Lived experiences of domestic heating transitions in Finland: Insights from oral histories

Abstract

Decarbonising domestic heating is central to Finland's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. While policy debates largely focus on technological change, less attention has been paid to how individuals experience and negotiate heating transitions in everyday life. This paper examines domestic heating transition in Finland through 54 oral histories collected in Finland during winter 2023. Oral histories provide a unique lens to capture long-term experiences, memories, and ways of managing warmth at home. The oral history analysis identifies four interlinked themes: preparedness and hybridity, financial considerations, environmental concerns, and thermal comfort and delight. Findings show that heating transitions are deeply embedded in habits, economic realities, and emotional attachments, extending far beyond technical performance or cost. Hybrid heating systems are valued for resilience and flexibility, but financial barriers limit access for low-income households, raising concerns about energy vulnerability. Environmental awareness is growing yet often negotiated alongside rural realities. Thermal comfort and delight emerge as central household preferences but remain absent from policy debates. These findings underscore the need to move beyond technological framings of heating transitions. By foregrounding lived experience, this study advances a more holistic understanding of heating transitions and the broader societal shifts they entail. Recognising non-technological drivers is essential for facilitating just and all-encompassing heating transitions. Including these dimensions in policy debates is also key in designing transitions that reflect the diversity of household realities and support sustainable domestic heating transitions. © 2025 The Authors.