ᐅ Energy Saving Regulation 2016 or KfW 55 Standard for a Bungalow with Air-to-Water Heat Pump and Controlled Mechanical Ventilation, Optional Photovoltaic System
Created on: 5 Jun 2019 08:25
M
micric3
Good morning,
We are currently in the preliminary planning phase and are being flooded with information from various builders.
The topic of the "Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 or KfW 55 standard" especially leads to additional discussions.
The current concept for a household of four is as follows:
- Underfloor heating + air-to-water heat pump / controlled mechanical ventilation system combo, for example Vaillant recoCOMPACT (alternative: Nibe 730/750)
- Photovoltaic system ready for later retrofitting
- No gas connection possible/available
Opinions from some builders:
- KfW 55 was only attractive because of the low interest rates compared to traditional bank loans
- Currently, few are building to KfW 55 standard; the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 is 'back in trend'
Calculation from another builder:
30 cm (12 inches) exterior masonry instead of 24 cm (9.5 inches) exterior masonry (both according to Energy Saving Ordinance 2016) = (costs €3,750)
(Additional costs for KfW 55 with 36.5 cm (14 inches) exterior masonry, floor slab insulation, increased roof insulation, and KfW 55 calculations and documentation were (costs €14,680))
I would like to hear some opinions on this:
Good luck
Michael
We are currently in the preliminary planning phase and are being flooded with information from various builders.
The topic of the "Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 or KfW 55 standard" especially leads to additional discussions.
The current concept for a household of four is as follows:
- Underfloor heating + air-to-water heat pump / controlled mechanical ventilation system combo, for example Vaillant recoCOMPACT (alternative: Nibe 730/750)
- Photovoltaic system ready for later retrofitting
- No gas connection possible/available
Opinions from some builders:
- KfW 55 was only attractive because of the low interest rates compared to traditional bank loans
- Currently, few are building to KfW 55 standard; the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 is 'back in trend'
Calculation from another builder:
30 cm (12 inches) exterior masonry instead of 24 cm (9.5 inches) exterior masonry (both according to Energy Saving Ordinance 2016) = (costs €3,750)
(Additional costs for KfW 55 with 36.5 cm (14 inches) exterior masonry, floor slab insulation, increased roof insulation, and KfW 55 calculations and documentation were (costs €14,680))
I would like to hear some opinions on this:
Good luck
Michael
@fragg: I’ll briefly comment on the air-to-water heat pump with controlled ventilation and read the rest later. Thanks in advance for the feedback.
I understand that even the compact combination units do not use outside air directly but instead reuse the air after it has passed through the controlled ventilation system for heat exchange.
So the indoor air is effectively used twice and not the “winter air.” Am I misunderstanding something here?
I understand that even the compact combination units do not use outside air directly but instead reuse the air after it has passed through the controlled ventilation system for heat exchange.
So the indoor air is effectively used twice and not the “winter air.” Am I misunderstanding something here?
S
Strahleman5 Jun 2019 10:04I completely agree with face26: It’s hard to give a general answer since it always depends on the individual case. If it’s just about the money, you really have to calculate precisely what you gain from the interest benefits of the KfW program and the repayment grant. For example, in our case, the additional cost for KfW55 is significantly lower than in your situation, so it makes financial sense (especially since you also receive some support from KfW431 for the energy consultant).
With your extra costs, you should carefully evaluate the potential interest savings and also consider your personal environmental awareness. Choosing not to build to KfW55 standards saves money, which you can invest in a good geothermal heat pump and a photovoltaic system. I would argue that, over a 10-year period, the average operating costs of the house would be about the same (better insulation with KfW55 versus lower electricity and heating costs thanks to photovoltaics and geothermal energy).
With your extra costs, you should carefully evaluate the potential interest savings and also consider your personal environmental awareness. Choosing not to build to KfW55 standards saves money, which you can invest in a good geothermal heat pump and a photovoltaic system. I would argue that, over a 10-year period, the average operating costs of the house would be about the same (better insulation with KfW55 versus lower electricity and heating costs thanks to photovoltaics and geothermal energy).
