customer project
Showcase project for the heat pump transition
With intelligent heating optimization towards the energy transition: How Sozialbau AG equips multi-storey residential buildings for the heat pump transition
Project overview
Building
Building Type: Multi-family house
Year of Construction: 1983
Living Area: 2,048 m²
Residential Units: 32
Heating System (previous): Gas central heating
Results
Optimized heating center: Dynamic hydraulic balancing
Expected heating energy savings of ~10 %
Heating curve optimized
System temperature reduced
Heat pump ready
Initial Situation
The building was equipped with a classical gas central heating system with two gas boilers from the 1980s. A hydraulically unbalanced heating system and high peak loads led to uneven heat distribution and excessive energy consumption.
Objectives
The project aimed to increase the energy efficiency of the building through a dynamic hydraulic balancing and the optimization of the heating curves. These measures create the conditions for a future transition to heat pump technology and contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Reduction of energy consumption
Lower heating costs (and thus operating costs)
Improvement of the energy class
Preparation for heat pumps
Measures in Detail
Dynamic hydraulic balancing of the heating system
The building was equipped with intelligent controllers and hydraulically balanced. This created the foundation to reduce system temperatures, thus saving gas consumption.
Optimization of heating curves
By adjusting the heating curves, the efficiency of the entire heating system was improved. This measure helped to lower the system temperatures and further reduce energy consumption.
Preparation for heat pumps
The reduction in system temperatures achieved through the described measures created the necessary conditions for a long-term transition to heat pump technology. This climate-friendly technology can be operated efficiently due to the lower flow temperature and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Results & Savings
Optimized heating center: Dynamic hydraulic balancing of the heating system
Optimization of system temperatures & achieved savings: The heating curve and system temperatures were optimized. The planned energy savings are approximately 10% compared to previous years.
Future viability of the system: Preparations for the use of a central heat pump completed.
Payback period of the Wohnio solution (after funding): approximately 2.6 years
Expected CO₂ savings: approximately 11 tons annually
Model Character & Outlook
The implementation of the measures in this residential building served as a showcase project for improving energy efficiency in existing buildings. It demonstrated how sustainable and future-proof living could be achieved through innovative technologies and targeted optimizations.
“Wohnio not only optimized our old heating system but also prepared the building directly for the heat pump – and all without months of renovations. Exactly the kind of pragmatic solution we need!” – Daniela Huber, Head of Property Management, Sozialbau AG
About Sozialbau AG
For over 70 years, Sozialbau AG has stood for affordable housing in Austria. As one of the largest non-profit builders in Vienna, it manages around 54,000 rental and ownership apartments and focuses on sustainable asset development as well as long-term affordable housing. In addition, SOZIALBAU AG oversees a cooperative network consisting of four non-profit cooperatives, two capital companies, and several participations.
