How can apartments and houses be designed to be barrier-free and energy-saving at the same time? The energy advice service of the consumer advice center provides several tips on this. For example, owners have design options with regard to entrance doors, balcony and patio doors, bathrooms and smart homes.
When converting the entrance door, it is important to ensure that new steps are as deep as possible. Non-slip flooring should also be chosen and a handrail should be fitted. Energy can also be saved by replacing the door seals. LED lamps in combination with a motion detector are not only energy-efficient, but also minimize the risk of accidents.
Balcony or patio doors should have level thresholds to avoid becoming a tripping hazard. Multiple thermal insulation glazing can reduce heating energy requirements. The bathroom should be made wheelchair-accessible during the conversion and a more efficient water heating system can be selected. Smart applications make living more comfortable, safer and more energy-efficient. For example, there are now systems for switching off stoves electrically.
Source and further information: verbraucherzentrale-energieberatung.de
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