Soon cold autumn and winter and again before us with all the sharpness will be the question of payment for heating.

And given the catastrophic state of the Soviet building, often these accounts are considerable. Lviv has long had urban programs to support condominiums that intend to thermo-modernize their homes. And the number of people willing is growing.

Thus, 12 houses of Sykhiv district in Lviv are undergoing comprehensive thermo-modernization under the Energodim program within the framework of the GIZ project (which is being implemented on behalf of the government of Germany) "Energy Efficient District of Lviv." Energy auditor Alexander Dutka, who conducted a house inspection in the area - about the 10 most important issues that concern those who would like to join this program.



1. are there specific problems or features that are characteristic of these houses?

Multi-storey buildings in Sykhiv, which were built before the 1990s, are almost all typical. We identified 2 main types: panel 9, 10-storey and brick 13, 15-storey houses. And, of course, the main problems in them are also similar.

This situation is typical for all cities of Ukraine and Eastern Europe, but there are other financial opportunities, and therefore the pace of complex thermal modernization of buildings.

We are just starting to implement complex projects under programs that provide for refunds to residents. For example, the Energodim program of the Energy Efficiency Fund allows condominiums to receive compensation for the costs of energy efficiency measures in the amount of 50−70%.



2. Modern houses already provide for certain energy-efficient measures (they are insulated, many have individual heating units (ITP). But the "Khrushchev," "Stalinka" and other houses, which are 30−40 years old, were not built energy efficient. How old houses lose to new buildings? How much is this tangible for the residents?

When they built "Khrushchev" and "Stalinka," no one thought about their energy efficiency, unfortunately. "Khrushchev" was built on the principle of "faster and more." If we compare the external enclosing structures (walls, floors, doors, windows) of such houses with new buildings that meet current standards, the values of heat transfer resistance differ 3−5 times. In addition, in new buildings, usually horizontal schemes of heating systems, as well as ITP with weather control of the heating system and a heat exchanger for hot water supply. This means not only smaller bills, but also more comfortable accommodation - with a high-quality microclimate and the right temperature.

See also: How to save on heating and turn Sykhiv into a model district of the country



3. How long does it take to conduct an energy audit? З what stages does it take?

Energy audits are different in quality, respectively, and in price and timing. A poor-quality audit can be done "by photography" in a few days. It is better to do qualitatively or not to do anything at all. Therefore, further we are talking only about high-quality energy audits. The average duration of an energy audit of a residential multi-storey building, with all the necessary initial information, is about one month.

The main stages of energy audit:

the first and most important is acquaintance with representatives of condominiums, because conducting an energy audit involves cooperation and obtaining initial data from condominiums. The speed and quality of this information significantly affects the timing and quality of the audit.

further, the auditor conducts a visual and instrumental examination of external enclosing structures (floor walls, basement, basement, attic, roof, windows, doors), residential and non-residential premises, common areas and engineering systems (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooling, hot water supply, lighting, etc.). At the same time, the energy auditor always communicates with the tenants, because they know best what is wrong in their house

 

then the energy auditor analyzes the data received from the condominium, the results of surveys and measurements. Conducts calculations and compares the results with existing regulatory indicators, analyzes energy consumption over the past three years, etc.

after that, work begins on the energy certificate, the development of recommendations for mandatory and additional measures to achieve the desired energy efficiency of the house, at a level not lower than class C.

as a result, residents of condominiums receive an energy audit report with recommendations and a certificate of energy efficiency at home.

4. Does the energy auditor give advice on materials that are best used during thermal modernization?

Of course, it is the energy auditor who lays the recommended materials that must meet the current standards. At the project stage, the OSBB can change materials to other, for example, better ones. But in the energy audit and certificate, the auditor notes the minimum requirements for the characteristics of materials regarding heat transfer resistance, flammability class, service life, etc., which should be taken into account when developing design estimates.



5. Why patchwork insulation is evil, not thermo-modernization? What should people do who want to get rid of mold on the walls and insulate their apartments, but the whole house is not ready to participate in the program and modernize?

