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 saving program offer?

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

The Ministry of Environment, recently launched the official website for the "Exoikonomo 2023" energy saving program. The new program - like its predecessors - has been created with the aim of giving incentives for interventions in homes, for 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. Detached houses and apartments are eligible for inclusion. n particular, in order for a home to be considered eligible, certain basic conditions must be met:

• It must be legal
• It must not have been declared 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 program 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 Program. 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 Program.

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 importance for the prioritization of applications and the ranking list are 8 in total:

Eligible interventions for renovating your home

If someone meets the requirements and is included in the "Exoikonomo 2023" energy saving 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 Agenda 2030, the goal is to double the rate of renovations of existing buildings, with the estimate that ultimately 35 million buildings will be undergo interventions. The transformation of residential buildings into greener, environmentally friendly and less energy-intensive and costly buildings is certainly one of the key challenges 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, each property rental or sales add must 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 program, the expenditure for the cost of the two mandatory energy inspections, is partly covered 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 their performance is crucial for the thermal comfort one feels inside the home. In fact, depending on the energy-efficient frames you choose, you can save up to 50% in energy!

As we saw above, the "Exoikonomo 2023" energy saving program, defines frames as one of the main eligible interventions. The most important thing to pay attention to any replacement is the thermal insulation properties of your new frames. 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" energy saving program

The options in the window frame market vary. 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 colors, a wide range of designs and minimum maintenance needs, then aluminium window 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 subsidized up to 60%. more per square meter 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 customization. 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 or sliding pocket typology, corner construction).

Whatever your final decision is, by taking advantage of the subsidy opportunities offered by "Exoikonomo 2023" energy saving program, you can replace your old frames without spending large amounts of money. In fact, a smart choice is the combination of aluminium frames with aluminium rolling shutter or louvers, for enhanced protection from strong sunlight during the summer months. Moreover, as shown in the table above, the program also subsidizes shading systems.

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

Notes: This is an article with summary information on the changes introduced by the "Exoikonomo 2023" energy saving program, based on the official website of the new program. For all the information and more details on the Program, please read the postedGuide.