Analysis of energy consumption for heating in a residential house in Poland

Energy consumption for heating in the residential sector is a significant share in an overall energy balance. The maximum level of energy usage in new buildings is forced by national regulations. In existing buildings, reduction of energy consumption could be achieved by modernization of the buildings or the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system. In this paper, a single family house located in Poland was chosen. The theoretical heat energy consumption was compared with the actual usage of natural gas recorded over a course of three years. The possible improvements like windows or boiler replacement, were proposed and the economic and environmental effects of modernization stages were estimated. To meet actual Polish law, the primary energy consumption factor EP was decreased from 132 kWh/m(2)year to 120 kWh/m(2)year which results in a 4 % reduction of natural gas used in the boiler room for the house's heating. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.