The winter reality in Portugal
Is your home as cosy as it is beautiful?
If you’re moving to Portugal from the UK or the USA as an expat, you might be surprised by how many Portuguese homes feel cold during winter. Unlike the well-insulated and centrally heated homes you’re familiar with, Portugal’s approach to home heating is quite different. This helpful guide explains why central heating is uncommon in Portuguese homes, details the typical heating systems used locally, and offers practical tips to stay warm. It will also include information on budgeting, where to find heaters and insulation materials, as well as the latest updates (2024–2025) on energy prices and available incentives.
Get warm in the Winter with Plus Portugal helpful tips.
Why do many Portuguese homes lack central heating?
Portugal’s mild climate and traditional building methods meant there was historically less need for central heating. Homes were designed to stay cool during hot summers, featuring thick stone or concrete walls, tile floors, and high ceilings. However, this design also causes them to retain cold in winter. Before the 1990s, there were no stringent insulation standards, so many older and even some newer buildings lack double glazing or effective thermal insulation. The primary concern was managing summer heat, not winter warmth.
Cultural attitudes and cost: Locals have traditionally adapted to cooler indoor temperatures by bundling up. Many Portuguese consider a bit of cold indoors as usual, as home heating was often viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity. Instead of turning up the heat, people prefer warm clothing, blankets, and cosy fireplaces. High energy costs have strengthened this mindset. Portugal consistently ranks among the EU countries with the most expensive electricity (around €0.25 per kWh in the first half of 2025, accordingly to Eurostat), and running heaters all day can add over €100 to a monthly bill. Until recently, household incomes were modest compared to energy prices, making the cost of central heating difficult to justify.
Limited infrastructure: Many areas lack gas infrastructure, and most residents depend on bottled gas (propane/butane canisters), which is more expensive per unit and less practical for whole-house heating. In the late 20th century, Portugal’s rapid housing boom led to the construction of numerous homes that were often poorly built, lacking proper heating systems and insulation.
Most residents rely on portable heaters and traditional methods for warming. There’s no need to worry, you won’t be left in the cold! You'll need to adopt a more strategic approach to heating than you might be used to.
Common heating systems in Portugal
Without built-in central heating, what do people use? Here’s an overview of the standard heating solutions found in Portuguese houses:
Portable gas heaters: Many locals use portable gas heaters powered by refillable butane or propane bottles, commonly referred to as “botijas.” These units emit a warm heat and are more economical than electric heaters. A typical 13kg gas bottle costs about €35 and can last from several days to a few weeks, depending on use. Gas heaters quickly warm a room but require proper ventilation to prevent condensation and ensure safety. Some users are hesitant to store gas canisters indoors due to safety concerns or the inconvenience of refilling them. If you have one, it’s advised to open a window occasionally to release moisture and maintain good air quality.
Electric heaters and radiators: Portable electric heaters come in various types, including fan heaters, ceramic element heaters, convectors, and oil-filled radiators. They are popular because they’re easy to use and widely available. A typical ceramic fan heater (around 2000W) can quickly heat your space and is ideal for spot heating. Oil-filled radiators take longer to heat but offer more uniform warmth for an entire room. The main drawback is the electricity cost: running a 2kW heater for hours can increase your electricity bill, especially since electricity in Portugal isn’t cheap. Many expats use these heaters sparingly, such as running them for 15-20 minutes to warm up before turning them off. It’s also advisable to use them in a closed room and avoid using multiple heaters simultaneously, as older apartments may have low-amperage fuses. Running a heater with a microwave or hairdryer can cause a power trip. Tip: Consider using an electric blanket or heated mattress pad at bedtime; it’s much more energy-efficient to warm your bed or sofa spot than to heat an entire room.
Air conditioning units: Many modern apartments and villas in Portugal feature wall-mounted split air conditioning units that can both heat and cool the space. These units function as heat pumps, extracting heat from outside air, an energy-efficient way to heat a space. If your rental or new home has AC installed, that’s great! A quality inverter AC can quickly warm a room and usually consumes less energy per degree of heat than resistive space heaters. The main drawbacks are the initial cost (especially if you install it yourself) and the fact that they blow warm air, which might be less cosy than radiant heating. Overall, reverse-cycle AC is among the best heating solutions for homes in Portugal today, as it is efficient and provides cooling in the summer. For long-term residents, investing in a heat pump AC system can be a wise choice.
