Renovate in the right order, insulation before heating
Insulate and seal the house first, then switch to low-temperature heating, then add a heat pump and renewable energy; doing it the other way round wastes money.
Do it yourself
Sources checked on .
The Flemish government advises the same order on several of its pages. First, cut heat loss by insulating the house very well and making it airtight. A heating system can't make up for heat that leaks away.
Second, heat at low temperature. A well-insulated house stays warm with water at a lower temperature, through underfloor heating or suitable radiators. Only then does a heat pump or a heat network work efficiently. Third, add renewable energy such as solar panels.
Once the house is insulated and airtight, controlled ventilation becomes a necessity, so plan it with the insulation works. If you can't do everything at once, free advice helps you plan the steps; in Flanders, ask your Energiehuis.
Details
| Impact | Indirect · This saves no energy by itself: it is a rule, a service, a contract, or a health or safety item. How we rate impact |
|---|---|
| Estimated saving | Not quantified; the right order avoids buying a heating system sized for a leaky house. (confidence: low) |
| Who acts | You (owner) |
| Needs landlord's agreement | No |
| Type | Rules explained |
| Constant or subject to change | Constant · Good practice that barely changes with new laws, prices or services. |
Do this together with
Sources
- Een energiezuinige woning, algemeen (in Dutch) · Woningpas (Vlaamse overheid) (official source) · checked on
- Naar woningverwarming met warmtepomp of warmtenet (in Dutch) · Vlaamse overheid (vlaanderen.be) (official source) · checked on
- Luchtdichtheid (in Dutch) · Woningpas (Vlaamse overheid) (official source) · checked on