How to reduce energy costs in a rented apartment in 2026

Practical tips for landlords and tenants on how to save on energy. Insulation, modern appliances, smart heating and subsidy programs.

Introduction to the issue of energy costs

Energy costs make up a significant part of the operating expenses of a rented apartment. With electricity and gas prices rising, the issue of energy efficiency is becoming crucial for both landlords and tenants. In this article, we will show you practical ways to reduce energy consumption and save thousands of crowns a year.

Energy efficiency is not only about savings - it also affects the attractiveness of the property for tenants, its value and, last but not least, the environment. Investments in energy savings are usually paid back within a few years.

Energy consumption analysis

Building energy label

Energy label (PENB) evaluates the energy performance of the building on scales A to G:

Classes A-B:

  • Low-energy and passive houses
  • Heating costs: 500-1,500 Kč/month

Classes C-D:

  • Standard new buildings and insulated houses
  • Heating costs: Kč 1,500-3,000/month

Classes E-G:

  • Older uninsulated buildings
  • Heating costs: Kč 3,000-6,000/month

Identification of leaks

The greatest heat losses occur:

  • Through windows and doors (25-30%)
  • Through walls (20-25%)
  • Through the roof (15-20%)
  • Through the floor (10-15%)
  • Through ventilation (20-25%)

For accurate diagnosis, use thermal imaging measurement (2000-5 000 Kč).

Insulation and construction improvements

Facade insulation

The most effective measures to reduce heat loss:

Types of insulation:

  • Polystyrene EPS (cheapest)
  • Mineral wool (non-combustible, diffusion open)
  • PIR boards (thinnest, highest price)

Insulation thickness:

  • Minimum: 100 mm
  • Optimum: 150-200 mm
  • Maximum: 250-300 mm

Costs:

  • 1,500-3,000 Kč/m² facade
  • Payback: 8-15 years

Replacement windows

Old windows with single glass transmit up to 5x more heat than modern ones:

Parameters of quality windows:

  • Triple glass
  • Heat transfer coefficient Uw < 0.9 W/m²K
  • Warm spacer frame
  • Quality sealing

Costs:

  • 8,000-15,000 Kč per window (including installation)
  • Payback: 10-15 years

Insulation of the roof and ceiling

For apartments on the top floor or in houses:

  • Blown insulation (600-1,000 Kč/m²)
  • Mineral wool (400-800 Kč/m²)
  • PIR boards (800-1,500 Kč/m²)

Heating and regulation

Modernization of the heating system

Condensing boilers:

  • Efficiency up to 109% (use of condensation heat)
  • Savings of 15-25% compared to old boilers
  • Price: 50,000-100,000 Kč

Heat pumps:

  • Saving 50-70% of heating costs
  • High investment (200,000-400,000 Kč)
  • Suitable for family houses

Electric direct heaters:

  • Cheap to purchase
  • Expensive to operate
  • Not suitable as a main source

Thermostatic heads

Simple and cheap solution:

  • Price: 300-500 Kč per piece
  • Savings: 10-15% of heating costs
  • Easy installation

Smart thermostats

Programmable and connected thermostats:

Functions:

  • Weekly programs
  • Remote control via application
  • Open window detection
  • Learning habits

Products:

  • Tado° (3,000-5,000 Kč)
  • Netatmo (4,000-6,000 Kč)
  • Google Nest (6,000-8,000 Kč)

Savings: 15-25% of heating costs

Energy-saving appliances

Energy classes

New energy labels A-G apply from 2021:

Class A: Most economical (few products yet) Class B-C: Very economical Class D-E: Average Class F-G: Not economical

The largest appliances

Refrigerator/freezer:

  • Consumption: 100-400 kWh/year
  • Economy model: 1,500 Kč/year
  • Standard model: 3,000 Kč/year

Washing machine:

  • Consumption: 150-250 kWh/year
  • Wash at lower temperatures
  • Use a lower tariff

Dryer:

  • Consumption: 200-500 kWh/year
  • Heat pump more economical
  • Consider the necessity of a dryer

Dishwasher:

  • Consumption: 200-300 kWh/year
  • Eco program
  • Full load

Exchange for economical models

When replacing appliances in a rented apartment:

  • Prefer class B or higher
  • Expect a lifespan of 10-15 years
  • Calculate the savings for the tenant

Lighting

LED bulbs

Replacing classic light bulbs with LEDs:

  • Savings: 80-90% energy
  • Lifetime: 15,000-50,000 hours
  • Price: 50-200 Kč per bulb

Example of savings:

  • 10 bulbs × 60 W × 4 hours per day = 876 kWh/year = 5,250 Kč
  • 10 LEDs × 9 W × 4 hours per day = 131 kWh/year = 785 Kč
  • Annual savings: 4,465 Kč

Motion sensors

In common premises:

  • Corridors and stairs
  • Cellars
  • Garages

Saving: 50-70% of energy for lighting common areas.

Water heating

Energy-saving shower heads

Simple solution:

  • Price: Kč 500-1,500
  • Saving: 30-50% of consumption water
  • Saving energy for heating

Boiler vs. flow heater

Boiler:

  • Suitable for higher consumption
  • Heat storage losses
  • Option to use a lower tariff

Flow heater:

  • No storage losses
  • Higher input
  • Suitable for lower consumption

Solar water heating

For family houses and apartment buildings:

  • Savings: 50-70% energy for water heating
  • Investment: Kč 80,000-150,000
  • Payback: 8-12 years
  • Subsidy from the NZÚ

Subsidy programs

New green savings

Program of the Ministry of the Environment:

Supported activities:

  • Insulation facades, roofs, floors
  • Replacement of windows and doors
  • Heat pump installation
  • Solar systems
  • Recovery

Amount of subsidy:

  • Up to 50% of eligible costs
  • Bonus for a combination of measures

Boiler subsidies

For replacing old solid fuel boilers:

  • Subsidy up to 95% (households with low incomes)
  • Obligation for 1st and 2nd class boilers

PANEL program

For apartment buildings:

  • Building envelope insulation
  • Window replacement
  • Heating modernization

User behavior

Proper ventilation

Principles:

  • Short intensive ventilation (5-10 minutes)
  • Closed radiators during ventilation
  • Ventilation 2-3 times a day

Error: Long-open windows = unnecessary heat loss

Temperature in the rooms

Recommended temperatures:

  • Living room: 20-21 °C
  • Bedroom: 18-19 °C
  • Bathroom: 22-24 °C
  • Corridor: 15-18 °C

Temperature reduction by 1 °C = 6% energy saving.

Night reduction

Temperature reduction at night by 3-4 °C:

  • Saving: 10-15%
  • Automatically using the thermostat

Pro landlord

Investment strategy

Low-cost measures (up to Kč 10,000):

  • Thermostatic heads
  • LED lighting
  • Economical shower head
  • Sealing of windows and doors

Medium-cost (10,000-50,000 Kč):

  • Appliance replacement
  • Smart thermostat
  • Boiler replacement

High-cost (Kč 50,000+):

  • Window replacement
  • Insulation
  • New boiler

Communication with tenants

  • Explain the benefits of cost-saving measures
  • Provide instructions for proper use
  • Motivate to save (lower advances)

For tenants

What you can do yourself

  • Proper ventilation
  • Optimum temperature
  • Energy-saving appliances
  • Switching off appliances from standby
  • Washing at lower temperatures

What to demand from the landlord

  • Functional thermostatic heads
  • Tight windows
  • Economic lighting
  • Energy-efficient appliances

Conclusion

Reducing energy costs is possible through a combination of investments and behavioral changes:

  1. Analyze - find out where the most energy is leaking
  2. Plan - arrange arrangements according to return
  3. Invest - take advantage of subsidies and tax deductions
  4. Educate - teach tenants energy saving behavior
  5. Watch - measure savings and optimize

Investments in energy savings increase the value of the property, reduce operating costs and make the apartment more attractive to tenants.

> Czech-law scope and editorial note: Legal, tax, accounting, tenancy, service-charge, condominium, metrology, insurance and data-protection statements in this article refer to the Czech Republic and the rules effective for the relevant date. Figures and examples are illustrative, not legal or tax advice. Verify current rules with the relevant Czech authority or a qualified adviser.

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