ᐅ Building to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 or to KfW55 standards
Created on: 16 Jun 2021 13:08
R
Raiweired
Hello,
I have been following the forum for a few weeks and have an important question before signing the fixed-price contract.
I am building a turnkey city villa (catalog home) with an air-to-water heat pump, living area approximately 118 sqm (1272 sq ft), and the planning contract has already been awarded. The general contractor offers a standard build according to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 and charges an additional approximately 13,000.00 Euro for upgrading to KfW55 standards, which includes improved insulation under the slab and ceiling above the upper floor, as well as exchanging Poroton T12 bricks for Poroton T9 bricks.
The subsidy for KfW55 is 18,000.00 Euro, and the subsidy for KfW55 EE is up to 26,250.00 Euro.
If I build to KfW55 standards, I expect additional costs of 13,000.00 Euro for the improved insulation, 2,000.00 Euro for the energy consultant, and 10,000.00 Euro for a decentralized ventilation system. That would use up the subsidy entirely. According to my research, the annual savings in electricity costs for the air-to-water heat pump compared to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 are only about 100.00 Euro per year.
Of course, the higher market value potentially achieved when selling the house speaks in favor of KfW55, but I do not plan to sell.
Otherwise, the savings compared to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 to KfW55 are only marginal. Additional ventilation also brings maintenance costs. With KfW55, the building envelope is sealed so tightly that fresh air must be supplied again via fans. You pay for the increased insulation and then for the ventilation needed to compensate. Houses built to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 are not as airtight and do not require ventilation systems.
I am opening this topic for discussion.
I look forward to hearing the various opinions.
Regards, Raiweired
I have been following the forum for a few weeks and have an important question before signing the fixed-price contract.
I am building a turnkey city villa (catalog home) with an air-to-water heat pump, living area approximately 118 sqm (1272 sq ft), and the planning contract has already been awarded. The general contractor offers a standard build according to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 and charges an additional approximately 13,000.00 Euro for upgrading to KfW55 standards, which includes improved insulation under the slab and ceiling above the upper floor, as well as exchanging Poroton T12 bricks for Poroton T9 bricks.
The subsidy for KfW55 is 18,000.00 Euro, and the subsidy for KfW55 EE is up to 26,250.00 Euro.
If I build to KfW55 standards, I expect additional costs of 13,000.00 Euro for the improved insulation, 2,000.00 Euro for the energy consultant, and 10,000.00 Euro for a decentralized ventilation system. That would use up the subsidy entirely. According to my research, the annual savings in electricity costs for the air-to-water heat pump compared to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 are only about 100.00 Euro per year.
Of course, the higher market value potentially achieved when selling the house speaks in favor of KfW55, but I do not plan to sell.
Otherwise, the savings compared to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 to KfW55 are only marginal. Additional ventilation also brings maintenance costs. With KfW55, the building envelope is sealed so tightly that fresh air must be supplied again via fans. You pay for the increased insulation and then for the ventilation needed to compensate. Houses built to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2016 are not as airtight and do not require ventilation systems.
I am opening this topic for discussion.
I look forward to hearing the various opinions.
Regards, Raiweired
H
hampshire17 Jun 2021 11:49allstar83 schrieb:
It can also work well as heat protection. How many homeowners of highly insulated houses wonder why their homes get too hot in summer? If someone in practice is not very disciplined or inclined to keep windows closed and manage shading, heat enters the house and cannot escape because of the insulation. So much for heat protection and practical living when it comes to insulation.
@Raiweired: The decision depends on your goals. These could be:
- lowest total initial cost to preserve liquidity / reduce the need for a loan
- lowest total cost including operation over a certain period
- "best" balance between environmentally friendly and cost-effective choices (whatever “best” means)
- compatibility with the desired technology to be used
- personal attitude toward subsidies and application processes
We found all the subsidy rules complicated and sometimes technically restrictive. We didn’t feel like dealing with them and simply skipped that. Whether this was financially wise—I am not sure, I didn’t pursue it further. I would not recommend our approach to anyone I don’t know well. What I do recommend: make a confident decision and don’t look back. That brings satisfaction and reduces stress.
Insulation helps against heat.
Of course, this only works with shading and relatively closed windows during the day, and not relying solely on controlled ventilation at night. So far, the house has always been bright and relatively cool.
New buildings have thermal inertia. They warm up slowly (as long as sunlight does not enter unhindered) and cool down slowly.
Of course, this only works with shading and relatively closed windows during the day, and not relying solely on controlled ventilation at night. So far, the house has always been bright and relatively cool.
New buildings have thermal inertia. They warm up slowly (as long as sunlight does not enter unhindered) and cool down slowly.
P
pagoni202017 Jun 2021 13:50From a purely financial perspective, you’re essentially getting a bonus, and in your case, it’s not just a subsidy or incentive but a full government payment.
For some, this means getting a better house at the same price; for others, it results in the same attractive house but with more effort or features they might never have wanted without the subsidy.
I would carefully consider each individual upgrade and decide whether it’s something you actually want for yourself. I always recommend not just doing research because some people get annoyed even by something as simple as changing a filter, while others enjoy spending several nights programming their heat pump.
I can understand both viewpoints.
Personally, despite planning a controlled mechanical ventilation system, I would still want the feeling of an openable window, just as the visible fire in the fireplace is important to me. For many, this is different, so you should thoroughly explore which aspects matter to you. General statements or trends are probably less useful; what I like might be complete nonsense to you.
I would put the topic of ventilation and your own behavior or needs at the very top of your list.
My son previously felt like he was in a sauna in his rented attic apartment; since the small roof window was fitted with an external shading device, the difference has been like day and night. A small roof window can have a significant impact.
It’s like a shoe that has to fit exactly you and only you!
For some, this means getting a better house at the same price; for others, it results in the same attractive house but with more effort or features they might never have wanted without the subsidy.
I would carefully consider each individual upgrade and decide whether it’s something you actually want for yourself. I always recommend not just doing research because some people get annoyed even by something as simple as changing a filter, while others enjoy spending several nights programming their heat pump.
I can understand both viewpoints.
Personally, despite planning a controlled mechanical ventilation system, I would still want the feeling of an openable window, just as the visible fire in the fireplace is important to me. For many, this is different, so you should thoroughly explore which aspects matter to you. General statements or trends are probably less useful; what I like might be complete nonsense to you.
I would put the topic of ventilation and your own behavior or needs at the very top of your list.
My son previously felt like he was in a sauna in his rented attic apartment; since the small roof window was fitted with an external shading device, the difference has been like day and night. A small roof window can have a significant impact.
It’s like a shoe that has to fit exactly you and only you!
H
hampshire17 Jun 2021 15:46haydee schrieb:
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery does not exclude ventilating by opening windows. Just as a note. That rumor persists.Of course, it doesn't replace window ventilation. How do you handle it daily? Opening and closing windows repeatedly… especially with children.Similar topics