The heating is back on: What does that mean for energy use and management?
As soon as the first cold days arrive, energy use in homes, offices, and public buildings increases sharply.
Turning the heating back on doesn’t just mark the start of the heating season — it also signals a peak in heat demand.
For many organizations, this is the ideal moment to ask:
Is our heating management still efficient, safe, and future-proof?
Why the start of the heating season is a critical moment
When the heating systems restart, energy demand rises abruptly — and that brings risks such as:
- Unnoticed energy loss from poorly tuned systems or insufficient insulation.
- Cost spikes due to simultaneous system startups.
- Air pockets or malfunctions in heating systems that have been idle for months.
- Lack of monitoring, meaning deviations go unnoticed until problems occur.
That’s why this moment is perfect for checking whether your systems are working properly, if consumption aligns with expectations, and whether your data insights are being used effectively.
Smart heating with an Energy Management System (EMS)
In the past, heating season meant a simple choice: on or off.
Today, it’s about insight and control.
With an Energy Management System (EMS), organizations can see in real time:
- How much energy each system uses per building or district.
- Where inefficiencies or peaks occur.
- Whether return temperatures are too high — a key indicator of energy waste.
- How settings can be adjusted to improve efficiency.
Data-driven monitoring enables municipalities, housing associations and energy providers to:
- Optimize control based on real-time data.
- Detect system failures early.
- Inform residents and encourage energy-conscious behavior.
Read also: Monitoring District Heating at the Neighborhood Level: Benefits and CO₂ Insights for Municipalities
Safety during the heating season: Reducing risks with monitoring
Turning on the heating isn’t just about comfort — it’s also about safety.
Reports show that, at the start of the heating season, incidents involving carbon monoxide, leaks, or blocked exhaust systems often increase.
A solid maintenance plan combined with smart monitoring significantly reduces these risks:
- Regular inspection of boilers or heat pumps.
- Checking ventilation and air supply for combustion systems.
- Automatic alerts for abnormal temperature or pressure readings.
For organizations with collective heating systems — such as apartment complexes or care facilities — digital monitoring can also support safety audits and energy reporting, increasingly required by municipalities and regions.
Saving energy with data: How monitoring improves system performance
Even small optimizations can make a big difference.
Data analysis of collective heating systems shows that:
- Reducing the flow temperature by 1°C can save up to 6% in energy use.
- A low return temperature indicates efficient heat utilization.
- Smart control based on outdoor temperature and occupancy prevents energy waste.
By using measurement and billing data, property managers can pinpoint where energy loss occurs — and adjust immediately.
Read also: Billing Data: Fair and Efficient Energy Costs for Businesses
Who benefits most from smart heating management?
Property managers
Reliable energy data enables fair cost allocation through transparent billing — while identifying opportunities for savings and efficiency.
Municipalities and housing associations
Monitoring at district level allows local governments to track CO₂ targets, evaluate performance, and support residents in reducing consumption.
Businesses and institutions
Large buildings can use data insights to reduce peak loads, optimize maintenance schedules, and improve operational efficiency.
The role of data in the new heating season
Instead of simply “turning on the heating,” more and more organizations are taking a data-driven approach to heating management.
With platforms like Aurum EnergyGrip, heating becomes not only smarter, but also:
- More efficient – less energy loss and lower operating costs.
- Safer – early detection of irregularities and potential failures.
- More transparent – real-time insights for managers, residents, and policymakers.
This turns the heating season from a period of high energy use into an opportunity for optimization and insight.
Practical tips for the start of the heating season
1. Check thermostat and system settings – avoid unnecessary heating or early startup.
2. Review return temperatures – too high? Your system isn’t running efficiently.
3. Plan preventive maintenance – especially for collective or older installations.
4. Use monitoring tools – compare buildings, detect anomalies, and improve performance.
5. Engage residents or tenants – share insights and encourage energy-conscious behavior.
In summary
The moment the heating comes back on marks more than just a change of season — it’s a chance to use energy smarter.
With insight, monitoring, and reliable data, property managers, municipalities and businesses can make their heating systems more efficient, safer, and ready for the future.
Tip: Want to know how your organization can manage heating more intelligently this season?
Book a free consultation with one of our energy experts and discover how Aurum EnergyGrip can help you optimize performance and reduce costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the heating season officially start?
Usually between mid-October and early November, depending on outdoor temperatures and building type.
Why do energy costs rise at the start of the heating season?
Because systems run longer hours and energy loss often occurs in poorly adjusted or maintained installations.
How can I save energy without losing comfort?
Lower the flow temperature, set heating schedules carefully, and use monitoring to optimize system performance.
What role does Aurum play in this process?
Aurum collects and analyzes energy data via the EnergyGrip platform, enabling smarter heating control, early fault detection, and fair cost distribution.
How does monitoring improve safety?
By detecting anomalies — such as pressure or temperature issues — early, allowing preventive maintenance before failures occur.