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How Do Remote Heat Meter Readings Work and Who Are They Mandatory For?

In every building where there are multiple owners or tenants, heat meters or heating cost indicators must be installed. The data from these are used for the allocation of heating costs, but they can also serve as a basis for saving measures. Data from meters can be collected manually or automatically. Find out what advantages remote readings bring and what the legislation says about heat measurement.

How Remote Heat Meter Readings Work

Most of us know this. Once a year, a notice with the date for heat readings appears at the entrance to an apartment building or office complex. Each owner or tenant must make their unit accessible on this date, otherwise, they risk penalties for breaching contractual obligations and being charged higher than actual costs.

Manual readings are impractical for owners and tenants, as well as property managers. They have to laboriously transcribe all values and there is also a risk of errors.

In contrast, remote readings of heating meters offer comfort, accuracy, and efficiency for owners and managers.

Mandatory Remote Readings from 2027

The installation of remotely readable heat meters and devices registering the supply of thermal energy (e.g., heating cost indicators) is one of the legislative requirements according to the amendment to Act No. 406/2000 Coll. on energy management. It stipulates that from 2022, all newly installed heat meters must be remotely readable and from January 1, 2027, all meters must allow remote reading, at least on a monthly basis.

The related legislation imposes another obligation on managers, namely that after January 1, 2027, each end user must receive information about heat consumption for each calendar month, always no later than the end of the following calendar month. Failure to comply with the obligation of remote heat reading at least on a monthly basis may result in a fine of up to 200,000 crowns for the building owner, developer, or manager.


From January 1, 2027, remote heat readings are mandatory for all buildings with multiple owners or tenants.

5 Advantages of Remote Heat Reading

You definitely don't need to fear the new legal obligations. Remote readings of heating meters bring a number of advantages:

  • No need to enter units – readings are done remotely, and owners and tenants do not need to be present at all.
  • Accuracy and reliability – digital data transmission minimizes the risk of human error.
  • Regular consumption overview – managers and owners can conveniently monitor consumption and its development over time, thus optimizing heating costs.
  • Time and cost savings – costs for lengthy walks and manual transcription and data processing are eliminated. The entire process is automated.
  • Long system lifespan – typically 10 years or more without battery replacement.

Technology for Remote Heat Readings

Remote readings of heating meters are simple and highly reliable. Heat meters are equipped with a radio module that transmits data. Data transmission is possible using various technologies (e.g., Wireless M-Bus, LoRa). Alternatively, data can also be transmitted via an integrated SIM card and mobile network, which, however, represents additional costs.

Readings can be performed in three ways:

  1. By walk-by, where an authorized person reads data with a portable receiver from bus lines in the building corridors. An ideal solution for residential and smaller office buildings.
  2. From a car, where a person with a receiver reads data at the base of the buildings. This solution is suitable for industrial areas where each tenant has their own building.
  3. Automatically, where data is sent at set intervals without the need for a walk-by to a central server, where it is then processed up to final billing. This is a great solution for residential and commercial new builds with advanced building automation systems.

How to Choose Heat Meters?

Besides the type of meter and reading method, it is important to focus on the parameters of the heating system and the heated building when choosing. Therefore, select meters based on the required size, power supply, type and size of connection, IP protection, pressure, temperature, flow, and type of medium.

For remote heat reading, the range of the communication module signal and compatibility with data processing software are also important.



Siemens ultrasonic heat meter

Discover Proven Brands of Heat Meters and Practical Solutions from Our Offer

Are you intrigued by the possibility of reading heat meters conveniently, accurately, and without bothering owners? Or are you subject to the obligation of remote readings from 2027? We are happy to propose solutions tailored to your needs, whether you manage a residential building, smaller or larger commercial spaces, or industrial areas.

You can choose from quality heat meters from leading brands such as Qundis, Enbra, or Siemens. In addition to meters, you can also purchase compatible transmission technology from us.

For example, the compact heat meter ENBRA MT SONTEX Supercal with a built-in temperature sensor allows for both radio and M-Bus communication and can be used for measuring both heat and cold. For demanding applications, the robust Siemens ultrasonic heat meter UH50-A39 is suitable, which, in addition to remote communication, features an air presence and contamination indicator.

All our solutions comply with current legislation and we provide expert advice to customers completely free of charge. We cooperate with installation companies, designers, and homeowners' associations. We will take care of everything from the design of the heat measurement system to its installation and maintenance and calibration.

Feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions from Practice

Do I need Wi-Fi in the building for remote heat reading?
No, the system operates on independent wireless communication, it is not dependent on an internet connection.

How often is data collected?
According to configuration. Intervals can be set from monthly to hourly depending on the manager's needs.

What devices do I need for remote heat reading?
Heat meters with a communication module (e.g., Qundis) and a receiving unit (for stationary collection), or a mobile device for walk-by or drive-by reading.

Is integration with other devices possible?
Yes, especially with brands like Siemens or Qundis, integration possibilities are extensive. Heat meters can be connected with other measurement and regulation systems.

Can heat meters be combined with heating regulation?
Yes, both measurement and heating control can be coordinated into one functional unit, for example, using ESBE components.