Overheated rooms and their effects
The precise impact of elevated room temperatures on taxpayers' money, economic performance and innovation in Switzerland is challenging to ascertain. This is due to the multifaceted nature of the issue, which encompasses residential, commercial and institutional settings. This is not least since several factors, including the number of households, specific heating and cooling costs, and economic productivity in certain periods, play a significant role. Nevertheless, it is established that the inefficient utilisation of energy and the excessive deployment of heating resources result in substantial financial pressures on households, with a considerable impact on public finances. An increase of one degree Celsius in room temperature can result in a five to ten per cent rise in energy costs.
It is challenging to ascertain the precise financial implications of elevated indoor temperatures in Swiss households, workplaces, retail premises and other establishments. Furthermore, additional factors, including the number of households, specific heating and cooling costs, and economic productivity at particular times, play a significant role. It is, however, established that the inefficient use of energy and the costs associated with excessive heating have a detrimental impact on household finances. This has a considerable effect on public finances. Increasing one degree Celsius at room temperature can increase energy costs by five to ten per cent.
Daily ventilation is recommended to regulate indoor climate rather than improve and correct the temperature in the home. The recommended baseline temperature is 19 degrees Celsius. It would be optimal for residents to regulate their comfort temperature. Nevertheless, this is frequently impractical in more significant residential buildings with numerous tenants. It is not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 23 degrees Celsius.
As of the end of 2022, there were approximately four million private households in Switzerland. Many are single-person households, representing 17% of the permanent resident population.
Given that annual energy costs amount to several billion francs, one could speak of significant sums. Moreover, the potential for reduced productivity and innovation from constrained working environments within hot premises must be considered. In the event of skilled workers departing or operating at a decreased efficiency level due to inadequate living and working conditions, this could, in the most adverse scenario, result in a decline in economic performance. A body of research indicates that working conditions directly influence productivity. Furthermore, an unsuitable room temperature has been demonstrated to impair the concentration and creativity of the workforce. The complexity of the variables involved makes it challenging to ascertain precise figures. It is evident that elevated indoor temperatures impact the quality of life and affect economic stability and innovative strength. A comprehensive analysis would be required to ascertain precise financial losses.
The financial impact of excessive temperatures in the home
The combination of inadequate heating systems and the Minergie standard has elevated heating costs and temperatures in numerous buildings. This has a detrimental impact on both physical and mental health, as well as on household budgets. There are considerable obstacles to obtaining a refund for overheated rooms without an identifiable cause. Such circumstances could be altered if the matter were to be addressed by politicians, with the establishment of legal minimum and maximum room temperatures. In the absence of regulatory measures and appropriate insulation and heating systems, the value of real estate is likely to be adversely affected. Furthermore, this could result in reduced income, increased administrative costs and inconvenience.
- Increased energy costs due to higher temperatures.
- Reduced productivity in hot working environments.
- Detrimental effects on mental and physical health.
The real estate sector and banking institutions
Mortgages on property are incorporated into the banking institution's balance sheet. A reduction in property values could result in loan defaults, particularly if a significant proportion of the mortgage debt exceeds the property market value. This could result in difficulties for borrowers in meeting their repayment obligations. Similarly, tenants may encounter challenges due to excessive rental fees.
A decline in property values may result in banks requiring additional collateral or higher equity contributions from their borrowers. In the most adverse scenario, this could culminate in payment difficulties for borrowers, a property crisis and the destabilisation of the banking system. The interdependence between banks and the property market represents a significant risk to economic stability.
Economical heating systems In contrast to oil and gas heating systems, heat pumps do not necessitate the utilisation of fuel for heating. In contrast, the heat is extracted from the surrounding environment. The specific heat source utilised by the system is dependent upon the design. Potential sources include ambient air, groundwater, and surface water, though the latter is less commonly employed. Such heat pumps are subsequently designated as air source, geothermal, or groundwater heat pumps. Such systems can be operated efficiently and require less energy than conventional heating systems.
Solar thermal energy
A solar thermal energy system is a device that converts solar energy into heat. The heat is then employed to heat potable water or for general heating. Solar collectors are mounted on the residence's roof and connected to the heating system, typically in the basement, to achieve this. The technology for solar thermal energy is considered to have reached a state of maturity. It is typical for a solar thermal energy system to provide only a portion of the required heating energy, with the remaining demand met by a conventional heating system. In contrast, in what are known as solar houses, solar thermal energy represents the residence's primary or even sole heating source.
Nevertheless, this concept is seldom implemented due to the considerable storage volume and collector surface area that it necessitates. Using solar energy to provide auxiliary heating is considered a sustainable practice. It is possible to reduce heating costs by taking advantage of sufficient solar radiation.
