For foreigners in Korea, winter heating bills can be a major concern, especially during the first winter. Many high gas bills are not caused by using heating too much, but by misunderstanding how boiler settings work.

One common mistake involves the “scheduled 3 hours” mode. This setting does not mean the boiler turns on after three hours. Instead, it runs briefly at intervals to keep the floor warm. This method uses less energy than reheating a completely cold floor and helps maintain a stable indoor temperature at a lower cost.

The “away” mode should be used carefully. For short trips of a few hours, keeping the current setting is more efficient. If you are away for two to three days, lowering the temperature slightly is enough. The away mode is best for longer absences, such as a week or more.

Hot water temperature also affects gas bills. A medium setting of around 42°C is sufficient for daily use. Higher settings waste gas and increase monthly costs.

Simple window insulation, such as thick curtains or insulation film, can further reduce heating use. Saving on heating is not about enduring the cold, but about using the boiler wisely to avoid winter gas bill shock.

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