Energy & Technology
Airtightness
How well a house is sealed against unwanted air exchange – important for energy efficiency.
Blower-Door-Test
Measurement to check the airtightness of a building.
Heat pump
Heating system that uses environmental heat – particularly efficient with good insulation.
Heating load
Amount of heat required by a building at the lowest outside temperatures.
Hydraulic balancing
Process that optimally distributes heating water throughout the house – saves energy.
kWh (kilowatt hour)
Unit of measurement for energy consumption – used for electricity and heating.
Photovoltaics
Technology for generating electricity from solar energy – usually on the roof.
Smart Meter
Smart electricity meter with digital reading and consumption analysis.
Solar thermal energy
Uses solar heat to heat water or support heating.
U-value
Thermal transmittance coefficient – the lower the value, the better the insulation.