Not One Day, Not Two Days: How Do Scandinavians, Who Spend Half the Year in Snow, Heat Their Homes?

30.12.2025 - 11:32

Source: https://www.lifeinnorway.net/district-he...

Without a doubt, the biggest problem of the winter months is heating. Whether you're using natural gas, a stove or an air conditioner, the winter months can be financially challenging. In our country, particularly in recent years, the winter season has not been making its presence felt much. However, the situation is different in Scandinavian countries. Norway, Sweden, and Finland spend almost half of the year under snow. Temperatures can even drop to minus 30 degrees.

So, how do homes in Scandinavian countries stay warm? The secret lies in technology.

Imagine spending half of the year enveloped in snow: How would you go about heating your home?

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In Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland, winter temperatures can plummet to minus 30 degrees. Those living in this region spend a significant portion of the year battling the cold. So, how do they heat their homes?

A local site describing life in Norway states, 'Foreigners considering a move here often send us emails asking about what to expect in terms of heating, energy bills, and similar topics.' It then proceeds to explain the heating systems in Norway in great detail.

There are numerous ways to heat your home in Norway during the cold weather: electric heating, air conditioners, wood stoves... One of the most affordable and sustainable methods is district heating, known in Norwegian as fjernvarme (literally: remote heat). This system is quite popular and widespread in Norway.

In Norway, they utilize "district heating".

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District heating refers to a system where heat is generated in a central location and distributed to buildings through a network of pipes, typically in the form of hot water. You can think of it as a larger version of the 'central heating system' found in some buildings in our country. The construction of the necessary pipe network for the system to function is costly, hence, the investment is made only in areas with dense construction. As a result, district heating is predominantly found in the major cities of Norway and is virtually non-existent in rural areas.

The origins of district heating can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the Romans used a central heating system known as the 'hypocaust'. The hypocaust was a network of underground tunnels through which hot air was circulated using a series of ovens. This warm air was then directed into the floors and walls of buildings, heating them from the inside out. The Romans would also use a similar system to heat public baths and other public buildings.

In Norway, homes with district heating have radiators, much like the ones in our homes. These radiators carry the hot water that comes into the building into your home. Of course, thermostats are also found on these radiators. In addition to the thermostat, the amount of heat provided by district heating is regulated according to external temperatures.

Thanks to district heating, warmth is provided in an economically efficient manner.

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District heating offers a multitude of benefits: First and foremost, the consistent and steady heat provided by district heating prevents energy loss. Another significant advantage is that the system generating the heat is located outside your home, saving you the trouble of having to perform maintenance in the dead of winter.

From a city's perspective, there are numerous advantages to centrally producing and distributing heat: The primary one being economic efficiency. Instead of constructing and maintaining several different boilers to heat a city's hospitals, schools, and office buildings, only one large boiler is built within the city. Moreover, those operating the power plant are highly skilled.

In summary, district heating is not only economically sensible for both cities and citizens, but it also makes logical sense.