Low energy consumption in Swedish single-family houses

Abstract

In Sweden, as well as in many other countries, the energy consumption in residential buildings is a burning question. Due to this, the thermal insulation and the tightness of new buildings gradually has been increased. A well defined ventilation is because of this even more important, and the minimum level is given in regulations prescribed by the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning. To fulfil the regulations it is almost necessary to use mechanical ventilation. Since an ordinary ventilation causes a substantial energy loss it is of vital interest to reduce this. The most efficient way of reducing the ventilation loss, is to use an exhaust air heat pump which recovers energy from the exhaust air and supplies it to heating and hot water. In Sweden there have been about 100.000 units installed in single family houses until today. The paper will describe the regulations, the ventilation system, the exhaust air heat pump and the results achieved when installed in single family houses.