We've been heating for about a month now. Default temp is 16 C +/- 0.5C, in the evening we set it for 17 C

We usually have an indoor temperature of 22°C (approx. 72F).
Most people overhere (the Netherlands) use thermostat settings of 20°C, but we feel that's just not comfortable.
We use an air/water heatpump. Mitusbishi Zubadan. 11 kW.
We have enough PV to power the house (incl. heating) and car (BMW-i3).
for details, see my (mainly Dutch) website: geen energierekening meer: energieneutraal woonhuis fam. Kriegsman Ootmarsum - Rekening energiebedrijf 2013

Zwerius,

Your post made me chuckle . . .

I have found that many of my European colleagues/friends express aghast at how "high" a temperature we North Americans keep our homes at in winter. They distinctly speak of 14, 15, maybe 16 C for their thermostat setpoint - and they say it with a distinct pride. And this is evening temp; colder at night and when they are away from home in the daytime. I know that heat is far more expensive in Europe, but for me that is damn cold!

As a kid we spent time in northern Scotland when my Dad was posted to the sub base there (late 1950's). Off base housing was all we had and there I recall seeing the rental house temp at about 50 -55 F (this was before Scotland switched to degrees C) and being dressed up in winter coats inside the house. Single pane windows, no insulation and drafty. Lots of homes had smoky peat stoves (choke, cough, choke) and you learned to hover near them and come home smelling of peat smoke. I think this is why I have little fondness for single malt whiskey . . .

With our geothermal systems, our costs are ridiculously low for both heating and cooling, but I am still reminded of those who live in heating oil areas in the USA where winter heat bills are in the multiples of thousands of $.

So I applaud your honesty at your thermostat placement of 22 C. You must hang your head in shame, SHAME!!

Enjoy your geothermal heat pump . . .


Steve

Our temperature sits around 21-23°C (70-73°F), but we rarely use heater. Under my flat is petshop which keeps us warm for free (not really, cause billing is complicated, but it's cheap - under $300 a year) :) Also our building is recently (7 years) renovated and insulated.

Heat is made as a byproduct in coal "co generation" power plant and delivered through hot water pipe.

Here in Crossville, Tennessee USA with the Elevation of 2000 feet
68-70 Days depends on Sunny or Overcast
64-66 Nights

Been mild here north of Boston this winter. But it hit 5F last night and just now got back above 10F.
So, I set-back the stats by 1 deg overnight and turned on the old oil-heat,
to let in run in flow-thru mode. Keep any baseboard pipe from bursting.