The study found that 72% of respondents prefer indoor temperatures above 21°C, with one in five favouring a comfort level over 24°C, well above the 20°C recommended by the Romanian Standards Association (ASRO).

Cătălin Drăguleanu, Head of East Europe Southern Countries at Ariston Group, said: “As in previous editions, we note a continued desire for increased thermal comfort, along with an open attitude towards innovative solutions, such as heat pumps. On the other hand, the financial aspect continues to be the main obstacle to the energy transition, which is understandable given the challenging economic conditions.”

Despite this demand for high thermal comfort, the survey highlights a reluctance to upgrade equipment. The findings show that a considerable number of Romanian homes still rely on outdated systems, with over 60% of central heating units being more than five years old, and one in ten exceeding 15 years. 

This is notable given that experts recommend a lifespan of 8-12 years for such units, assuming regular maintenance. However, only a third of respondents (32%) perform checks as recommended by manufacturers, and 13% have no intention of doing so.

The financial aspect is a major deterrent to investment. While 70.52% of respondents have no plans to replace their heating systems, over half (52%) stated they would transition to a heat pump immediately if they were to receive subsidies or financial schemes. 

This confirms that the high initial cost of these green technologies is the primary barrier to adoption.