Grünwelt Energie

Vienna – October 29, 2026 -- Anyone heating with a wood stove in Austria needs a chimney sweep's assessment first, and usually has to register the stove with the municipality and get the landlord's consent. Energy provider Grünwelt Energie has outlined what households should know about the rules and the environmental side of heating with wood.

Chimney sweeps check safety before the first fire

The chimney sweep (Rauchfangkehrer) judges whether the structural requirements are met and whether exhaust gases can escape safely. Sufficient combustion air and safety clearances must also be in place.

Requirements differ by federal state and stove model, according to Grünwelt's experts. In most cases, a notification to the municipality is required, along with landlord approval for tenants.

Düsseldorf – October 29, 2026 -- Infrared heaters deliver warmth at the push of a button and are easy to install, but running them for long periods can drive up electricity costs, according to energy provider Grünwelt Energie.

Infrared heaters work best as a supplementary heat source

Infrared heaters warm rooms with direct thermal radiation. Grünwelt Energie says they are strongest as an add-on heater, for example in a bathroom or guest room. The devices are relatively cheap to buy, usually need no regular maintenance and stir up little dust.

Converting electricity directly into heat limits efficiency

The main drawback is that these heaters turn electricity straight into heat. Long operating times can therefore mean higher costs. As the only heating source, especially in poorly insulated buildings, they are less economical.

Düsseldorf – September 07, 2026 -- German energy provider Grünwelt Energie is urging households to unplug idle electronics before long trips, a move it says cuts both power bills and storm-related damage risk.

Standby devices still drain power even when switched off

Televisions, game consoles, computers and charging stations for large appliances continue to draw electricity in standby mode. Grünwelt Energie recommends disconnecting these fully before departure, which also protects the equipment from surge damage caused by summer thunderstorms.