Fireplaces and wood stoves: In Portugal, a traditional wood-burning fireplace is a central feature of many homes, particularly in older and rural areas. Most rustic cottages and village houses historically used fireplaces for both cooking and heating. While open fireplaces create a charming atmosphere, they are inefficient as most heat and smoke escape through the chimney. Nevertheless, during winter evenings, families often gather around the fire for warmth. An increasingly popular upgrade is installing a wood-burning stove (log burner) or a fireplace insert. These cast-iron units, enclosed behind glass with controlled airflow, greatly enhance heat efficiency. They can keep a room or small house warm for hours, even after the fire has died, because of the heat retention within the iron. Firewood (lenha) is easily accessible in Portugal, sold by the sack or by the cubic meter, and tends to be affordable, especially outside major cities. If you enjoy the crackle of a fire, you’ll find many Portuguese homes equipped with fireplaces; ensure the chimney is cleaned regularly and use dry wood for optimal performance.
Pellet stoves: In recent years, pellet stoves, which burn compressed wood pellets, have gained increasing popularity in Portugal for heating purposes. They resemble wood stoves but are fed by automatic pellet feeders from a hopper. These stoves are clean, efficient, and produce consistent, intense heat with minimal smoke. They are easier to store and handle than logs, and many models include thermostats and fans for even heat distribution. While they require electricity to operate the feeder and fan, maintenance is straightforward; ashes need to be disposed of periodically. A 15kg bag of pellets typically costs €5–€8, having spiked to about €10 during late 2022’s energy crisis but has since stabilised. One bag can last one or two days of continuous use, depending on the stove size. Compared to electric heating, pellet stoves often offer a more economical cost per kWh. If your home has a chimney or exhaust outlet, installing a pellet stove can significantly improve winter comfort; some expats report that it effectively heats entire dwellings. Although the upfront cost for the stove and installation is higher, it may prove cost-effective over the course of future winters.
Underfloor heating and central heating: In some modern or upscale properties, you may find underfloor heating (also known as radiant floor systems) or complete central heating setups, such as radiators connected to a gas boiler or a heat pump. While not common, these features are gradually appearing in luxury developments and renovated homes. Underfloor heating, whether electric mats or water-based systems, offers evenly distributed warmth and eliminates visible appliances; it’s the gold standard for comfort. However, it tends to be expensive to install (usually in new builds or major renovations) and can be costly to operate if insulation is insufficient. Some newer apartments are equipped with wall-mounted radiant panels or hydronic radiant floors linked to solar-heated water. A few homes, particularly those renovated by expats or high-end rentals, have central heating systems, typically fueled by gas, diesel, or modern heat pumps, which deliver hot water to radiators. If your property has central or in-floor heating, consider yourself fortunate, but prepare for higher energy bills.
Tips for staying warm in a Portuguese winter
Even without central heating, you can stay comfortably warm during the Portuguese winter. Here are some practical, budget-friendly tips to keep cosy:
Layer up and get cosy: Follow the local custom of dressing in layers indoors. Instead of just a T-shirt, you’re likely to wear a sweater or fleece along with warm slippers from December to March. Consider stocking thermal base layers, thick socks, and fun items like an Oodie (wearable blanket) or a fluffy robe. At night, opt for flannel pyjamas or thermal underwear. Even a woolly hat or fingerless gloves can make a big difference when sitting at a desk in a chilly room. Essentially, treat indoor spaces like cold outdoor days; the Portuguese do this too! You’ll often see locals in cafes with their coats on during winter, feeling comfortable and cosy.
Targeted heating – Instead of trying to warm the entire house, concentrate on creating a cosy zone where you spend most of your time. For example, place a space heater in the living room during the evening and another in the bedroom to pre-warm it before bedtime. Keep doors shut to trap the heat in that area. It’s more energy-efficient to keep one room warm while leaving other unoccupied rooms at a cooler temperature. You might also designate a “winter living room”, a smaller, easier-to-heat space, for the coldest weeks. If guests are visiting, give them a heater for their room and instruct them on its safe use.
