Our homes are responsible for almost 20% of total CO2 emissions.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Where to start?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The answer is simple: with the greatest heat loss. An energy audit by an energy expert can pinpoint the weak spots in your home. This way you can know immediately where, how and how much energy you can save.
"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"STEP 1: Insulate your roof","richBody":{"value":"In many cases, the roof is mainly responsible for heat loss: 30% on average. It is therefore best to start by insulating the roof. A 3 to 4 cm layer of insulation is the minimum, but we advise you to opt for a thicker layer. The thicker the insulation layer, the more you save.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/individuals/borrowing/home/financing-home-insulation","text":"Find out how to finance the insulation of your home"}]},{"title":"STEP 2: Place high performance glazing","richBody":{"value":"Windows are also potential weak points, especially if they are still single glazed. However, you should be aware that older double-glazed windows also let a lot of heat out.
You should therefore think about installing high performance glazing. The energy savings you make will enable you to recoup your investment in about 7 years.
"}},{"title":"STEP 3: Insulate the walls","richBody":{"value":"After the roof and the windows, you should look at the walls. By insulating your outside walls, you can make up to 20% of energy savings!0
There are different methods for doing this:
Floor insulation has the least impact on energy loss, but still offers significant benefits. In homes with an underfloor space, the average temperature of an uninsulated floor is around 11°C. By insulating the floor, this temperature can quickly be raised to 20°C. A big difference in comfort and for your wallet.
The most effective technique is to insulate the underside of the floor in the underfloor space. If the height of your underfloor space is less than 35 cm, lay the insulation on the floor of the underfloor space.
"}},{"title":"STEP 5: Replace your heating system","richBody":{"value":"Investing in a new heating system is only worthwhile if you have limited energy losses through the roof, walls and floor.
There are also two possibilities at this level:
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/individuals/borrowing/home/finance-heat-pump","text":"Find out how to finance your new heat pump"}]},{"title":"STEP 6: Install solar panels","richBody":{"value":"
Although subsidies for solar panels have decreased considerably in recent years, they remain a particularly cost-effective solution.
The payback period for solar panels is shortest in Brussels and longest in Flanders, but is on average 7 to 8 years. The difference in payback times is mainly due to the different bonuses and subsidies that may or may not be in place in the different regions.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/individuals/borrowing/home/solar-panel-funding-finance","text":"Find out how to finance the installation of your solar panels"}]}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How can I finance my investment in an energy-efficient home?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"ING can help you finance your sustainable renovation project.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/individuals/borrowing/renovation-loan","text":"Discover the ING renovation loan"},{"url":"/en/individuals/borrowing/energy-loan-renovation","text":"Discover the ING energy loan"}]},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"You can also benefit from numerous grants from regional and local authorities: