ROTTERDAM, 6 November 2025 – Residents of South Holland are the most cautious in the Netherlands when it comes to turning on the heating. Research by a Rotterdam-based firm shows that more than one in eight households in the province deliberately kept the heating off in October — even when temperatures dropped indoors.
The study identifies South Holland as the province with the highest share of so-called “non-heaters,” households that postpone using their heating due to financial concerns or energy awareness.
Heating delay driven by income and housing
“In cities like The Hague, Rotterdam and surrounding areas, many people live in rented homes and have lower incomes,” explains Hasan Yilmaz of Radiator-Outlet.nl. “Energy costs are a major factor. While Limburg and Drenthe residents tend to heat their larger detached homes more freely, South Hollanders hold out longer before switching on the heating.”
According to the study, 61% of Dutch households had already turned on their heating by October. However, renters were significantly more hesitant than homeowners. The share of renters who had not yet turned on their heating — despite feeling cold indoors — was well above the national average. The findings align with CBS data showing that around 6% of Dutch households, particularly renters, are living in energy poverty.
Energy prices still shape behaviour
Yilmaz notes that the lingering effects of high energy prices continue to influence how renters heat their homes. “Many renters are waiting longer to turn on the heating, even when it’s chilly indoors. It’s understandable — they often have little control over insulation. In poorly insulated homes, every degree makes a noticeable difference to the monthly bill. But if it stays too cold for too long, that can lead to damp and even health issues caused by mould.”
The study underlines how the combination of energy costs and poor housing insulation continues to put financial pressure on lower-income households in South Holland.
Read the full research findings on the Radiator-Outlet.nl website.
