The trend of environmental policy for emission reduction and save energy has recently dictated the energy classification of our residencies and the need to upgrade their energy efficiency. The steps for this process, towards an energy efficiency standard building, need to be determined by experts since every case requires specific solutions.

The basic interventions that can be performed in order to achieve the above result are the following:

1. Certified external thermal insulation system
The shielding of the building structure by placing expanded polystyrene and subsequently coating it with the corresponding mortars of the system, for increased mechanical strength and waterproofing, can offer, in addition to significant energy savings, protection of the load-bearing structure from cracking.

2. Thermal & waterproofing insulation for the roof
Similarly to the above paragraph, the thermal-waterproofing insulation of the roof is also a very efficient energy-saving intervention. Insulating and protecting the roof from the weather conditions, will add years to the life of the structure, as the roof is mainly exposed to the weather conditions. Among the various ways of insulating the roof, it is recommended to install expanded polystyrene coated with the corresponding mortars of the system, followed by the application of waterproofing mortars, achieving a stable system.

3. Replacement of window frames
In order to enhance airtightness, limit heat loss and ensure energy savings, the replacement of old window frames with new thermally insulated windows, is now considered a necessary intervention.

4. Installation of shading systems
The exterior sides of the house with orientation to the South, receive during the summer, intense solar radiation, with result the heating of the interior of the house. By installing either external (awnings, pergolas, etc.) or internal shading (curtains, rollers, etc.), it is possible to improve this condition significantly, reducing the need for cooling loads.

5. Heating-Cooling System Upgrade
Taking into consideration the insulating coefficient of every structural element in the building and the environmental conditions of the geographic region we are capable of simulating in detail the energy requirements for thermal comfort during winter and summer. An extensive variety of systems are available by modern technology, with heat pumps and fuel gas burners being the champions in terms of energy and cost efficiency.

6. Solar water heater
In a region like Greece with adequate sunshine all year round, the installation of a solar water heater for the preparation of Domestic Hot Water should be considered a prerequisite in every residence. One can select either a naturally circulating solar system which offers cost competitiveness and operational simplicity or a power circulating system in cases of optimum aesthetics integration of solar panels and increased technological capabilities.

7. Photovoltaic systems
Under Net Metering mode the owner of every house have the capability of slef-producing the electric energy that require within a year, while utilizing the public power grid for temporary storage of the excessive energy during periods of intense sunshine. The target of such a photovoltaic system is to eliminate the energy cost from the electric bill, thus upgrading the energy classification of the building to the higher grade.

Every residence owner is offered with a number of different options to upgrade the energy efficiency of his building. Within Entropy we objectively advise our customers on the combination of interventions that will achieve the optimum reflection on the case and immediate amortization of the amount invested.