Engel & Völkers
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Investing in the future: how thermal refurbishment increases the value of your property

Thermal refurbishment: an overview

The thermal refurbishment of a building aims to significantly reduce energy consumption for heating, cooling, hot water and ventilation. The heating requirement, expressed in kilowatt hours per square metre (kWh/m²), is a key indicator here. A low heating requirement is desirable as it indicates efficient energy use.

In Austria, the requirements for energy saving and thermal insulation are subject to strict specifications laid down in Guideline 6 of the Austrian Institute of Building Technology. These specifications form the basis for the assessment and planning of thermal refurbishment. In order to assess the energy performance of a building and identify potential for improvement, qualified energy consultants draw up an energy performance certificate including a refurbishment concept.

The energy performance certificate is comparable to the energy efficiency classes used for household appliances and provides an easy-to-understand visualisation of a building's energy requirements. Existing buildings often have a heating requirement of over 100 kWh/m² (corresponding to class C or worse), which indicates a considerable need for refurbishment.

It is important to emphasise that thermal refurbishment not only helps to reduce energy costs and protect the environment, but can also significantly improve living comfort. A well-executed refurbishment improves the quality of living, reduces draughts and cold bridges and thus contributes to the well-being of the residents. In addition, the increase in the value of the property can be an important financial incentive for carrying out a thermal refurbishment

Before a thermal refurbishment: What is checked?

Before starting a thermal refurbishment, a comprehensive inspection of the areas of the building through which heat is lost is carried out. The focus here is on the following components in particular: roof, top storey ceiling, façade, basement ceiling and windows. If necessary, measures are taken to insulate the building envelope. In addition to improving the thermal insulation, windows and doors are also checked and refurbished if necessary, as this can contribute to considerable energy savings.

When renovating heating systems, the aim is often to switch to renewable energy sources for both space heating and hot water supply. In addition, optimising the electricity supply can also be part of a comprehensive refurbishment strategy. The combination of these measures not only helps to reduce energy consumption, but can also significantly increase the comfort and energy efficiency of the building.

It is advisable to carry out a precise analysis of the current energy weaknesses and develop a customised refurbishment concept before carrying out a thermal refurbishment. This enables targeted and efficient modernisation that both reduces energy consumption and increases the value of the property. Building refurbishment specialists can provide valuable support and help with the planning and implementation of the measures.

Reasons for a thermal refurbishment

  • Saving energy to conserve resources: Reducing energy consumption helps to conserve our natural resources and reduce harmful CO2 emissions. In view of the ongoing climate change, more and more people feel obliged to make their personal contribution to achieving the global climate targets. If a switch to renewable energies is also possible as part of the thermal refurbishment, a further step towards sustainability is taken.

  • Aim for independence from the energy market: Independent of fluctuations on the energy market: energy prices worldwide are subject to constant change, which is characterised by a variety of influencing factors. Thermal refurbishment of the building envelope through façade insulation, on the other hand, enables considerable savings in energy consumption. This significantly mitigates the effects of market volatility on your own budget.

  • Reduce your energy costs through refurbishment: Rising energy costs for gas and electricity are placing an increasing burden on household budgets. Heating, which was once inexpensive, is becoming a luxury that fewer and fewer people can afford. There seems to be no end to this constant price increase. One effective way to ease the financial burden is to reduce energy consumption. Another effective way to reduce energy costs is to carry out façade insulation, which can potentially save thousands of euros per year.

  • Increasing property value through refurbishment: Thermal refurbishment not only improves the energy efficiency of the home, which pleases both owners and tenants through lower energy costs, but it also significantly increases the market value of the property. This value is known as the "market value" and usually requires an independent appraisal. However, online calculators can also be used as a starting point for a rough estimate.

Conclusion

Thermal refurbishment aims to minimise the heating requirements of a building, whereby a lower value is desirable. This measure checks all areas of the building through which heat is lost. It leads to long-term savings in energy consumption and the associated costs, increases independence from energy market fluctuations, increases property value and is currently generously subsidised.

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Frequently asked questions about renovating the house

Which areas should be insulated first?

As a rule, the roof and top storey ceiling should be insulated first, as this is often where the greatest heat loss occurs. This is followed by the exterior walls, cellar and windows.

How do I recognise inadequately insulated external walls?

Signs of inadequately insulated external walls are cold spots in the rooms, high heating costs and moisture problems such as mould growth. Sometimes draughts and a low room temperature are also indications of this.

What is the average duration of a thermal refurbishment?

The duration of a thermal refurbishment depends on the size of the project, but often ranges from a few weeks to several months. Smaller projects such as insulating a roof can be completed more quickly.

What costs will I incur for a refurbishment?

The cost of a thermal refurbishment varies depending on the type of insulation, the size of the property and the insulation material selected. Regional differences and additional work such as window replacement or façade design also influence the overall costs. A professional assessment and comparison of offers are advisable in order to determine the exact costs.

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