Potential for Finance and Energy Savings of Detached Houses in Estonia

In the current study potential for finance and energy savings of detached houses in Estonia is calculated by combining five real average example buildings, five bundles of original building envelopes, six types of heat source, and three ventilation systems to represent the building tradition from five time periods. Measures analyzed are additional insulation of the building envelope and change of heat source for space heating, ventilation, and domestic hot water. The influence of renovation measures on the energy saving was calculated with the multi-zone indoor climate and energy simulation program IDA Indoor Climate and Energy, with the standard use of the building. The economic effect of the renovation measures was assessed through a balance of investment cost and energy savings. It was found that the installation of the mechanical ventilation system with 60% or 80% heat recovery is the most cost effective measure. In newer houses, the replacement of an ineffective heating system was found to lower the global cost of the house.