Sustainable Home: All Your Options

First of all, it’s good to know that there are various options for financing a sustainable home. The National Heat Fund, among others, offers the Energy Saving Loan. The foundation does not have a profit motive and strives for low interest rates. This means, for example, that they offer interest rates that remain the same throughout the term of the loan.

Another option for financing sustainability is to increase your mortgage to 106%. It must be clear in advance what the money will be spent on, and this must be included in the valuation after renovation. Alternatively, you can borrow extra based on your income, up to a maximum of €9,000 or €15,000 for energy-saving measures like insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels. It is not necessary to specify in advance what the money will be used for.

An air conditioner can be considered an air-to-air heat pump because it can both heat and cool. Modern air conditioners are energy-efficient and can quickly heat a room. You can use them to heat specific rooms in your home without turning up the central heating. For example, your bedroom, study, or living room. The same applies to cooling specific rooms in the summer. However, if you want to heat the entire building, a heat pump is a better option. With air conditioning, an outdoor unit must be installed for each unit. OptimaSolar works with trusted partners for air conditioning installations, so we can arrange this for you as well.

Once you start living sustainably, you’ll want to keep the heat inside. To do so, it’s important to ensure minimal heat loss and avoid letting in cold air. Think about roof insulation, cavity wall insulation, and floor insulation. Don’t forget that replacing your windows or frames can also improve insulation. HR++ glass or vacuum glass are options. A well-insulated house keeps the heat inside better, but also keeps it cooler in the summer!

The Homeowners’ Association (VvE) decides on building maintenance and sustainability. There are still a few things you can do yourself to make your home more sustainable, such as replacing window glass or opting for energy-efficient appliances. However, the options are limited. If the VvE collaborates, much more is possible, including solar panels, solar collectors, and heat pumps. There are even subsidies available for apartment complexes.

If you have any questions or need advice, you can reach us at 0800 – 2468 000. Feel free to schedule an appointment or for a no-obligation consultation.