Patchwork insulation has many disadvantages, including:

heat loss - you continue to warm the street through the neighboring uninsulated apartments.

uncomfortable living conditions - "cold bridges" are formed, which lead to the appearance of mold and fungus in the middle of the apartment (at the joints of the insulated and uninsulated parts of the wall).

acceleration of building wear - poorly performed works reduce thermal insulation properties of insulation, lead to blocking of enclosing structures and their gradual destruction. At the junction of the insulated and insulated part of the wall at extreme temperatures, deformations are possible, as a result of which microcracks appear

"shreds" spoil the appearance of the building and deprive it of architectural integrity.

the gray market for services - without a project, without permits, without proper supervision of the quality of work - seems to be cheaper, but of poor quality.

no co-financing program applies to "patchwork insulation."

financial inefficiency - there are no supplier discounts for small orders. If there is a discount, usually the material is of poor quality and not checked.

If the house is not ready to participate in the program of comprehensive modernization, then, first of all, it is necessary to talk with people - to give arguments, including the above. Situations are different, but, as you know, "water sharpens the stone." For example, in one condominium Sykhova single pensioner financially helped with the contribution to the modernization of a young neighbor-businessman. That is, all issues are resolved if there is a desire and perseverance.



6. What material today is the best for the insulation of high-rise buildings?

Now the market has many different and worthy offers, so it's hard to say which material is the best. In short - just not foam. Although it is not forbidden to use it for houses up to 26.5 m high, this material is easily ignited and burns well, emitting toxic smoke. In addition, the service life of such a heater is on average two times lower than, for example, for plates of mineral or basalt wool. The last two materials, in my opinion, are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio.



7. What to do with patchwork insulation, if the house conducts thermal modernization? Is it removed or insulated?

That's right - to dismantle old and combustible foam. Usually it is they who make patchwork insulation. In addition to the above disadvantages patchwork insulation foam has additional "bonuses."

The first argument is that its thickness of 5−10 cm is not enough to insulate the walls according to modern standards.

The second is a well-combustible material, the fire from which is difficult to extinguish.

The third factor - health - foam during combustion forms very toxic fumes, inhaling which, a person can not only be poisoned, but also die.



8. How much can a house save in the first year after warming? Will people feel improvement in the first heating season?

Last winter was relatively warm, but in uninsulated houses and without ITP people paid for heating an average of 2000 UAH per apartment 50 sq.m. monthly. While comprehensively thermo-modernized houses in Sykhiv did not include heating at all and received 0 UAH in bills. It's a fact. Then you can count - 6 months of heating, at the entrance to the 3 of the apartment on the floor - you get a saving of 324 thousand UAH for 1 entrance for the 1 heating season. If we also take into account poor-quality hot water in the absence of ITP, then this figure will be even greater.



9. As part of the GIZ project "Energy Efficient District of Lviv" in Sykhiv, it is planned to thermo-modernize 20 houses. What effect can such complex thermo-modernization have according to your forecasts?

The indicative economic effect on the example of last winter and heating bills has already been noted above. Saving energy resources and, accordingly, funds on average will be at the level of 50%.

In addition:

your heat will not "run away" to the neighbors, because everyone is warm.

comfort and health - the walls are no longer damp, children are less sick. ITP provides the house with as much heat as it needs at this moment. When the system is balanced., there are no overheating or underheating of individual risers.

extension of the life of the house - the walls are protected from snow, rain, sudden temperature changes.

attractive appearance of the house - a higher price when selling or renting your home (but people do not really want to sell apartments in such houses).

"white" market of quality services - a project is being developed that agrees with state authorities, supervision of works is carried out, state control is carried out.

the comprehensive thermal modernization program is covered by the state reimbursement program up to 70%

10. Do you know about examples of complex thermo-modernization in other cities of the country or the world? What can such an experience teach us?

Complex thermal modernization of old multi-storey buildings is a mandatory requirement in all countries of Western Europe. In Ukraine, several cities are implementing thermal modernization programs, for example, Kyiv has been implementing a 70/30 program since 2014, where 70% of the cost of energy-efficient measures is compensated by the city from the budget, and 30% by condominiums.

Lviv has also long had urban programs to support condominiums wishing to thermo-modernize their homes. And it should be noted that the number of applicants is growing from year to year.

Partner publication

The author's column is a reflection of the subjective position of the author. The editors of "Your City" do not always share the opinions expressed in the columns, and are ready to give the dissenters the opportunity for a reasoned answer.

Full or partial republication of the text without the written consent of the editors is prohibited and is considered a violation of copyright.

cost of work.

a large number of materials and works means discounts on materials and works.

So, it turns out in the end also cheaper.

​