We all know the situation: you need a new heating system, new windows, or even a complete renovation. But overpriced air-to-water heat pumps, increased costs coupled with a shortage of skilled tradespeople, aversion to noise, dirt, and the effort involved in installing a ventilation system, and unclear political conditions pose major challenges. In addition, those willing to renovate are overwhelmed with a wealth of sometimes controversial recommendations, so that a lot of time has to be invested if you want to obtain comprehensive information. What can be done? A look at the continuing low renovation rate shows that most of us are waiting, even though energy improvements are urgently needed for climate protection.

The 62th Research Group of Cost-Effective Passive Houses is therefore focusing on the cost-effective renovation of residential buildings. The benchmark is the total cost, including the follow-up costs of inaction. The working group is identifying options for action that are affordable and at the same time good for residents and the climate. In particular, the topics of heat pumps and the integration of ventilation systems with heat recovery are being examined closely. This is because the better the building envelope is insulated and the more heat is recovered by the ventilation system, the lower the flow temperatures required and the smaller and more cost-effective the heat pump can be.