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Winter often brings an unwelcome jump in the gas bill, especially in colder cities and poorly insulated flats. Understanding where the heat goes can help you reduce consumption while keeping your home comfortable.
Editorial clarification — 8 October 2026: The heating advice below distinguishes room temperature from boiler water temperature. Radiator settings must suit the installation; do not close every radiator or block permanent ventilation openings in an attempt to save energy. Follow the appliance instructions and advice from an authorised service technician.
1. Why gas bills rise in winter
The main contributors are:
• Longer heating hours, particularly when a central heating system or individual combi boiler (kombi) is set unnecessarily high.
• Heat loss through old windows, poorly insulated walls and draughts around doors.
• Heating rooms more than necessary, or leaving windows open for long periods while the heating is running.
• Longer hot showers and greater hot-water use.
A larger bill can also reflect a longer billing period or a tariff change. Compare consumption as well as the amount charged.
2. Use the heating controls carefully
Where you have a room thermostat, choose a comfortable room temperature rather than turning the heating up as far as possible. The original guide suggests roughly 21–23°C instead of 27–28°C; this is an illustrative room-temperature range, not a universal setting for every household or for the boiler's water circuit. The right setting depends on the occupants, weather and building.
Use thermostatic radiator valves or other suitable controls to reduce unnecessary heating in little-used rooms. Keep enough heat and ventilation to avoid damp, and follow any minimum-flow requirements for the boiler. Central heating in a shared building may have different controls and operating rules.
Avoid repeatedly switching the boiler off and on every hour. Use an appropriate thermostat and schedule instead. This does not mean keeping every home at the same temperature around the clock; the best arrangement depends on the system and how the home is occupied.
3. Reduce avoidable heat loss
Simple improvements can help even in a building with limited insulation:
• Use suitable winter curtains, keeping them clear of radiators.
• Fit appropriate draught seals around opening windows and doors.
• Use rugs to make cold floors more comfortable.
• Have unwanted gaps repaired using suitable materials.
Do not seal purpose-made gas ventilation grilles, air inlets or flues. Keep radiator fronts unobstructed so that heat can circulate, and arrange appliance and flue maintenance through an authorised service provider.
4. Be mindful of hot-water use
Shorter showers and a comfortable water temperature can reduce demand. Avoid running hot water at full flow when it is not needed. If your kombi also supplies domestic hot water, using more hot water generally means using more gas.
5. Track the meter and read the bill
Note the meter reading about once a week to understand your consumption pattern. Check the billing dates, gas volume in cubic metres (m³), the applicable conversion or consumption calculation, tariff, taxes and other charges. Gas bills can show billed energy as well as meter volume, so do not assume the whole bill is simply the meter reading multiplied by one price.
Over time, compare similar periods and weather conditions. This makes it easier to judge whether a change in heating habits is helping.
6. Make small adjustments before the next bill arrives
Check consumption regularly rather than waiting for a surprise. Spending more family time in one comfortable room, using suitable clothing and winter bedding, and reducing unnecessary heating elsewhere may help. Keep the needs of children, older people and anyone sensitive to cold in mind when deciding what is comfortable.
7. Aim for comfortable, affordable heating
The goal is a reasonable balance: a suitable temperature, less avoidable heat loss, sensible hot-water use and regular checks of the meter and bill. Neither an uncomfortably cold home nor an overheated one is a good long-term solution.
Official guidance: İBB's February 2026 bulletin, including İGDAŞ heating and ventilation advice.
Related threads
Calculating Monthly Housing Costs in Türkiye
A Monthly Budget for Türkiye: Rent, Bills and Transport
Residential Complex or Apartment Building in Türkiye? Costs and Trade-Offs
A Move-In Checklist for Renting an Apartment in Türkiye
Renting an Apartment in Türkiye: A Step-by-Step Guide
Home and Contents Insurance for Tenants in Türkiye
Choosing Safe Shared Housing in Türkiye
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Editorial clarification — 8 October 2026: The heating advice below distinguishes room temperature from boiler water temperature. Radiator settings must suit the installation; do not close every radiator or block permanent ventilation openings in an attempt to save energy. Follow the appliance instructions and advice from an authorised service technician.
