If the thermostat on the heating device is set to “2”, the room temperature will be around 16°C and if it is set to “3”, it will be around 20°C. Turning the thermostat up higher will not warm the room more quickly – it will only increase the maximum temperature and should therefore be avoided. Every degree increases consumption by approx. 6%. If rooms are not in use for longer periods – also overnight and at weekends – we recommend turning the heating down.

Guide to heating levels: 
•    Level 2, 16°C: during longer periods of absence
•    One line before level 3, 19°C: office temperature
•    Level 5, up to 28 °C: the room overheats

The new Ordinance on Securing the Energy Supply via Measures Effective in the Short Term (Verordnung zur Sicherung der Energieversorgung über kurzfristig wirksame Maßnahmen – EnSikuMaV) entered into force on 1 September 2022. It stipulates a maximum air temperature of 19°C during the heating period for public, non-residential buildings where non-strenuous and largely sedentary activities are performed. This can be achieved by turning the thermostat to max. one line before level 3. You can mark this point on the thermostat to help you remember.

The Ordinance also prohibits fan heaters and other additional heating devices. These devices use a significant amount of energy and increase the risk of fire, which is why their use is generally not expedient and not permitted at HHU.

Practical tip: Ensure sufficient space and avoid draughts
If you stand items in front of heating devices, the room cannot be heated to optimum effect, so it is important to ensure free circulation of air around heating devices. If you also close your office door, less cold air from the corridor will enter the room.

More up-to-date information

EnSikuMaV text (German only)