Why it is impossible to predict the exact energy consumption of an individual studio or tenant

Every studio is different, and so is every tenant. Even in a building where studios have a similar layout and equipment, actual energy consumption can vary significantly from one studio to another and from one tenant to the next.

There are several reasons why it is impossible to predict an exact individual consumption in advance:

• Personal heating habits: Some tenants are comfortable at 19–20°C, while others heat their studio to 23–25°C or higher. Maintaining a higher temperature requires considerably more energy.
• Heating schedules: Some tenants turn the heating down when they leave for classes or travel home for the weekend. Others leave it running continuously, including when they are not in the studio.
• Ventilation habits: Leaving windows open for extended periods while the heating is on causes heat loss and increases energy consumption.
• Time spent in the studio: A tenant who spends most of the day studying in their studio will generally have different energy needs from someone who is away most of the day.
• Hot water consumption: The frequency and duration of showers, as well as other hot water use, affect total consumption.
• Weather conditions: Outdoor temperatures, wind, sunshine and seasonal variations all influence the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
• Individual preferences and behaviour: Cooking habits, use of electrical appliances and general energy awareness also contribute to differences in consumption.

Why consumption from previous tenants is not a reliable prediction

Even if a studio’s consumption from a previous rental period is available, this does not mean the next tenant will use the same amount of energy. Two tenants living in exactly the same studio, during the same season, can have very different consumption figures simply because they use heating and hot water differently.

Likewise, an average consumption figure across several studios can provide a general indication, but it cannot predict the actual consumption of any particular tenant.

What does this mean for tenants?

The monthly utility advance is an estimated amount, not a guarantee that it will cover the actual consumption. The final cost depends on the energy used and the tenants idividual habits.

The good news is that tenants have a significant influence on their own heating consumption. Maintaining a reasonable indoor temperature, turning down the heating when away, and ventilating briefly and efficiently can all help keep costs under control.

Our recommendation is simple: heat your studio according to your actual needs, avoid unnecessarily high temperatures, and use energy consciously. Good habits can have a substantial impact on your consumption and, ultimately, on your final utility bill.

Please remember: no landlord can accurately predict your personal consumption in advance. The actual figures will only become clear through measured consumption over time.

Several tools like TSS Techem meaters, smart knobs and a consumpton cost estimator have been provided to monitor your consumption and your landlord is available if you need help or adivce.

Historical consulption charts