1. Why gas bills rise in winter
The main contributors are:
• Longer heating hours, particularly when a central heating system or individual combi boiler (kombi) is set unnecessarily high.
• Heat loss through old windows, poorly insulated walls and draughts around doors.
• Heating rooms more than necessary, or leaving windows open for long periods while the heating is running.
• Longer hot showers and greater hot-water use.
A larger bill can also reflect a longer billing period or a tariff change. Compare consumption as well as the amount charged.
2. Use the heating controls carefully
Where you have a room thermostat, choose a comfortable room temperature rather than turning the heating up as far as possible. The original guide suggests roughly 21–23°C instead of 27–28°C; this is an illustrative room-temperature range, not a universal setting for every household or for the boiler's water circuit. The right setting depends on the occupants, weather and building.
Use thermostatic radiator valves or other suitable controls to reduce unnecessary heating in little-used rooms. Keep enough heat and ventilation to avoid damp, and follow any minimum-flow requirements for the boiler. Central heating in a shared building may have different controls and operating rules.
Avoid repeatedly switching the boiler off and on every hour. Use an appropriate thermostat and schedule instead. This does not mean keeping every home at the same temperature around the clock; the best arrangement depends on the system and how the home is occupied.
3. Reduce avoidable heat loss
Simple improvements can help even in a building with limited insulation:
• Use suitable winter curtains, keeping them clear of radiators.
• Fit appropriate draught seals around opening windows and doors.
• Use rugs to make cold floors more comfortable.
• Have unwanted gaps repaired using suitable materials.
Do not seal purpose-made gas ventilation grilles, air inlets or flues. Keep radiator fronts unobstructed so that heat can circulate, and arrange appliance and flue maintenance through an authorised service provider.
4. Be mindful of hot-water use
Shorter showers and a comfortable water temperature can reduce demand. Avoid running hot water at full flow when it is not needed. If your kombi also supplies domestic hot water, using more hot water generally means using more gas.
5. Track the meter and read the bill
Note the meter reading about once a week to understand your consumption pattern. Check the billing dates, gas volume in cubic metres (m³), the applicable conversion or consumption calculation, tariff, taxes and other charges. Gas bills can show billed energy as well as meter volume, so do not assume the whole bill is simply the meter reading multiplied by one price.
Over time, compare similar periods and weather conditions. This makes it easier to judge whether a change in heating habits is helping.
6. Make small adjustments before the next bill arrives
Check consumption regularly rather than waiting for a surprise. Spending more family time in one comfortable room, using suitable clothing and winter bedding, and reducing unnecessary heating elsewhere may help. Keep the needs of children, older people and anyone sensitive to cold in mind when deciding what is comfortable.
7. Aim for comfortable, affordable heating
The goal is a reasonable balance: a suitable temperature, less avoidable heat loss, sensible hot-water use and regular checks of the meter and bill. Neither an uncomfortably cold home nor an overheated one is a good long-term solution.
Official guidance: İBB's February 2026 bulletin, including İGDAŞ heating and ventilation advice.
Related threads Calculating Monthly Housing Costs in Türkiye A Monthly Budget for Türkiye: Rent, Bills and Transport Residential Complex or Apartment Building in Türkiye? Costs and Trade-Offs A Move-In Checklist for Renting an Apartment in Türkiye Renting an Apartment in Türkiye: A Step-by-Step Guide Home and Contents Insurance for Tenants in Türkiye Choosing Safe Shared Housing in Türkiye Student and Single-Person Housing in Türkiye: Options and Trade-Offs 10 Common Rental Mistakes in Türkiye and How to Avoid Them