Person-Centered Heating
Heating People Instead of Buildings
Person-centered heating is about turning down your space heating as much as possible—without feeling cold or putting your home at risk. According to a study by the University of Leuven, energy savings of up to 96% are possible.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to successfully apply this approach.
Clothing
The core of person-centered heating is the heated vest. It provides targeted warmth directly to your body — whether at home or on the go. Key factors to consider are a large battery capacity (2x 15.000 mAh minimum), high heating performance and a long lifespan. At the same time, the vest should be easy to wear under a cardigan or hoodie so it blends seamlessly into your everyday style.
As a base layer, thermal underwear (top and bottom) is highly recommended. It reduces heat loss and keeps your body warm more efficiently. Combined with a heated vest, this creates a highly efficient personal heating system.
Since feet are often the first to get cold, they play a crucial role in overall comfort. Sheepskin slippers are especially effective because the thick wool provides excellent insulation and they regulate moisture naturally. This keeps your feet warm without creating an uncomfortable climate.
Protecting Your Home
While person-centered heating allows you to lower room temperatures significantly, it does not mean neglecting your home. Maintaining a healthy indoor climate is essential to prevent damage caused by moisture or frost.
A key factor to monitor is relative humidity, which should ideally remain between 40 and 60 percent to avoid mold growth. This can be achieved through regular ventilation, particularly before and after sleeping, as well as after activities like cooking or showering that release moisture into the air. In homes equipped with automatic ventilation systems, this process becomes even more reliable, as air exchange is regulated continuously.
A practical starting point is to reduce the room temperature to around 16°C (61°F) and observe how your home responds over the course of several weeks. During this time, attention should be paid to typical problem areas such as window frames, room corners, and spaces behind large pieces of furniture. These areas are more susceptible to condensation and should be monitored closely.
Proper furniture placement also plays an important role. Large items should not be positioned directly against exterior walls, but instead leave a gap of about 10 to 20 centimeters. In colder corners of a room, even greater distances—around 50 centimeters—are advisable to ensure sufficient air circulation.
If no issues arise at 16°C, the temperature can be reduced further in gradual steps. This controlled approach allows you to identify your optimal level of energy savings without exposing your home to unnecessary risks. In cases where additional protection is needed, targeted solutions such as baseboard heating strips or slim infrared panels can be used. When operated via timers, they provide localized warmth with minimal energy consumption.
Sleep
Nighttime presents a unique challenge, as heated vests are not suitable for use while sleeping. For this reason, an alternative solution is necessary to maintain comfort during the night.
Some people prefer using a particularly thick duvet, while others opt for an insulated sleeping bag that retains body heat more effectively. Another option is to heat the bedroom moderately during sleeping hours, for example to around 18°C (64°F).
Smart thermostat valves are especially useful in this context, as they allow heating schedules to be programmed precisely. This ensures that the room is only warmed when needed and cools down again afterward. In this way, a comfortable sleeping environment can be maintained without unnecessary energy use.
Importance for the Energy Transition
Beyond individual benefits, person-centered heating has significant implications for the broader energy transition. Compared to technologies like heat pumps, heated vests can be deployed much more quickly and at a fraction of the cost. This makes them a highly scalable solution at a time when rapid progress is urgently needed.
At the same time, person-centered heating is fully compatible with existing heating systems, including heat pumps. By reducing overall energy demand, it can significantly lower electricity consumption and help smooth peak demand during winter months. This, in turn, reduces the need for expensive seasonal energy storage and contributes to a more stable and efficient energy system.