Preparing for high gas prices in 2026: practical checklist

Preparing for high gas prices in 2026: practical checklist

, by Warmteshop Infrared heating, 14 min read

What if your preparation for high gas prices doesn't start with your energy contract, but with the heat your home really needs? It is understandable that you are uncertain about the gas price in 2026 and are torn between a v…

What if your preparation for high gas prices doesn't start with your energy contract, but with the heat your home actually needs? It is understandable that you are uncertain about the gas price in 2026 and are torn between a fixed or variable contract. However, you can already map out your consumption and heating choices now. Preparing for high gas prices in 2026 means looking at the full picture, not just the price per kilowatt-hour.

In this checklist, you will discover how to investigate your gas consumption, weigh contract options, and review suitable measures for your home. This will give you more insight into your consumption and possible ways to heat differently.

You will also read when electric heating or infrared panels are worth considering. With a careful calculation, you can determine what suits your home, comfort preferences, and future plans.

Key Points

  • Record your energy consumption per period, so that you base your choices on your own situation.
  • Compare contract type, duration, rates, and conditions before making a contract choice.
  • Compare contract adjustments, more economical consumption, and electric heating as separate options.
  • Map out when and how much heat you need for each room before choosing a solution.
  • Preparing for high gas prices in 2026 becomes clearer with a home-specific calculation and personal advice on infrared heating.

Preparing for high gas prices in 2026 starts with insight into your home

No one can predict the gas price for the entire year 2026 with certainty. Therefore, it is more useful to look at your home and heating habits than to rely on a single price forecast. This way, you discover where you need heat and which choices fit your daily life.

Which information about your energy consumption do you collect first?

Use your recent energy bills as a starting point. Note the gas consumption per billing period and map out which rooms you heat and when you use them. Also write down comfort issues, such as rooms that are slow to heat up or areas where you often lack warmth.

  • Note your usage and billing periods.
  • Record when you use each room.
  • Mark where warmth or comfort is lacking.

Why are gas price forecasts uncertain?

Supply and demand, the weather, and geopolitical developments can influence the energy market. The energy crisis of the 2020s provides context for past movements but does not predict what your bill will be. Check current market information and pay attention to the date of any forecast. A price expectation is no guarantee for your energy bill. With a home checklist, you establish a personal starting point, independent of a single forecast.

Check the contract, rates, and support measures before you decide

Get your energy contract ready and note down the contract type, duration, rates, and conditions. This way, you compare the terms that apply to you, instead of just looking at a general offer.

What do you compare when choosing an energy contract?

With a fixed rate, the price remains the same during the agreed period. A variable rate can change at certain times. A dynamic rate fluctuates with the energy market. In addition to the rates, also compare:

  • The end date and conditions for renewal or cancellation.
  • Fixed fees and other rate components.
  • How much price fluctuation suits your budget and preferences.

The appropriate contract type depends on your risk tolerance and the current terms and conditions.

How do you avoid confusion about support and energy policy?

Support measures differ between Belgium and the Netherlands and are subject to change. Therefore, consult the official government information for your country. Check who is eligible, what conditions apply, and whether the information is still up-to-date. Only include a benefit in your assessment once you have applied the conditions to your specific situation. This prevents you from treating policies from one country as a general rule.

Compare saving on gas with switching to electric heating

You can view your preparation along three separate routes: adjusting your contract, using heat more consciously, or exploring an alternative heating solution. Each of these choices addresses a different part of your energy bill. Choosing a contract changes pricing terms, heating less affects your consumption, and an alternative system changes how you generate heat. You do not have to choose just one route immediately, but can weigh the options side by side.

The outcome depends on your home, the insulation, your daily usage, and the ratio between gas and electricity rates. After all, an electric solution requires electricity. Therefore, lower gas demand does not automatically mean that your total energy costs will decrease. Do not look solely at the number of kilowatt-hours used, but also at which rooms need to be heated and when you require comfort there.

When is it appropriate to adjust your heating behavior?

Start with the rooms you actually use. For example, you can adjust the heating to the times you are sitting in the living room, instead of heating all rooms at the same times. Also, check if doors are open to rooms you are not using and if heat is needed when no one is home. Such adjustments can help limit unnecessary heat demand.