It is often treated as if KFW 55 is a completely different category from an energy-saving regulation house. However, the differences are rather minor. In our case, an energy-saving regulation house became a KFW 55 house simply by adding an air-to-water heat pump and upgrading the window profiles from 5 to 6 chambers. That was all—whether that is the difference between a well-insulated house and a not-so-well-insulated one...
I would choose an air-to-water heat pump again, and a KFW 55 standard only if it makes financial sense. Energy consumption remains quite reasonable with an air-to-water heat pump, provided the planning is done properly.
I would choose an air-to-water heat pump again, and a KFW 55 standard only if it makes financial sense. Energy consumption remains quite reasonable with an air-to-water heat pump, provided the planning is done properly.
ares83 schrieb:
Here, it’s treated as if KFW 55 is a completely different world compared to an energy-saving regulation house. The differences are actually quite marginal. In our case, an energy-saving regulation house became a KFW 55 house simply by using an air-to-water heat pump and upgrading the window profiles from 5 to 6 chambers. That was it—whether that really is the difference between a well-insulated and a less well-insulated house...
I would choose an air-to-water heat pump again, and KFW55 only if it’s financially worthwhile. Energy consumption with an air-to-water heat pump is quite manageable, as long as the planning isn’t completely off.It always depends on the conditions: the cost factor for timber frame construction without a basement is marginal. Solid construction with brick without external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS), but with a basement, is a totally different matter when moving from the 2016 energy-saving regulation to KFW 55. If the planning didn’t include controlled ventilation, air-to-water heat pump, photovoltaic system, T8 bricks (possibly filled), etc., then the gap can easily be over €40,000 (more than $40,000).You can’t generalize everything as always. The conditions are often too different.
micric3 schrieb:
@fragg: I’ll briefly address the air-to-water heat pump with controlled ventilation and read the rest later. Thanks in advance for the feedback.
I understand that even the compact combined units don’t use outside air directly but instead reuse the air after it has gone through the controlled ventilation system and heat exchanger.
So indoor air is basically used twice, not the ‘winter air.’ Am I mistaken?That would be an exhaust air heat pump. It’s one of the worst options available on the market. It only works well in passive houses.The heat pump you mentioned, however, is a standard air-to-water heat pump that takes its supply and exhaust air through ducts from outside.
There is still room for debate whether a combined heat pump/controlled ventilation unit with heat recovery makes sense or if it’s better to keep them separate.
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boxandroof5 Jun 2019 14:01I would separate the mechanical ventilation system and the heat pump to keep the technology simpler and easier to replace. If an air-to-water heat pump with an outdoor unit is an option, that would be my preference—assuming a trench collector isn’t feasible. Otherwise, when it comes time to upgrade, you’ll either pay more or be tied to one manufacturer if you go for combined units. A mechanical ventilation system can, if needed, be quickly purchased and swapped out by yourself, which is not the case for a combined unit. Personally, I’m not a fan of those, but it depends on what’s offered to you, especially if you have committed to a general contractor.
@fragg is right about air-to-water heat pumps versus exhaust air systems.
I would base insulation decisions on cost since it’s not possible to generalize. There are poor energy-saving regulation-compliant houses, good ones, and KfW funding is often relatively easy to obtain—sometimes even without special insulation because of the technology used, which only looks good on paper. I would insulate where it’s effective and affordable, or where you won’t have access again later.
@fragg is right about air-to-water heat pumps versus exhaust air systems.
I would base insulation decisions on cost since it’s not possible to generalize. There are poor energy-saving regulation-compliant houses, good ones, and KfW funding is often relatively easy to obtain—sometimes even without special insulation because of the technology used, which only looks good on paper. I would insulate where it’s effective and affordable, or where you won’t have access again later.
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