Pellet heating systems operate on the same fundamental principle as traditional gas or oil heating boilers, whereby fuel is burned to generate heat. However, the fuel employed is wood pellets. Pellets are a compressed form of wood. They are a renewable and locally available raw material with an almost neutral carbon dioxide balance. The combustion process releases only the quantity of CO₂ stored in the wood during its growth. Pellets are a readily transportable fuel source considerably more cost-effective than heating oil or natural gas. Seals guarantee that the pellet production process is environmentally friendly and sustainable and that the product is consistently high quality.
So, as you know, this heating method requires sufficient storage space for the wood pellets. In particular, the low heating costs associated with pellet heating make it an attractive option in older buildings. In new construction, pellet heating represents an attractive alternative to conventional heating methods.
Combined heat and power (CHP) units are regarded as the epitome of energy efficiency, as they can produce electricity and proper heat simultaneously. The unit for a single-family home is comparable in size to a washing machine; correspondingly, larger CHP units can provide electricity and heat to entire residential and commercial areas. The following section will outline the technology's fundamental principles and operational mechanisms. What are the advantages and disadvantages? The question thus arises as to which parties would find such an investment worthwhile.
A combined heat and power plant comprises an engine, a synchronous generator and a heat exchanger. In contrast to alternative heating systems, CHP plants are designed to produce both heat and electrical energy, namely electricity. This simultaneous generation is called ‘combined heat and power' (CHP). Until now, most combined heat and power plants have been on a large scale. Nevertheless, installing mini or micro-combined heat and power plants in single-family or multi-family homes is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Sustainability and temperature control
All the systems mentioned above can be operated sustainably and in conjunction with renewable energies. The implementation of intelligent thermostats or a modern building management system enables the precise regulation of temperature. The heating output can be regulated according to the required specifications.
Improving the Indoor Climate
Several measures may be employed to enhance the quality of the indoor environment.
The renovation of existing buildings
A significant proportion of older buildings need better energy efficiency. A comprehensive renovation would reduce energy consumption and improve air quality. While renovations are typically costly, they can enhance a building's value, improve its creditworthiness, and promote good health.
The promotion of renewable energies
The expansion of solar, wind and other renewable energy sources has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions. In conclusion, this results in an improved indoor climate.
Insulation of buildings
The implementation of effective thermal insulation can assist in the reduction of heating costs and the maintenance of a consistent room temperature. However, this should not be at the expense of the base temperature, which should remain above nineteen degrees.
Wood is a versatile material. It is a renewable resource that can be employed in both construction and heating systems. This valuable raw material thus ensures the sustainable provision of insulation, warmth, and, when used correctly, atmospheric benefits. It is of the utmost importance to exercise caution and diligence in managing forest resources. It is imperative that reforestation and afforestation, in addition to efficient forestry practices and the utilisation of appropriate expertise, be prioritised. Deforestation must be prohibited globally.
The use of contemporary heating technologies and sustainable practices enhances energy efficiency, thereby significantly improving the indoor climate in buildings. In practice, however, this is not always the case. The role of human factors and heating behaviour and the necessity for renovating and adjusting heating systems are frequently overlooked in the examination. For an extended period, elevated base temperatures have been insufficiently addressed.
In a society based on knowledge, the optimal temperature for a room is of great importance for promoting well-being and performance. The optimal temperature range is between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is pleasant and conducive to concentration and creativity. This is of particular significance concerning cognitive processes. When room temperatures exceed 22 degrees, the associated costs to society can increase significantly. In particular, the costs associated with heating and cooling. An increase in room temperature of one degree Celsius is estimated to increase energy costs by approximately five to ten per cent. In large buildings or over extended periods, these supplementary costs can result in a considerable financial burden. In the most adverse scenario, the ‘brain drain', or the migration of qualified specialists, can also have significant economic ramifications. Individuals with unique abilities and aptitudes may opt to relocate to areas that provide a more agreeable quality of life, including optimal temperatures. Such a loss would not only result in reduced productivity but also have a lasting impact on a society's innovative strength. This could ultimately result in economic losses. It can thus be argued that reducing home temperatures could result in substantial energy savings. Many studies have demonstrated that lowering the temperature of a room by one degree Celsius can result in a six to eight per cent reduction in energy consumption. Such savings would reduce energy costs and help minimise the ecological footprint, which is highly relevant today. Therefore, Balancing comfort, costs and energy efficiency is crucial to creating a sustainable environment for a performance-oriented and productive society. This will ensure the long-term quality of life of the people and economic stability.
