Home renovation and energy upgrade

If our home is cold in winter and hot in summer, there are most likely significant heat losses. So we should consider a home renovation, particularly of its exterior, to achieve an energy upgrade. The goal is to improve energy efficiency and reduce the resources used to heat and cool the property.

The steps before the energy upgrade of a property are:

1. A detailed survey of the property and an energy study by a certified engineer.
2. Preparing a technical and financial budget.
3. Carrying out the proposed interventions.
4. A new energy study.

The works/interventions that can be carried out on a home as part of this renovation are as follows:

External thermal insulation

This is a system applied to the external surface of a building. It prevents thermal bridges caused by its different building elements. When choosing the right materials, the energy study of the property must be taken into account, as well as its use, year of construction, location and type of construction.

Energy-efficient windows and shading systems

Energy-efficient or thermal-break window frames are the evolution of "cold" frames. They contain a special insulating material (polyamide) that separates the profiles into two parts (external & internal) and prevents heat loss. For maximum performance, these frames should use double glazing with a gap between the panes.

Upgrading the heating system

Upgrading a building's heating system, whether central or independent, involves replacing the boiler and burner with a new, more efficient one, replacing radiators, installing a heat pump and insulating the existing pipes.

Roof insulation

There are two types of insulation for a flat roof: thermal insulation and waterproofing. The first, done either with thermal-insulating paints or with insulation boards, saves energy in the apartment below. The second protects it from damp and rainwater ingress, and is done with liquid-applied waterproofing materials or bitumen membranes.

The benefits of this kind of home renovation are many – above all, a higher property value, protection of the environment, and lower electricity and fuel bills.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Environment and Energy is planning a new "Exoikonomo kat' Oikon" programme for the energy upgrade of homes across Greece, with a total budget of €200 million, expected to be announced in early 2019.

Also, under paragraph 7 of article 102 of Law 4495/03.11.2017, if energy-upgrade works are completed based on a study by a competent engineer as part of legalising unauthorised constructions and uses, the single special fine is reduced by their cost, up to:

1. 50% for excesses of up to 250 m² in horizontal or vertical properties used as homes, and up to 500 m² in horizontal or vertical properties with uses other than residential,
2. 30% for excesses above those figures.

So, once an owner decides to go ahead with a home renovation, they can benefit both from the energy-upgrade subsidy through the upcoming "Exoikonomo kat' Oikon" programme and from reduced fines for any violations on their property.