Good reasons for a refurbishment

The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) provides a compact and independent overview of the topic of refurbishment. The initiative is aimed at homeowners who want to make their detached or semi-detached house fit for the future in terms of energy efficiency - from insulation to photovoltaics.

The main objectives of the refurbishment initiative are: lower costs, lower energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions and more climate protection. DBU project manager Andreas Skrypietz knows that targeted refurbishment measures are worthwhile: "Refurbished houses consume up to 90 per cent less energy". This saves heating costs and increases both the quality of living and the value of the house. Modernised buildings are more attractive for potential buyers or tenants and offer the prospect of better returns.

Investments in energy-efficient technologies and the use of renewable energies, e.g. by building a solar energy system, also make sense. The advantages are security of supply and independence from price fluctuations in fossil fuels.

The new Building Energy Act, better known as the "Heating Act", has been in force since January. At the same time, various funding programmes of the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (Bafa) were adjusted. The KfW is now responsible for funding the modernisation of heating systems as well as the loan programmes for the refurbishment of the entire building. The Bafa subsidises energy consultations and individual measures on the building.

In addition to the subsidy, homeowners can also take advantage of renovation loans. Since the Heating Act came into force at the beginning of the year, the installation of a heat pump or connection to a heating network, for example, has been supported with a basic subsidy of 30 per cent. Upcoming modernisation measures can often be easily combined with an energy-efficient renovation.

Now is a good time to bring your home up to date and thus secure the value of your property.

Information on the DBU initiative can be found at www.zukunft-zuhause.net.

(Photo: Michal Jarmoluk, Pixabay)