ᐅ How can you bypass energy-saving regulations and avoid bureaucratic hassle?

Farilo schrieb:
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Why we shouldn’t or aren’t supposed to have windows open all day feels unpleasant to us. Too many things to consider, too much technology, too much that is complicated.

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You actually can. Who says you’re not allowed to open windows? That’s just one of many repeated myths about controlled residential ventilation systems, but it has little to do with energy-saving regulations or insulation.

Regarding show homes: I didn’t notice this back then, but what caught my attention because we lived in a town with a former show home park is that the houses are 10 to 15 years old and eventually change ownership. Just because someone named Mr. Hanno works at a company doesn’t mean Mr. Hanno built your house… you’re also usually told the house is not up to current technical standards.

Well, I tend to believe it’s more of a placebo effect if someone develops a general aversion. When we visit friends, for example, they don’t share our ideal comfort temperature… some don’t have underfloor heating, so my feet get cold. Others have too few windows, so I always find their homes damp. But that doesn’t mean the house inherently has a poor indoor climate. The size and ceiling height of a room also play a role.

About that so-called cursed energy-saving regulation:

You talk about quality houses, where my grandmother once considered a central heating system powered by oil as good technology. I wouldn’t want to know what the current owners pay monthly in that unrenovated house. I’ve heard that the frugality of residents leads them to rely on ear warmers and heating pads. They freeze because minimal insulation allows the cold to creep inside.

On the other hand, my other grandmother would have gladly accepted such complex technology as this heating system. She had a coal stove, which was cozy and warm as you would like it, but in the mornings the stove was cold and you could see your breath. That was because there was no insulation to retain the heat.

Insulation can be made quite simply: with a stone. Some stones insulate better than others. When natural stones with poor insulating properties were all that was available back then, walls were built thick—about 60-80cm (24-31 inches). Old churches, farmhouses… everywhere where building without technology was necessary, these stones insulate and regulate temperature naturally. Floors were insulated with straw. Whether churches have a good indoor climate because of this, I can’t say. And I can’t say whether living in a farmhouse without technology is comfortable either.
But wherever cold is an issue, electric radiators on wheels are used, which consume a lot of electricity. I don’t know anyone who would want to give up the comfort of a good heating system in a house that retains heat.

I believe if you renovate and extend your own place as a private individual, you might not have to comply with the energy-saving regulations. But I’m not entirely sure.

I also think you’re developing an aversion to it because building according to energy-saving regulations costs money—more than just simple expansion. No question is stupid, but before complaining about why pipes are insulated, a lot of information is needed first.

Best regards, Yvonne

Hello ypg,

Well, at the moment I can do no more than admit that I don’t know much.

Actually, I can inquire. And that’s what I’m doing here.

I agree with you that one has to be careful not to develop a fundamental aversion to “new” construction or insulation methods. My “problem” is simply that I don’t see the cost-effectiveness! As I said, the principle reminds me of the Riester pension scheme. It can make sense on paper and occasionally in individual cases, but overall it seems completely illogical.

If I insulate a house extensively to retain heat and save energy, I first have to pay upfront. Insulation costs money. And not a small amount.

Now I have insulated it, and the climate inside—simply warm and dry—is not comfortable. So now I have to install a fresh air system. That costs money too.

Now I live in a very well-insulated building with fresh air supply. Okay.
You have to admit that you can’t/shouldn’t just keep the windows open like in an old-fashioned house. Because that would be inefficient.

So now I watch the video from the gentleman mentioned and realize that the entire insulation setup is rotting. So I have to redo it. And this even though the original insulation hasn’t yet paid for itself. So it’s uneconomical (and possibly unhealthy due to mold).

Personally, I see it this way:

If I want to “afford” a house, I have to expect higher monthly running costs than for an apartment, which is insulated on all sides by other occupied units.
Now, it’s cold in this old house. So I just turn on the heating and pay for it directly. When it’s warm, I turn the heating off.

Where’s the problem?

This way I have a proven building structure that doesn’t rot or mold and at a fair price. Heating costs are there. And we can talk about the type of heating and the necessary energy source...

If only it were that simple...

Right now I’m hearing from Fischer that there might be the option of an “exemption from the energy saving ordinance/planning permission.” I’ll keep listening to what he says... Let’s see.

If you use Google, you won’t necessarily find only neutral websites, as there is a lot of propaganda involved. That’s why it’s best to consult as many neutral sources as possible; a few critical ones are okay, but you should evaluate them yourself later. The perfect all-in-one solution is rare. Often, there is just a reasonable middle ground.
Good night

Best regards in brief

Hello, despite 27 posts, no one has addressed the main point yet, which actually surprises me.

Of course, you can build “without the energy saving regulations.” This option is certainly provided by the law. The applicable legal framework allows for exceptions and exemptions. The problem, however, is convincing the relevant authority to accept this request.

This particularly concerns cases of undue hardship and disproportionate investments related to energy-saving requirements. So, good luck with your argument. A bit of comfortable indoor climate, a breathable house, or some conspiracy theories won’t help you here. You’ll need to back your case with facts (both physical and economic).

The legal basis can be found in Section 25 of the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) 2014, Part 6 (which also applies to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016).

And just for your information: five minutes of googling would probably have been enough to find this out without the help of this forum.

I have to say, this fisherman does have some good points on his side... Wow.

This "Fischer" is also well-known in the construction industry, much like a colorful character. Just like Oliver Knöbel on the Reeperbahn.

But that doesn’t help you. Your architect has to submit the exemption application for you, supported by appropriate case-specific data.