
- Detection of anomalies such as leaks or unnecessary heat draw
- Benchmarking across sites or buildings
Want to learn more? Read our blog about the energy management system for businesses.
Factors influencing district heating consumption
Just like with natural gas, several factors determine how much district heating is consumed:
- Insulation level of the building – well-insulated homes need less heat.
- Occupant or staff behavior – thermostat settings, ventilation habits, and usage patterns are key.
- Type of installation – underfloor or low-temperature heating is often more efficient than radiators.
- Size and function of the property – a detached house or hospitality venue requires far more heat than an apartment or office.
Pros and cons of district heating
Advantages:
- More sustainable than natural gas (especially when using waste heat or renewable sources).
- No individual boiler required → less maintenance and space-saving.
- Tariffs are regulated and, from 2026, will be based on actual costs rather than gas prices.
Disadvantages:
- Limited supplier choice – usually tied to one provider.
- High investment in connection and infrastructure.
- Usage and costs can lack transparency without good monitoring.
Want to know more about upcoming rule changes? Read our blog: What will change in district heating from 2026?
Gaining control over your district heating consumption
District heating offers strong potential for sustainability, but insight into usage is essential. A heat meter shows how many gigajoules you consume, but with smart monitoring—and potentially an EMS—you can truly analyze, compare, and optimize. That way, you maintain control over costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Frequently asked questions about district heating consumption
How do I measure my district heating consumption?
Via the heat meter at your connection. It measures flow and temperature difference and records usage in gigajoules (GJ).
What is the average district heating consumption?
About 25 GJ per year for an apartment and 60 GJ or more for a detached house. Businesses often use much more.
Where can I find my district heating consumption?
On your supplier’s bill or via the display of your heat meter. Some suppliers also provide an online portal.
Can I reduce my district heating consumption?
Yes—through better insulation, efficient installations, and conscious use. For businesses, an EMS helps to secure long-term savings.
Is district heating cheaper than gas?
It depends on usage and tariffs. From 2026, tariffs will be based on actual costs, providing more predictability.