Use a dehumidifier: Portuguese winters can be damp, making the cold feel more intense. A dehumidifier is a useful tool for comfort; removing moisture from the air can make a 15°C room feel more like 18°c. It also helps prevent the common problem of mould that can occur in homes. Using a dehumidifier costs less than running a heater, and it can help the room warm up faster when the heater is turned on. Maintain indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60%. Many Portuguese homes, especially newer flats, already have dehumidifiers; alternatively, you can easily purchase one. A helpful tip: open windows on sunny midday afternoons to ventilate and dry the air, then close them before the evening chill sets in. Fresh air plus a dehumidifier creates a drier, warmer home.
Improve insulation on a budget: Small adjustments can significantly reduce drafts in a drafty apartment. Place door draft stoppers, such as long, snake-like pillows or rubber strips, at the bottom of doors to block cold air. Inspect windows for gaps and seal them with self-adhesive foam tape or silicone caulk. Hang thick curtains or thermal blinds over windows and doors at night to conserve heat. Use affordable area rugs on tile or stone floors to prevent heat loss into the slab and keep feet warmer. These strategies address issues like single-pane windows or gaps that allow cold drafts. Additionally, placing a rolled towel at the base of the door or applying window film can further help maintain a warm interior. Many of these insulation tools are available at hardware stores for just a few euros, an economical way to avoid the “breeze in the living room” problem!
Preheat your Bed (or yourself): Instead of heating the entire bedroom overnight, focus on warming yourself directly. Consider an electric blanket or a heated mattress pad, which are common and inexpensive to operate. Turn it on 30 minutes before bedtime for a warm bed without heating the whole room. Hot water bottles are a traditional, electricity-free option; fill one and tuck it under the covers by your feet, as Portuguese grandmothers have done for generations. Additionally, when working from home or watching TV, warm yourself directly with a heated throw blanket or an electric foot warmer, which are available at Portuguese stores or online. Personal heaters are much more efficient than trying to raise the room temperature by several degrees.
Mind the sun and schedule: Enjoy Portugal’s winter sunshine by taking advantage of the warmer late-morning to early-afternoon hours, when outdoor temperatures are often higher than inside a cold house. If you’re at home, open the blinds to allow sunlight in, as solar gain can naturally increase indoor temperatures- and it’s free! On sunny days, consider having lunch on the balcony to take advantage of the heat. As the afternoon turns to evening, temperatures can drop quickly. Close windows, shutters, and curtains before dusk to retain warmth and block out the night chill. Following the sun’s pattern by ventilating and warming during the day and sealing up when it sets helps maintain a comfortable home. Many expats adapt their routines, opting for outdoor activities or errands at midday when it’s warmest, and staying cosy indoors during the cold, damp mornings and evenings.
Budget for winter energy bills: Even with these efficiency tips in place, expect your utility bills to increase during the winter. If your electricity bill is typically €50 in the summer, it could double in winter due to the use of heating systems—plan and budget accordingly from November to March. To save costs, use heaters strategically and consider fuel types: bottled gas for heaters may be cheaper than electric ones for the same duration. If you have a reversible air conditioner, switch it to heating mode, as it provides 2-3 times more heat per kWh than a regular electric heater, giving you better value. Portugal often has two-tier electricity pricing; check if you have a bi-hourly meter, which means off-peak hours (usually at night) are less expensive per kWh. Using heaters or charging devices during these times can reduce costs. Lastly, follow local habits by snuggling under a duvet with no heat. Once your body has adapted, constant heating may not be necessary. Winters are relatively short here, and on many days, you can get by wearing just a sweater.
Stay healthy and safe: Cold and damp conditions can be hard on the body if you’re unprepared. To avoid the typical “Portuguese winter cold,” ensure good airflow (stale, damp air can harm your respiratory health). Use a dehumidifier, ventilate your home, and promptly wipe away condensation or light mildew. If you have gas heaters or fireplaces, provide some ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, and consider installing a CO alarm for safety. Follow basic heater safety rules: never leave electric or gas heaters unattended or on while sleeping, keep them away from curtains or flammable items, and avoid drying laundry directly on heaters. Combining carefulness with ingenuity will keep you warm and safe throughout the winter.
