Energy Saving Program "Exoikonomo 2023": Do you want to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home? The new program has arrived!

What does the new "Exoikonomo 2023" energy program offer?

The new version of "Exoikonomo 2023", promises flexibility, fair distribution and subsidy rates that can reach up to 75% (!) of the total expenditure.

Recently opened by the Ministry of Environment, the official website for the "Exoikonomo 2023" energy program. The new programme - like its predecessors - has been set up to provide incentives for interventions in homes, targeting energy-efficient homes that require less energy for heating and cooling."
Based on the information available to us, one of the important novelties of the new "Exoikonomo" energy saving program compared to the old ones, is that inclusion in it will be based on the evaluation of applications according to specific criteria and not on the basis of the speed of completion and submission of the application, as was the case until now. Eligible residences are considered to be detached houses and apartments. In particular, in order for a home to be considered eligible, it is necessary that certain basic conditions are met:

• Be legal
• It must not have been deemed demolishable
• It must be used as a main residence
• Have an energy rating lower or equal to C (according to the First Energy Performance Certificate - EPC A’)

It is noted that owners (those who have a right in rem) can join the programme for the main residence. As stated in the Guide to the new program, 'where there are several beneficiaries of rights in rem (co-owners) in an eligible home: if the main use of the residence of the application is by one of the co-owners, only the co-owner who resides in the dwelling is eligible to participate in the Programme. If the main use of the residence of the application is by another person who is not co-owner (rental/free concession), any of the co-owners with a right in rem of full ownership/possession (not freehold) is entitled to participate in the Programme.

For applications for individual apartments and detached houses, the maximum grant rate is set as follows:

It should be stressed, therefore, that if the house is used by the applicant (owner-occupation), the subsidy rate is graduated per income category (40% to 75%), while if the house (free concession/renting) is used by a person other than the applicant, the subsidy rate ranges from 40% to 65%, also based on the income category.

In addition, the subsidy rate refers to the total eligible budget of interventions. For the remaining percentage of the expenditure, up to 100% of the total eligible budget of the interventions, a loan with an interest rate subsidy may be granted at the request of the beneficiary.

Criteria for the "Exoikonomo 2023" energy saving program for the ranking of applications.

The criteria and their respective weight for the prioritisation of applications and creating the ranking list are 8 in total and are as follows:

Eligible interventions for renovating your home

If someone meets the requirements and is included in the "Exoikonomo 2023" program, and has proposed the energy interventions to be carried out, and after the maximum subsidy rate has been calculated, the implementation of the interventions can go forward. These are divided into 5 categories:

The benefits of energy upgrading from the "EXOIKONOMO" energy saving program

In October 2020, the European Commission announced its 10-year plan for buildings in the countries of the European Union. Based on the Agenda 2030, the goal is to double the rate of renovations of existing buildings, with the estimate that it will lead to 35 million buildings, that are about to receive interventions. The transformation of residential buildings into greener, environmentally friendly and less energy-intensive and costly buildings is certainly the stakes of our time, with multiple benefits for all:

• Significant reduction in heating and cooling costs.
• Noticeably better living conditions inside the house with thermal comfort.
• Increase in the market/rental value of the property.
• Low environmental footprint.

It should be noted that as of 1/1/2021 for each add for the lease or sale of a property it is now mandatory to indicate its energy class, according to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Therefore, the energy class is an important benchmark and is now a key factor in the selection or rejection of homes by tenants and buyers.

Under the "EXOIKONOMO 2023" energy saving programme, the expenditure for the cost of the two mandatory energy inspections, is covered to a certain extent by the program, provided the application is accepted and the minimum energy target that will bring about the required energy savings through the program is achieved (see table below).

As stated in the Guide, "after the implementation of all the interventions, the second energy inspection (EPC B) is carried out. It should be noted that the Energy Inspector who will carry out the second energy inspection and then issue the EPC B certificate, must be different from the Energy Inspector who has issued the EPC A certificate."

Therefore, it is stressed that in any case, it will be necessary to upgrade the residence by 3 energy categories, as shown in the above table (see. Minimum energy target).

The value of replacing old frames

Frames play a key role in any energy upgrade initiative. After all, they are what separates the interior from the exterior environment and through their performance they contribute decisively to the thermal comfort that one feels inside one's home. In fact, depending on the energy-efficient frames you choose, you can save up to 50% energy!

As we have seen above, the "Exoikonomo 2023" energy saving program, defines frames as one of the main eligible interventions. The most important thing to pay attention to when you proceed to replacement is the thermal insulation properties of the frames you choose for your home. If your frames are old or damaged, you are probably already experiencing the effects of thermal losses, affecting your daily life, both because of the unpleasant conditions created inside and in terms of increased heating or cooling costs.

Aluminium frames subsidized by the "Exoikonomo" program

The options in the window frame market are varied. From aluminium and wood, to synthetic, your search is bound to lead you to one of the above. If you are looking for a solution that offers high performance, durability and a variety of colours, a wide range of designs and minimal maintenance needs, then aluminium frames are an excellent choice.

Modern aluminium frames incorporate leading thermal break and sound insulation technologies, as well as high levels of water and air tightness, offering a holistic solution for your space, without compromising on aesthetics. In fact, compared to the more economical option of PVC frames, aluminium frames are subsidised up to 60%. more per square metre in the new "Exoikonomo 2023" energy saving program (see table below).

Note that, particularly in the case of large openings, aluminium systems provide maximum robustness and can support impressive structures, with unparalleled design and great scope for customisation. Whether you live in an apartment, or in a detached house, you are sure to find the aluminium frames that suit your needs. In terms of operation, you can choose between sliding, hinged, tilt-and-turn or lift-and-slide systems. In addition, depending on the location, dimensions and geometry of the openings in your home, you can decide which typology best suits your space (e.g. sliding double-sash overlapping or sliding recessed, corner construction).

Whatever your final decision is, by taking advantage of the subsidy opportunities offered by "Exoikonomo 2023" you can replace your old frames without spending large amounts of money. In addition, a smart choice is the combination of aluminium frames with aluminium roller blinds or blinds, for enhanced protection from the intense sunshine during the summer months. Moreover, as shown in the table above, the programme also subsidises shading systems.

The "Exoikonomo 2023" program is a prime opportunity to make the changes now that will upgrade your home and drastically improve your quality of life in it. In short... it's time to have the home you deserve, just the way you want it.

Notes: This is an article with summary information on the changes brought about by the "Exoikonomo 2023" program, based on the official website of the new programme. For all the information and more details on the Programme, please read the posted Guide.