High saving potential at low Cost: Decreasing heating demand by operation in the existing building stock

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of reducing energy consumption in residential buildings through low-cost operational strategies. As residential buildings represent a substantial portion of national energy demand, improving their performance is essential for broader energy conservation goals. While retrofitting measures are commonly emphasised, operational interventions – requiring minimal investment and offering immediate implementation – have received less attention. This study applies dynamic simulations to evaluate the energy-saving potential of such interventions across 14 representative building types in Hungary. Examined scenarios include adjustments to heating setpoints, intermittent heating schedules, seasonal restrictions, and reductions in heated floor areas. The simulations incorporate behavioural survey data to assess effects at both individual and stock levels. The findings reveal that a 1 °C reduction in the heating setpoint from 20 °C can lead to average savings of 8–9 %. Reductions in heated floor areas correlate proportionally with savings, and inefficient heating practices, such as excessive heating during off-seasons, may result in 17.8 % of avoidable energy use. These outcomes highlight the critical role of user behaviour and operational settings in shaping energy demand. Unlike technical retrofits, these strategies are rapidly deployable, making them particularly relevant in energy crises. The study concludes that integrating operational considerations into policy and awareness efforts can yield significant energy and cost savings. While focused on Hungary, the findings are applicable to other regions with similar building stocks and climate conditions. Future research should further investigate the real-world implementation and scalability of these measures.