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Table of Contents
Immediate measures
Space heating is used to replace heat losses to the outside. Some of these heat losses can easily be reduced - efficiently and at a low cost.
When it comes to hot water demand (which has a much lower energy requirement than room heating), the heat losses are mainly caused by the distribution system and storage. This problem can also often be solved quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Pipe insulation
In most countries, a minimum standard of pipe insulation has been required by law for a long time. Unfortunately, this requirement hasn't been enforced robustly enough, and the actual implementation has always been lower than the target value. You can find more information in our article Nuremberg case study: Thermographic inspection with reference to building services.
Showerhead
The energy demand for hot water makes up around 10% of total household consumption, which is often wasted. Therefore, it is worth looking into how hot water can be saved, such as by using a water-saving showerhead. The article water-saving - showerhead (in German) gives further information on this - the equipment is easy to obtain and replace.
Insulation of radiator niches
Another little-known, easily-implemented measure is the insulation of radiator cavities. In hot water-based heating systems, installing insulation behind the radiator's cavity has a significant energy-saving effect. Using a few millimetres or centimetres of insulation, such' minor interventions' do not influence radiator operation. However, thin layers are not recommended for walls, ceilings, or roofs, generally speaking. First of all, the insulation thickness is insufficient. Second, interior insulation should only be installed by a qualified professional after careful planning. You can find more information in our article interior insulation (in German).
More insulation measures
Well-planned and executed insulation measures are always efficient. The best place for implementation is on the exterior of the building. Here is a link to some basic information on how insulation works.