Where to buy heaters and insulation in Portugal
When you arrive in Portugal and need to equip your home for winter, there are plenty of stores and resources to help:
Leroy Merlin (https://www.leroymerlin.pt): Leroy Merlin is a DIY and home improvement giant, present in all major cities and many smaller towns. It’s your one-stop shop for heaters, wood stoves, tools, and insulation supplies. Their range includes electric radiators, gas heaters, dehumidifiers, weatherstripping, and thermal curtains, basically, everything you need. The staff often provides advice in English on home heating and insulation solutions. For instance, it’s easy to find a dehumidifier, space heater, or even a heat pump AC unit at Leroy Merlin. They also offer pellet stoves and fireplaces, along with installation services. Think of it as Portugal’s equivalent of Home Depot.
Worten (https://www.worten.pt): Worten is a large electronics and appliance retailer found in malls and shopping centres. They offer a wide range of products, including electrical heaters, air conditioning units, and household appliances. If you need a fan heater, oil radiator, or electric blanket quickly, Worten is a good option. The store frequently runs autumn promotions on heating devices. You can also purchase dehumidifiers and air purifiers at this location. With competitive prices and online ordering (often available in English), Worten is convenient for expats. It serves as a one-stop shop for gadgets, from space heaters to laptops, and typically provides dependable warranty support.
IKEA (https://www.ikea.com/pt): IKEA in Portugal has stores in Lisbon, Porto, and other locations, offering excellent home textiles and furnishings that boost warmth. They sell high tog duvets (comforters) suitable for winter, usually costing around €100 or more for a very warm one. Their selection includes thick curtains, area rugs, cosy throws, and small electric heaters. If you’re setting up a new home, IKEA is perfect for acquiring rugs and curtains that add warmth and comfort to your space. Remember to bring extra blankets and consider installing thermal curtains for the balcony door to keep the space warm. Keep in mind that during deep winter, the best blankets and duvets often sell out quickly as everyone rushes to buy them.
Local Appliance Stores: In every city or large town, you’ll find local appliance shops (like Radio Popular, Pingo Doce’s home section, or independent stores) and hardware stores (lojas de ferragens). These are great places to buy a portable heater or have a gas bottle delivered. Shop owners can often be beneficial, as they can recommend the best heater for your home or even provide AC installation. Supporting local stores can lead to better after-sales service. Additionally, visit agrarian stores or markets in rural areas if you need firewood, pellets, or a wood stove; you may find good deals and valuable advice from seasoned locals who have been heating their homes using traditional methods for many years.
Supermarkets & Others: Large hypermarkets, such as Continente or Auchan, carry electric heaters, hot water bottles, and heavy blankets during the winter. Don’t forget to check these stores when grocery shopping; you might find a good heater on sale. Additionally, speciality fireplace shops and online stores offer specific items, such as a particular brand of pellet stove or custom-cut fireplace glass. Of course, Amazon Spain ships to Portugal; many expats order appliances and heaters online when they can’t find exactly what they need locally.
Second-Hand Options: If you’re on a limited budget or planning a short stay, check out OLX (the Portuguese classifieds site) or Facebook Marketplace. Around April, many expats sell heaters or dehumidifiers before relocating or upgrading, so you might find a good deal on a nearly new oil radiator or AC unit. Just remember to test any used gas heaters for leaks and ensure that used electric devices are working correctly and safely.
When shopping, remember Portuguese words like “aquecedor” for heater, “desumidificador” for dehumidifier, “lareira” for fireplace, “lenha” for firewood, and “Salamandra,” which usually refers to a wood-burning stove. Familiarity with these terms can assist when consulting staff or searching online.
Moving to Portugal offers excellent benefits, a pleasant climate, sunshine, and a relaxed lifestyle, but it also means adjusting to homes that might not be as winter-ready as those in the UK or US. By understanding why Portuguese houses are built the way they are and following the heating tips outlined here, you can live comfortably even during the chilly months. Remember, feeling a bit cold inside sometimes doesn’t mean you’ve made a wrong move; it’s a common experience that even the locals share (many will jovially admit they “go outside to warm up” on sunny winter days!). With some thoughtful preparation, you’ll handle the winters just fine. And whenever you need advice, whether it’s finding the right heater or choosing a well-insulated home, our relocation consultancy is here to help. We aim to make your transition to Portugal as smooth (and as snug) as possible.
Stay warm and enjoy the beauty of Portuguese life all year round!
