Renovation work improves thermal and acoustic comfort and reduces heating costs. Installing a ventilation system improves indoor air quality. Certain measures can also optimize boiler efficiency with minimal effort and lead to significant long-term savings.

Optimization of the heating infrastructure

Hydraulic balancing

It adjusts the hot water flow to each radiator as needed, reducing consumption by up to 15%. Without balancing, radiators near the boiler
receive too much hot water, while those further away are underfed. If individual components of the heating system are replaced or if the home’s energy needs change—for example, following a renovation—the system must be optimally adjusted through hydraulic balancing.

During this hydraulic balancing process, the professional determines the amount of heat required for each room. The thermostats are then adjusted so that each radiator receives exactly the right amount of hot water. The result is a heating system that operates efficiently and economically.

Heating pump

It circulates the water heated by the boiler through the radiators. Types:

  • Single, unregulated pump
  • Unregulated multistage pump
  • Electronically controlled pump
  • High-efficiency pump

A high-efficiency pump automatically adjusts its speed based on demand, delivering up to 80% in electricity savings compared to older models.

Insulation for heating pipes

Insulating pipes reduces heat loss and saves energy. Even just 1 to 2 meters of insulated pipe makes a significant difference and pays for itself quickly.

Occupant behavior

Residents' behavior has a significant impact on heating consumption. Here are a few questions to consider:

  • When should you start heating?
  • What is the optimal indoor temperature?
  • How do you properly bleed radiators?
  • How often should the boiler be serviced, and how much does it cost?
  • How can you reduce hot water usage?
  • How do you ventilate properly?

Energy savings through insulation

Good insulation significantly reduces energy consumption and costs. In older buildings:

  • Up to 35% of heat is lost through uninsulated walls
  • Up to 20% through an uninsulated roof

Roof insulation

Heat rises, so it is advisable to insulate the roof or, if simpler or more cost-effective, the top floor slab (attic or uninhabited loft). If roof insulation is too complex or too expensive, you can simply insulate the floor of the top story, which is usually the attic or an inaccessible loft/crawl space under the roof. Such attic insulation is always recommended when the attic is not intended to be lived in in the near future. If the space is used solely for storage, you can save yourself the trouble of more complex roof insulation.

On the other hand, if there’s a possibility of converting the attic, it’s best to invest in good roof insulation—the future occupants of the attic floor will thank you for it!

Facade insulation

Exterior walls account for the largest area of heat loss. Insulation can reduce these losses by up to 19%. Interior insulation is an option if exterior or core insulation is not feasible.

Insulation of the basement ceiling

The cellar ceiling is often a major source of heat loss (5 to 10%). This is a quick, effective, and inexpensive solution.

Perimeter insulation

The term "perimeter insulation" refers to insulation applied to the exterior surfaces of a building, including the foundation slab and basement walls—that is, the parts of the building located below ground.

Insulating the exterior walls of an existing building is a complex process, as the surfaces to be insulated must first be exposed. That is why this type of insulation is typically installed during the construction of new buildings.

Insulation materials

According to the literature, materials used for thermal insulation in buildings can be classified into two main categories based on their raw materials: organic materials and inorganic or mineral materials.

Organic materials are made from renewable resources such as wood fibers or from petroleum-based products. Inorganic materials include minerals, glass, and stone—that is, substances that, unlike renewable materials and petroleum (which ultimately comes from dead plants), contain very little carbon.

These two groups are then subdivided into natural and synthetic insulation materials. The term “conventional insulation” refers to mineral insulation as well as synthetic plastic insulation made from petroleum. Conventional insulation often offers better insulation performance than eco-friendly insulation. A second important selling point is its price, which can range from five to ten euros per square meter thanks to mass production.

Arguments in favor of eco-friendly insulation:

  • However, conventional insulation materials often have a less favorable environmental footprint than those made from renewable raw materials. Their production generally requires a significant amount of energy and resources. When these materials cannot be recycled, their thermal recovery or disposal in landfills is costly, particularly due to their large volume.
  • In terms of quality and insulating performance, many natural products can now compete with mineral and conventional insulation materials. According to the “Bauzentrum” in Munich, insulation made from natural fibers can absorb much more moisture than conventional insulation without losing its insulating properties. Furthermore, eco-friendly insulation is now, in some cases, competitively priced.

Replacement of windows and doors

Even if the windows are still in good working order, replacing them is often a good investment.

  • Single-pane or older double-pane windows: a waste of energy
  • Modern windows can reduce costs by up to 15%
  • Windows installed before 1995 are considered obsolete; even newer ones can
    be replaced with energy-efficient glazing.

Windows, walls, and the roof form a comprehensive insulation system that should be considered before replacement.