Comfort remains important in this regard. A room you rarely use might require a different approach than a living space where you spend hours. If you constantly experience the cold by heating less, that adjustment is not necessarily suitable for your home. Tailor your choices to the rooms, your routine, and the comfort you need.

When should you investigate infrared heating as an alternative?

Infrared heating is an electric, gas-free option to explore, but it is not a guaranteed one-to-one replacement for your existing installation. Infrared panels heat people and objects directly using long-wave infrared. This can be interesting if you primarily want warmth in places where you often sit or work. Whether infrared heating is suitable as supplementary or primary heating depends on the heat demand and characteristics of your home. Have the needs calculated per room before making a decision.

Warmteshop states that infrared heating can offer a savings potential of 30% to 70% compared to conventional systems. This is not a fixed outcome: the result varies per home, heating usage, and energy prices. Therefore, do not compare only the potential gas savings, but also take electricity consumption and current rates into account. A complete guide to infrared heating can help you further explore its operation and applications.

Do you want to include infrared heating in your comparison? Then check out the information from Warmteshop and base your choice on a calculation that suits your home and heating needs.

Use this checklist to prepare your home step by step

A clear overview makes it easier to calmly compare possible measures. Work through the steps in order. This way, you base your choice first on your own consumption and heat demand, and only then on a specific solution. That is a practical way to prepare your home for uncertain gas prices in 2026.

  1. Record your consumption and contract details. Collect your recent energy bills and write down the gas consumption per billing period. Also note your contract type, duration, rates, and conditions. This way, you do not compare consumption and contract based on individual reminders or outdated rates.
  2. Assess the rooms you heat. For each relevant room, note the insulation, the times you use the room, and the desired temperature. Also write down where you lack comfort, for example, in a room that heats up slowly. A bedroom that is rarely used may have different heating requirements than a living room where you sit every evening.
  3. List possible adjustments side by side. Consider heating more consciously, adjusting your contract, or using a different heating solution. Compare how each option changes your energy consumption, comfort, and dependence on gas or electricity. Do not factor in fixed savings beforehand: the outcome depends on your home and usage.
  4. Calculate the suitable options. Include rates and conditions, but also consider the practical implementation. Note which installation is required and whether modifications to the electrical wiring play a role. This will make it clearer which solution is feasible for your home.

Map out your heating needs per room before choosing an appliance or system. For proper sizing, a free, accurate calculation of the heat demand is necessary. This takes into account your home and the rooms you wish to heat. Without this step, you run the risk of choosing a solution that does not match your actual usage or desired comfort.

With infrared heating, a calculation helps determine how much heat is needed and where it is most effective. Combine this insight with practical considerations such as operating hours, insulation, and any potential home modifications. This way, you weigh comfort, energy consumption, and feasibility together, rather than focusing solely on a single expected benefit.

Would you like to map out your home's heating needs? Warmteshop offers a free on-site calculation and personalized advice regarding your situation and heating preferences. You can also request advice on infrared heating and a calculation tailored to your home.

Discover how Warmteshop helps you make a gas-free heating choice

Choosing an electric, gas-free heating solution starts with how you use your home. Warmteshop Infrarood Verwarming is a specialist and supplier of infrared heating for homes. Personal advice, a free calculation, and a no-obligation quote help you calmly assess the possibilities. This way, you don't start with a standard solution, but with the heat you need in your home.

What do you discuss during a consultation on infrared heating?

You consider which rooms require heat, when you use them, and the level of comfort you expect. The current heating situation also plays a role. For example, a home office used during the day requires a different assessment than a living space where you primarily relax in the evening. By discussing the needs for each room, it becomes clearer where infrared heating can play a role.

An accurate calculation helps determine which panels and controls suit your home and heating needs. This is especially important if you are considering infrared as your primary heating source. The calculation provides a well-founded starting point but does not guarantee potential savings in advance. Your energy consumption and the ratio between gas and electricity rates continue to influence what a choice means for your specific situation.

Infrared panels heat people and objects directly using long-wave infrared. Panels from Warmteshop Infrared Heating feature overheating protection and require no regular maintenance. If you wish to use them in a wet room, they are only suitable for this purpose if installed according to the guidelines. Therefore, in addition to the heat requirement, take the room size and practical placement into account when making your decision.

