Heat saving reserve in residential buildings

Abstract

The paper concerns thermal energy consumption in residential buildings. Heat consumption data of more than two thousands buildings are compared. Special attention is given to compare heat consumption in identical buildings as former Soviet practice of housing construction has been based on repetitive multiflat buildings. Heat consumption in sister-buildings differs up to two times. The conclusion may be drawn up that this phenomenon is caused mainly by inappropriate behaviour of tenants, lack of qualified service and construction faults. Identical multiflat residential buildings heat consumption data gives the possibility to evaluate influence of local factors as maintenance, uncertainty of structure dimensions or construction materials thermal properties. Huge heat saving reserves lie not only in renovation but also in less visible but not less effective building maintenance scrutinization and control.