Energy efficiency

Has the introduction of new subsidies for replacing heating systems led to an increase in demand for heat pumps? The answers from the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, and the heating industry differ. "The subsidies, especially for heat pumps, are being accepted more and more," the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs told the Rheinische Post newspaper. The Federal Association...

A milestone has been reached in a project to develop a grid-supporting photovoltaic storage system. Under the coordination of the Center for Applied Energy Research (CAE), an innovative converter-storage unit is entering the demonstration phase, which is designed to smooth out power fluctuations in photovoltaic systems caused by cloud movement. After a three-year development phase, the...

The consumer advice center points out that customers can check their bills for electricity, gas and district heating from the past year. Corresponding price brakes applied, which is why there are some special features to bear in mind. For example, the December discount for gas and heat for private households and small and medium-sized enterprises was abolished. To ensure the correctness of the...

A research team led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Seelecke and Prof. Dr. Paul Motzki from Saarland University has developed a prototype for a refrigerator that cools with nickel-titanium. The refrigerator is operated on the basis of so-called elastocaloric technology. This is based on the simple principle of dissipating heat by means of drawn and relieved nickel-titanium wires. These "artificial...

The efficiency of a heat pump depends on various factors that should be carefully checked. These include the heat source, the size of the radiators and the actual heat requirement. The consumer advice center points this out. In terms of heat sources, groundwater pumps are the most efficient, followed by ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps. If the radiators are too small...

How can hydrogen be used more easily as an energy source for private homes and small businesses? This is currently being researched by a team at Frankfurt University of Applied Science. The aim is to store CO2-neutral energy and counteract fluctuations in the electricity supply. In the first phase of the project ("Smart tank device for hydrogen"), the focus was on basic research as well as...

An energy performance certificate is required when selling or renting a property. The consumer advice center points this out. The law requires this in order to ensure transparency regarding the energy efficiency of a property. A distinction is made between demand and consumption certificates, with the latter being cheaper but less informative. The cost of the energy performance certificate must not...

So-called hybrid systems can contribute to better energy efficiency in buildings. This is achieved by combining several technologies, such as a heat pump and another energy source. The heat pump uses ambient heat to efficiently heat and cool buildings. Compared to a conventional heating system, it consumes significantly less electrical energy. Your...

The view of wind turbines has only a minimal impact on the value of properties. Houses from which residents can see one or more wind turbines were sold for only 1.12 percent less than those with a clear view. However, two factors must be taken into account: the number of wind turbines and the proximity to the house. If residents have a view of more than 20 wind turbines, the...

Consumers can currently save 300 to 800 euros per year by switching electricity or gas providers. The North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center points this out. There are "cheap electricity and gas tariffs" again. In addition, some electricity tariffs are also back to "pre-crisis levels" according to the NRW consumer advice center. If a family switches from an electricity tariff with a basic price...