What step do you take after this checklist?

You now have the basis to look ahead in a more targeted way: your consumption has been mapped out, your contract terms have been checked, and you know which rooms require attention. The next step is to have your heating needs calculated. With that insight, you can discuss which infrared panels and controls suit your home, daily routine, and comfort preferences.

In this way, preparing for high gas prices in 2026 becomes a consideration that goes beyond the energy price alone. You combine possible choices with the characteristics of your home and avoid selecting a solution based on a general promise. Warmteshop Infrared Heating provides personal advice and can prepare a no-obligation quote based on the calculation, allowing you to calmly evaluate the proposed solution.

Would you like to find out if infrared heating suits your home? Discover infrared heating at Warmteshop Infrared Heating and discuss your home and heating needs with an advisor.

Make your next step a tailored choice

Your home doesn't have to change all at once. A well-considered heating choice can start with one question: how do you want warmth to feel at home, today and in the future? By considering comfort, energy consumption, and the practical possibilities of your home together, space is created for a solution that fits your daily life. This way, preparing for high gas prices in 2026 becomes not a hasty decision, but an opportunity to choose more consciously.

Infrared heating can be a gas-free option to explore, but what is suitable varies from home to home. Let us guide you in weighing your wishes and possibilities. Warmteshop helps you explore this step at your own pace, with a free calculation as the basis for tailored advice.

Discover how Warmteshop helps you heat comfortably and gas-free. With personal advice, you can confidently look ahead to a pleasant and future-proof indoor climate.

Frequently asked questions about high gas prices in 2026

Will gas prices remain high in 2026?

This cannot be predicted with certainty: the gas price can change during the year. Supply and demand, the weather, and geopolitical events can play a role. Your contract and consumption also determine how market movements affect your bill. Therefore, look at current rates for your country and contract type, and treat expectations as scenarios. Preparing for high gas prices in 2026 primarily means making choices that do not depend on a single prediction.

How can I reduce my gas consumption at home?

Start by limiting heat loss and adjust your heating to your daily routine. For example, check that windows and doors close properly and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maintenance of your heating system. Turn down the heating when you sleep or are away for extended periods, provided that remains comfortable. Then, record your consumption over a comparable period. This way, you can determine if your adjustments make a difference without relying solely on your gut feeling.

Is a fixed energy contract wise given uncertain gas prices?

A fixed contract might be suitable if predictable rates are important to you, but it is not automatically the most economical choice. You may also benefit less if market rates fall. Therefore, look not only at the fixed rate, but also at the duration, conditions, and any costs associated with changing or terminating the contract. Consider how much uncertainty your budget can handle and compare the offer with your current contract before deciding.

Can infrared heating help to use less gas?

Yes, infrared heating can help reduce gas consumption at specific times, for example, when you electrically heat a frequently used room separately. However, this does not automatically replace the heating in your entire home and will increase your electricity consumption. Whether it works out to be cost-effective depends on your home, usage, and current gas and electricity rates, among other factors. A calculation helps to realistically assess the possibilities.

How does infrared heating work without directly heating the air?

Infrared radiation heats people and objects in the room directly. As a result, you can experience warmth where you are sitting or working, without the air itself initially being the primary heat source. Consider a workspace where you want targeted heat while you are present. The placement and required capacity depend on the room and usage, so have that need carefully calculated in advance.

What should I check before switching to electric heating?

First, map out which rooms you want to heat electrically and when you use them. Also, check your electricity contract and see if the existing electrical installation is suitable for the intended solution. Sometimes, modifications to the wiring are necessary. Additionally, have the heat requirement per room calculated accurately. This allows you to weigh comfort, power consumption, installation, and the role of your current heating system together before making the switch.

Are support measures for high energy prices the same in Belgium and the Netherlands?

No, support measures and conditions can vary by country and change over time. Therefore, a message regarding a Dutch scheme does not automatically apply to someone in Belgium, and vice versa. Seek information from the official government services of the country where you live. Also check the target group, conditions, and validity period, and do not base your decision on older messages or general explanations that do not address your situation.

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