Energy-efficient construction has become increasingly important in recent years. House building is increasingly about energy-efficient houses that minimize energy consumption and thus ensure the comfort of the residents at the same time.
Energy efficient homes feature one of three architectural concepts:
- The passive house: A passive house gets by with almost no additional heating energy. This is due to the particularly well insulated walls. The word "passive" is derived from the fact that the house is warmed up by the sun's rays and thus gets through the year with a particularly low heating requirement (15 kilowatt hours per square meter).
- The zero-energy house: The zero-energy house follows the basic concept of the passive house. What sets it apart, however, is that the energy consumed in the house is also generated by the house. As a result, the power consumption of household appliances is not included in this calculation.
- The energy self-sufficient house: An energy self-sufficient house works completely without an external energy supply. This means that the house produces the required electricity completely on its own.
Features of an energy efficient home
Energy efficient and Sustainable Building is characterized by minimal energy consumption. This is achieved primarily by means of appropriate materials and the use of renewable energies. Other characteristics of an energy-efficient house are:
1. Thermal insulation:
Good thermal insulation is crucial for energy-saving construction. It ensures that the energy consumption of a house remains as low as possible. High-quality insulation materials should therefore be used to minimize heat loss, especially in the roof, exterior walls and floor.
2. An airtight building envelope:
Energy-saving windows and doors with good thermal insulation also help to maximize the energy efficiency of houses. Double or even triple-glazed windows with a low U-value rating are particularly recommended. As a result, the rooms are always well insulated.
3. Use of renewable energies:
An energy-efficient house also includes the installation of solar systems to generate electricity and hot water. photovoltaic modules on the roof can convert solar energy into electricity there, while solar thermal systems use the sun's heat to heat water.
4. Ventilation with heat recovery:
Energy-saving building is also defined by having a controlled ventilation system with heat recovery. This enables efficient air exchange in the house, while at the same time the Thermal energy of the extracted air is used to heat the supply air. This leads to a reduction in heat loss.
How much does an energy-saving house cost?
Costs also play an important role in energy-efficient construction. Although the initial investments for an energy-efficient house are usually slightly higher than for conventional houses, significant savings can be achieved in the long term.
Efficient thermal insulation, the use of modern heating and ventilation systems and the use of renewable energies can drastically reduce energy consumption, which leads to lower energy costs.
If you want to buy an energy-efficient house, it is important to check the energy condition of the house and to pay attention to the relevant certifications such as the energy certificate. Although the purchase price of an energy efficient home may be higher, there can be both environmental and financial benefits in the long run.
What government subsidies are there for building energy-efficient houses?
The Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW)
KfW (Reconstruction Loan Corporation) offers extensive funding programs for energy-efficient construction and sustainable construction. Builders and owners who want to optimize the energy use of their property can benefit from attractive KfW funding.
The KfW program "Energy-Efficient Construction", for example, supports the construction of new energy-efficient houses with low-interest loans and repayment grants and thus offers grants for energy-efficient construction. By using these subsidies, the costs for energy-efficient construction can be significantly reduced.
There are also other public and private funding programs such as BAFA, which provide grants and financial support for people who want to build energy-efficiently. These subsidies can also help to reduce investment costs and increase the incentive for sustainable construction.
Tips for planning an energy self-sufficient house
If you want to plan an energy-efficient house, you need a comprehensive analysis of the various factors and an individual adjustment to the specific conditions. With a holistic approach, you can create a home that is independent of external energy sources, while providing environmental friendliness and cost savings.
1. Energy-efficient construction:
Make sure the building envelope is well insulated with high-quality insulating materials to minimize heat loss. Reduce thermal bridges and optimize the airtightness of the house.
2. Use renewable energies:
Integrate renewable energy sources such as solar systems (photovoltaic and solar thermal) into your home. By using solar energy you can generate electricity and provide hot water.
3. Efficient building technology:
Choose energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Highly efficient heat pumps, controlled ventilation systems with heat recovery and intelligent control systems help to minimize energy consumption.
4. Reduce energy consumption:
Optimize energy consumption in the home by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Use energy-efficient household appliances with a high energy efficiency class and LED lamps to reduce electricity consumption.
5. Use water efficiently:
Integrate water-saving faucets, low-water-use toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce water usage. This allows you to conserve resources and improve the energy efficiency of the house.
If you consider the key points listed above, building an energy self-sufficient house can be made easier.
Conclusion: the advantages and disadvantages of energy-efficient construction
Green building offers a variety of benefits, but there are also some potential downsides to consider as well.
Energy Efficient Home Benefits:
- Energy Savings: An energy efficient home can provide significant energy savings. The good thermal insulation, efficient heating and ventilation systems and the use of renewable energies lead to a reduction in energy consumption, which leads to lower energy costs.
- Environmental friendliness: Energy-saving construction and the use of renewable energies contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. The use of sustainable building materials and resources also has positive ecological effects.
- Living comfort: An energy-efficient house ensures a pleasant indoor climate. Efficient thermal insulation means that the room temperature remains stable, drafts are minimized and ventilation control enables good air quality.
- Increase in value of the property: Energy-saving buildings are enjoying increasing popularity in the real estate market. An energy efficient home can increase the value of the property and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Energy Efficient House Disadvantages:
- Higher initial investments: The initial construction costs for an energy efficient house can be higher than for conventional houses. High-quality insulation materials, efficient technologies and renewable energy systems can cause additional costs.
- Complexity of planning and implementation: Energy-efficient construction requires thorough planning and coordination of various aspects such as architecture, structural engineering and building services engineering. It can be more of a challenge to integrate the different components and make the right decisions.
- Technology and maintenance dependency: Energy-saving systems such as heating, ventilation and solar technology require regular maintenance and monitoring in order to function optimally. A good knowledge of technologies and proper maintenance management are required.
Conclusion: Is an energy-efficient house worth it?
The profitability of energy-efficient construction depends on various factors, such as the region, energy prices, funding opportunities and individual use. Although the initial costs can be higher, in the long run energy savings and lower running costs can translate into financial benefits. In addition, energy-efficient houses are more environmentally friendly and offer greater living comfort. It is advisable to conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis and seek expert advice before making an informed decision.
FAQ
How much does an energy efficient house cost?
The cost of an energy-efficient home varies by size, features, and region. As a rule, they are slightly higher than for conventional houses, but savings in energy costs can be achieved in the long term. The exact costs should be determined individually through detailed planning and a cost statement.
What does an energy efficient house look like?
An energy-efficient house is characterized by a well-insulated building shell, efficient heating and ventilation systems and the use of renewable energies. It uses sustainable building materials and techniques for the lowest possible energy consumption.
Why build energy efficiently?
It reduces energy consumption, lowers energy bills, protects the environment through lower greenhouse gas emissions, improves living comfort, increases property value and enables long-term cost savings.
