Central Heating in Apartments: how to lower your bills?

Central heating in an apartment often means high bills – especially in the winter months. However, with a few simple solutions, it is possible to reduce costs without losing comfort. In this article, you’ll learn how to improve your home and heating efficiency.

Why does central heating become expensive?

In Latvian apartment buildings, central heating still dominates. This system is centrally managed – meaning that residents often pay based on apartment size rather than actual heat consumption. As a result, they often overpay.

Another issue is heat loss, for example due to poor insulation or technical leaks that are not easy to control.

5 tips to reduce central heating costs

1. 1. Insulate windows and doors. Even simple sealing can prevent heat loss and reduce your bills.
2. 2. Install thermostatic valves. If radiators have regulators, you can reduce temperature at night or when you’re away.
3. 3. Consider individual heat metering. With ECENGO’s HCMS system, you only pay for your actual consumption – nothing more, nothing less.
4. 4. Check the heating system condition. Ask your building manager to inspect for heat loss areas.
5. 5. Participate in building-wide decisions. Agree during general meetings on system modernization or HCMS implementation – it’s a future investment.

Can the HCMS system help?

For central heating users, the HCMS (Heat Consumption Monitoring System) provides objective, data-based heat consumption tracking. ECENGO’s solution installs temperature sensors that measure each radiator and riser pipe in kilowatt-hours (kWh) without modifying the heating system. Data is read remotely and automatically integrated into bills.

85% of customers see cost reduction in the very first heating season.

How much does it cost?

The system installation is affordable and flexible – ECENGO, in cooperation with Altum, offers financing. Depending on the building size and technical condition, the investment pays off in 5–7 years.

Conclusion: how to use central heating smarter in your apartment?

Central heating in an apartment doesn’t have to mean overpaying. With small improvements and transparent metering, you can reduce costs and improve comfort. The HCMS system lets you pay only for what you use, making central heating bills fair and predictable.

👉 Want to learn how ECENGO can help reduce your heating costs?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can central heating in an apartment become more transparent?

Through individual heat metering. The HCMS system allows each household to pay only for the heat they consume. This ensures fair cost distribution and reduces complaints.

Does HCMS require heating system modification?

No. ECENGO’s HCMS system installs without modification – it is suitable for 80% of apartment buildings in Latvia.