It's no secret that in cold winter and hot summer, you can't live without air conditioners in Cyprus. At the same time, using it is very expensive. It makes sense to think about how to save money and find a balance. And also, to green your house and take care of nature.
This year, the winter was especially long on the island, the thermometer reached 4°C at night. My neighbor, a real Cypriot ice swimmer, cannot be frightened by the climate of the island. In winter, he is always on the move, burns the fireplace with firewood, eats sashimi from freshly caught tuna and loves strong drinks, and in summer sleeps on the open veranda near singing cats.
When I ask why I have an electricity bill of 500 euros for three months, and he gets a 50 euro bill, he just shrugs and encouragingly offers a stingray fish from a huge freezer (most likely this is the only electrical appliance that the captain uses).
In general, there is nothing to compare here. Everybody is different. My neighbor is for sure an energy-efficient nature, but his house is clearly not. And my electricity bill is a complete injustice.
So, what to do if you are not an ice swimmer, but at the same time you live in Cyprus? You need to learn more about efficient energy use.
Energy Performance Certificate
In Cyprus, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of a house or apartment can be obtained by inviting an appraiser. The certificate is issued for a period of up to 10 years and is renewed upon resale or rental to a new tenant. Unfortunately, this procedure is not popular in Cyprus.
Houses with a high energy efficiency class Α or B are in great demand and are sold at least 10% more expensive.
In Cyprus, secondary buyers are used to measuring energy efficiency by sight. Rare sellers of residential real estate really obtain an EPC. But when it comes to new buildings, the energy efficiency class is indicated by the developer.
The presence of solar panels brings any house closer to a high class from the point of view of inspectors and appraisers, but in fact this is not a guarantee that the house is sufficiently energy efficient.
Class A includes fully green and "passive" houses (low energy consumption due to passive energy saving methods), "zero energy" houses (consume exclusively the energy they generate) and "inactive" houses (buildings which generate more energy than they consume). The owner of such housing can be called a defender of nature and a competent business executive. Despite the fact that Class A houses are on average 10% more expensive than their counterparts, the costs pay off within the first 5-7 years.
Class B includes houses with low energy consumption. As a rule, these are new houses, or houses built after 2010 and recently renovated. They require no more than 60 kWh/m2 per year for their heating.
Class C includes 15-20-year-old houses with double glazing and some insulation. They require no more than 150 kWh/m2 per year.
Old buildings with energy efficiency below Class C can consume over 300 kWh/m2 per year.
In Europe, EPC is necessary when selling and renting houses. The EPC gives an idea of how much the heating and lighting of the property will cost, as well as how much CO2 the property emits. The higher the rating, the lower the cost of maintaining the property.
Why is it unbearably cold in houses in Cyprus in winter?
In Cyprus, many resort houses are designed for living in them from April to October, maximum November. Wallsare no thicker than 12 cm. The windows are not sealed, the walls and floors are icy, humidity is everywhere. For year-round use, such houses are categorically not suitable.
Central heating in Cyprus is a rare phenomenon. But often diesel batteries and underfloor heating are installed in homes. The problem is that if the house does not have such a property as energy efficiency, it can be heated indefinitely and at the same time continue to freeze. Choose housing with energy efficiency not lower than class C.
It is warmer in new buildings in Cyprus, and you pay 3 times less.
New buildings are being built taking into account the cold and wet winter on the island. Many of them have certificates A or Β. These houses lose less energy and, accordingly, residents pay less for utilities.
In accordance with the law on the regulation of energy efficiency of buildings, thermal insulation is provided on the external masonry and the frame of the building. Part of the energy consumption is covered by photovoltaic and solar panels for hot water supply. Passive heating and solar energy systems are used. The southern orientation of the houses allows you to reduce heating costs in winter.
For buildings of different types, there are different requirements for assigning Class Α or Β. For example, Class A can be assigned to high-rise buildings only if they generate electricity (solar or wind power).
Competent housing should be designed, built and equipped in accordance with the existing climate. In winter, it needs to warm up evenly. Doors and windows should be tightly closed to avoid condensation and, as a result, mold. Nothing should be blown anywhere. Otherwise, you will spend money on heating the street.
How to improve the energy efficiency of a house in Cyprus:
1. Optimal orientation of the building, correct selection of the glazing area, special rooms at the entrances to the house (if the house is still in the project).
2. Build a house of brick, or better of modern aerated concrete. Such buildings perfectly keep cool in summer and warm in winter.
3. Choose an energy-efficient form of the house. Dome-shaped houses are the most energy efficient because they have fewer corners. The air moves through such a house evenly, without pressure drops, which reduces the penetration of external air. The second most energy-efficient form of a house is a cube.
4. High-quality thermal insulation of the house. It is carried out both at the design stage and during the repair. Main stages: insulation of walls, roof and foundation of the house. Proper thermal insulation will maximize the protection of the building from moisture and temperature changes. It is advisable not to conduct thermal insulation indoors (condensation and mold may form between the wall and the thermal insulation layer) and avoid toxic, combustible materials if possible. Cheap expanded polystyrene is extremely popular as a heater, but there are also more environmentally friendly options.
5. Install solar electric panels. The conversion of solar energy into electricity reduces dependence on fossil fuels and protects against the growth of tariffs for it. Remember that the resources of the planet are not unlimited.
6. Replace windows. Windows with double glazing and low radiation coefficient will also be able to reduce external noise, drafts, as well as cooling and heating costs.
7. Use energy-efficient lighting. Replacing incandescent lamps with fluorescent and LED lighting will reduce energy consumption in homes by 50-70%.
8. Replace old appliances in the house. Devices that are currently more than 10 years old do not meet modern energy efficiency standards. This is especially true of washing machines, dryers and refrigerators.
9. Disconnect unused chargers. These little vampires in total can add up to 10% per month to the bill.
10. Apartments are usually more energy efficient than houses, so their maintenance is cheaper.
Interesting fact: The igloo design is quite energy efficient. It has the external shape of a dome, and the snow and the dome structure inside act as an insulator. A house of this shape is very resistant to strong winds and even hurricanes. Moreover, the higher the house, the more weather-resistant it is.
The optimum temperature in a residential building is at least 18°C
According to the World Health Organization, countries with moderately cold winters usually pay less attention to thermal insulation and heating, and their population suffers more from health problems associated with low room temperature. Remember that the minimum recommended room temperature is 18 °C, the maximum is 25 °C.
Energy—saving houses are a popular trend all over the world
"Green" or energy-efficient homes have become a fast-growing trend all over the world. Whether you are selling a house or you want to renovate your existing home for energy conservation or for the purpose of caring for nature, striving for energy efficiency is a win-win option. You not only save money on electricity, but also significantly improve the quality of life.
Have you decided to buy an energy-efficient apartment or house in Cyprus? Contact DOM! The website offers a huge selection of real estate —residential and commercial. Experienced brokers will be happy to help you make the right choice.
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