The heating season is the period when temperatures drop so much that it is necessary to heat the interiors of buildings. Its length varies according to the climatic conditions of each region, geographical location and local weather conditions.

Rules and regulations
The rules for the start and course of the heating season are defined in Decree No 194/2007 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. It officially starts on 1 September, when heat supply also starts, if the average daily temperature in the area falls below 13 °C for two consecutive days and is not expected to rise. The heat supply continues until 31 May of the following year.

This year's start of the heating season
In 2024, the heating season started earlier than usual. Temperatures dropped sharply in the second week of September, leading to heat deliveries starting as early as 13 September in some parts of the Czech Republic, such as the Karlovy Vary Region and Prague. Although the average heating season starts around mid-September, last year was an exception. According to the Heating Association, 2023 was one of the shortest and warmest years in the last 60 years.

How is the average temperature calculated?
To determine the start of the heating season, the average daily temperature is essential and is calculated as the average of three measurements per day: at 7:00 am, 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm, with the 9:00 pm temperature counted twice. If the temperature is below 13 °C for two consecutive days, the heat supply starts. Conversely, if the temperature rises above this threshold during the season, the supply may be temporarily interrupted.

How to heat efficiently?
Efficient heating is key not only to saving money, but also to staying comfortable. Many households keep repeating mistakes such as turning off the heating when they leave the home. If the home cools down completely during the day, it will use more energy to heat it up again. It is therefore advisable to leave the heating set at a lower level even when you are away. Another common problem is poorly sealing windows and doors. A simple solution is to install sealing tape to minimize heat leakage.
You should also use ventilation wisely during the heating season. Open ventilation throughout the day causes unnecessary heat loss. Short, intensive ventilation is much more effective.

Outlook for the future
The future of the heating season is likely to be increasingly influenced by the drive for energy savings and environmentally friendly heating. Investing in technologies such as heat pumps or photovoltaic panels is becoming a viable alternative for many households that can significantly reduce energy costs.

The heating season is not just a question of heating, but also of efficient energy management, which has an impact on both household costs and the environment.