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High time to think of apartment building repair
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13.02.2007
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Ever-increasing heating costs and severe colds continue to increase the heating cost of apartment building dwellers. However, the dwellers do not have to give in to inevitability – the renovation of a building makes it possible to save 45% of energy.
The apartment union of Sütiste tee 45 in Tallinn is the best example of complex renovation resulting in proper energy efficiency. According to Ragnar Kuuse, the apartment union manager, over 6.2 million kroons (out of this sum 4.5 million by the aid of bank loan) has been invested since 1999 in the maintenance of the house and 43% of savings have been achieved by now already from heating cost. In future additional savings are expected. When in 2001 the heating cost were in average 5.7 kroons per square metre, in 2005 it had decreased already to 4.1 kroons and by 2007 only 3.5 kroons per month are predicted as a cost of heating per square meter. Considering also the fact that the heating cost has increased in these years more than 20%, the dwellers pay for heating a half compared to 2001.
Out of more extensive repair works according to Kuuse, the insulation of the whole house, renewal of electric system, building the gable roof to the house, replacing the windows and repair of staircases can be highlighted. Also the heating system was renewed and every apartment got a thermal regulator for its radiators that the dwellers can use to adjust their indoor heat. In addition to the steps made so far there are future plans to renovate also the elevators, set up an underground garage, and build a paid car parking lot and greenery with playground and garbage collection point.
According to Mirja Adler, the Head of KredEx Housing Division, winter is namely a good time to make the repair plans for the following year. “The quicker the repair will be launched, the bigger the probability that the achieved energy efficiency and heating cost savings can be enjoyed already at the following heating period,” told Adler. In winter it is simply easier to find the necessary repair men compared to the summer season and it is also easier to summon the people necessary to hold the union meetings. According to KredEx assessment the renovation of energy system (depending on the size of investments the payout period may be for a few years) provides efficiency the fastest. In order to find out which repair works provide the biggest efficiency in the house and what is their pay-back time, a specialist should be invited to inspect the house and carry out an energy audit.
Most Estonian inhabitants dwell in apartment buildings constructed during the Soviet period that are in need of serious renovation and constant regular maintenance to stand the test of time. In addition to improving the outer look, the renovation of apartment building provides also proper energy saving that will pay off with constantly increasing heating costs. KredEx Energy Efficiency Consulting Centre www.kredex.ee/esk provides free advice to everyone interested in energy efficiency.
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