Lowering energy expenses in Saarland: the role of modern windows in energy savings
In an effort to combat rising energy costs and promote energy efficiency, the German government is offering incentives for homeowners looking to upgrade their windows.
The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) funds the installation of new windows, providing a grant of 15 percent of the investment costs, up to 4,500 euros. This funding is available for windows that have a U-value of less than 0.95 W/(m²K), a key indicator of a window's energy efficiency.
New heating systems work optimally when the building is well-insulated, and high-quality energy windows are an important factor for compliance with legal requirements and long-term reduction of energy costs. Modern double-glazed windows, for instance, have U-values of about 1.1 to 1.4, a significant improvement over old single-glazed windows. Triple-glazed windows, which have U-values below 1.1, offer even better insulation.
By replacing outdated windows, homeowners can expect to see significant energy savings. For a typical single-family home with 30 m² of window area, a improvement in U-value from 3.0 to 0.9 can result in annual savings of over 750 euros. This is especially true for Velux roof windows, which have U-values between 5 and 6, indicating poor insulation and increased heating costs. Replacing old Velux roof windows can result in significant energy savings, due to their exposed location and often inadequate sealing.
The provider of the KfW loan available from 2024 for energy renovation measures is the KfW itself, with loans being passed through by commercial banks or credit institutions that cooperate with KfW. Households can apply for an additional KfW supplement loan of up to 120,000 euros for energetic renovation. Particularly advantageous: Interest subsidies for an annual income up to 90,000 euros.
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. This means that homeowners can save even more on their energy bills while making their homes more eco-friendly.
Energy-efficient renovation of buildings, including window replacement, is gaining importance due to rising energy costs. According to the Building Energy Act (GEG), heating systems that are older than 30 years must be replaced by modern, more efficient systems in many cases. By upgrading to energy-efficient windows, homeowners can not only reduce their energy bills, but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, upgrading to energy-efficient windows is a smart investment for homeowners looking to save on their energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. With government funding and attractive loans available, now is the perfect time to make the switch.
