User Manual

General tips
Energy accounting
– Gain an overview of energy consumption data of your building (oil, gas, electrical
consumption). Use heating cost bills and consumption data from previous
periods.
Record and compare
consumption
– Your consumption data recording allows you to determine changes to previous
billing periods or deviations between same-type/same-usage buildings (energy
performance numbers).
VDI (Association of German Engineers) 3807, Sheet 2, contains energy
performance numbers you can use for comparisons. Sample values:
Energy performance
information
Building type Consumption
reference value
Consumption
reference value
Heating [kWh/(m
2
a)] Power [kWh/(m
2
a)]
Ref value Avg value Ref value Avg value
Schools in general 55 90 4 7
Single homes /
duplexes
135 195 20 30
Apartment buildings 125 175 20 30
Conversion factors (source: Recknagel) to determine consumption reference
values:
Fuel Calorific value
Heating oil 10.08 kWh/l
Natural gas 10.42 kWh/m
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Thermal insulation
– Good building insulation not only prevents heat loss in winter but also heating up
in summer.
– Temperatures emitted by walls, ceilings and floors (heat radiation) also influence
subjective heat sensation. Comfort increases with well insulated enclosing
surfaces (source: vzbv).
Miscellaneous
– Close shutters and blinds in winter to avoid unnecessary heat loss and prevent
strong solar radiation in summer.
Window shutters, blinds,
awnings
– Close chimney when not used.
Chimney
– Regularly check air filters (3 to 4 times annually) for dirt and exchange as
needed. Do this for hygienic reasons but also because dirty air filters increase
energy consumption of fans (loss of pressure).
Ventilation
– Do not hang curtains or place furniture or other items directly in front of
ventilation intakes or exhausts. They impair air circulation and may result in
drafts.
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