The heating energy consumption per floor area (HECPA) and heating degree days (HDD) are effective indicators in quantifying the energy demand for heating with climate change. Using the heating energy consumption and meteorological data, an attempt has been made to analyse the relationship between the HECPA and HDD in different regions of northern China by the linear regression model. Based on the constructed model, the effects of one cold wave on heating energy consumption in different regions are evaluated. The results show that the HECPA and HDD in Beijing have a positive correlation with a correlation coefficient of 0.68. During the cold wave in 2016, the heating energy consumption in Beijing approximately increases 2.37% compared with 2014. However, no correlation has been found between the HECPA and HDD in the relatively undeveloped regions. It seems that the cold wave has a greater effect on the developed regions than relatively undeveloped ones. It is considered that the reasons for the little effect of one cold wave on heating energy consumption in the undeveloped regions are outdated heating systems, insufficient energy supply for heating and low living standards. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.