Saving on energy expenses in Saarland: the role of modern window installations in lessening energy bills
In the city of Herne, Germany, a focus on enhancing window energy efficiency has been at the forefront of recent efforts to reduce regional energy costs and improve overall energy efficiency in buildings. This initiative aims to lower heating costs and lessen the environmental impact by implementing innovative window films and modern window systems.
As we look ahead, changes in the national emissions trading system are on the horizon. From January 2025, the price per tonne of CO2 will rise from 45 to 55 euros, placing a greater emphasis on energy conservation.
The savings from these energy-saving measures vary depending on the type of heating. Gas heating can benefit from approximately 18% cost reduction, while oil heating may see up to 22% savings.
For a typical single-family home with 30 m² of window area, an improvement in the U-value from 3.0 to 0.9 can result in annual savings of over 750 euros.
Outdated windows, particularly single-glazed Velux roof windows, can be significant sources of heat loss. Single-glazed Velux roof windows have a U-value of between 5 and 6, indicating poor insulation and increased heating costs. Modernising these systems is an essential step towards greater energy efficiency.
Fortunately, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) offers financial incentives for homeowners seeking to upgrade their windows. The prerequisite for BAFA funding is a U-value of less than 0.95 W/(m²K) for the new windows. Homeowners can claim up to 4,500 euros in subsidies, representing 15 percent of the investment costs.
If the window replacement is carried out as part of an individual renovation plan (iSFP), an additional bonus of 5 percent is possible, increasing the total funding to 20 percent.
The energy-efficient renovation of buildings in the Saarland is gaining importance due to rising costs. Reducing the Uw-value by 0.1 W/m² can save about 10 kWh of gas or 1.2 litres of heating oil per square metre of window area per year. This means that replacing old windows with modern thermal protection windows can reduce energy loss by up to 60%, corresponding to a potential savings of up to 20% on heating costs.
The rising energy costs in the Saarland are becoming a significant financial burden for many homeowners, particularly due to the CO2 pricing. To alleviate this burden, the KfW Bank is offering attractive additional loans for energy renovation measures. Homeowners can apply for up to 120,000 euros per residential unit from 2024.
In conclusion, focusing on energy-efficient window replacements is a crucial step towards reducing energy costs and improving the overall energy efficiency of buildings in Herne and the Saarland. The financial incentives available, such as subsidies from BAFA and loans from the KfW Bank, make it an attractive and cost-effective solution for homeowners.
