FIELD: heat; ventilation; ovens and plates.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method for controlling a heating apparatus. Heating apparatus (1) comprises at least one COsensor (2) and one absence/presence detector (3), and heating unit (5). Method for controlling the heating apparatus includes the following steps: periodically scanning at least one COsensor (2), or absence/presence detector (3) related to detecting the presence of a user(s), and actuating heating unit (5), if at least the COsensor (2) or absence/presence detector (3) detects the presence of a user(s).EFFECT: as a result, a more reliable detection of a user (users) of the heating apparatus is achieved.11 cl, 2 dwg