01List of 24 sustainable measures that qualify

The energy saving loan cannot simply be used for every energy-saving measure, but it can be used for almost everything. There are in fact 24 sustainable measures that qualify for the energy loan. An energy saving loan can be taken out for one of these measures, but also for several. All energy-saving measures that qualify are shown below.

Connecting to a heat network

The heat network is a network of pipes through which hot water flows. This hot water can be used, for example, to heat homes via the radiators. The heat itself can come from geothermal energy, but other sources such as biomass, aquathermal energy or industry are also possible. With the energy saving loan it is possible to finance the connection to such a heat network.

Asbestos removal in combination with roof insulation

There are still roofs that contain asbestos. Removing it must be done expertly and safely and results in extra costs. When the asbestos is removed in order to install roof insulation, it is possible to apply for an energy saving loan for this. The condition, however, is that no more than 50% of the energy saving loan may relate to financing the asbestos removal. In other words, at least 50% must be used for installing roof insulation. In addition, the asbestos must also be removed by a certified asbestos removal company.

CO2-controlled ventilation

A CO2-controlled fan ensures that the house is only ventilated when necessary. It works on the basis of sensors that measure the air quality and control the ventilation system accordingly. Sometimes it is also controlled on the basis of the humidity level, which delivers even better results. By controlling the ventilation, a better energy performance is achieved in any case, and that is why this qualifies for the energy saving loan.

Roof insulation

Even without asbestos removal, roof insulation qualifies for the energy saving loan. It does not matter whether it is a flat or a pitched roof. It is also permitted to insulate the attic floor rather than the roof. On the other hand, requirements are set for the thermal resistance of the roof insulation used. It must be at least 3,5 m²K/W.

Energy monitor and a smart meter

This system helps households become more aware of the way they use energy. They can always view their consumption data and sometimes they even get saving tips on top of that. That is why an energy monitor that is linked to a smart meter also simply qualifies for the energy saving loan.

DC fan

Good ventilation is important for the air quality in the home and can help prevent many problems. In practice, a DC fan is up to 30% more energy-efficient than a fan that runs on alternating current. That is why the purchase of a DC fan qualifies for the energy saving loan. A DC fan costs around 400 euros (incl. VAT and installation).

DC pump

Whereas a DC fan is up to 30% more energy-efficient than an alternating current model, for a DC pump this rises to as much as 50%. Such a DC pump is used to circulate the water for the central heating. Such a DC pump easily costs 600 to 700 euros (incl. VAT and installation).

Wall insulation

Wall insulation is a very effective way to save energy. Wall insulation can be applied to both the inner and the outer wall. Various solutions are possible and permitted, ranging from ready-made insulation boards placed on the inside to insulation with decorative render on the outside. Just as with roof insulation, the wall insulation is required to have a minimum thermal resistance of 3,5 m²K/W.

High-efficiency glass

Single glazing does not insulate well at all. That is why it was later replaced by double glazing. This consists of two layers of glass with an air layer in between. This does insulate better than single glazing, but on the other hand air is not the best insulator either. That is why, with high-efficiency glass, the air was replaced by a noble gas that insulates better, such as argon. There are countless types of high-efficiency glass and even triple glazing, a variant with three layers of glass, is possible. Both high-efficiency glass and triple glazing qualify for the energy saving loan. The glass must, however, have a maximum U-value of 1,2 W/m²K.

High-efficiency boiler

Until 21 January 2019 it was possible to use the energy saving loan to finance a new high-efficiency boiler to replace an old high-efficiency boiler. Since then it can only be used to replace an old traditional boiler or an old improved-efficiency (vr) boiler. This is because the Netherlands will eventually move away from gas and there are more sustainable solutions.

HRe boiler

An Hre boiler is a gas boiler with an integrated air engine that also produces electricity. It is actually a mini version of a CHP (combined heat and power) unit and it is mainly of interest to those who use more than 1.600 m³ of gas a year. If the boiler has a capacity of 0,8 kWe up to a maximum of 5 kWe, is intended for space heating of an existing home, achieves an electrical efficiency of at least 15% and has a thermal output of at least 100%, it qualifies for the energy saving loan.

Insulating frames, doors and facade panels

Despite good wall insulation, there may still be draughts in the house, for example through the doors. Such heat loss can be prevented by choosing insulating doors, frames and facade panels. The energy saving loan can be used for this under a number of conditions. As far as the doors are concerned, the U-value must be at least 2 W/m²K. For the insulating panels it is a U-value of 0,7 W/m²K. Finally, it is required that there is insulation material between the front and back panels of the door.

LTV system (low-temperature heat emission system)

An LTV system ensures that a home is heated much more constantly and evenly, which is at the same time also more environmentally friendly. This is because a classic heating system relies on water with a high flow temperature that can sometimes even rise to 80°C, whereas with an LTV this is often less than 55°C. This latter maximum flow temperature is a requirement for being able to use the energy saving loan.

Tailored advice

There are clearly many ways in which energy savings can be achieved. It is not illogical that people sometimes lose track. With tailored advice, formerly also called the EPA or the Energie Prestatie Advies (Energy Performance Advice), private homeowners can immediately discover how they can achieve energy savings and what costs they should expect. Such advice costs on average 200 to 300 euros (incl. VAT).

Zero-on-the-meter home

A zero-on-the-meter home generates as much energy as it uses. To achieve a zero-on-the-meter home, the home must be extensively insulated and, in addition, also generate energy. To make a home zero-on-the-meter, an energy saving loan of up to 65.000 euros can be applied for. This loan can be repaid over 20 or 15 years. The costs will probably be higher than 65.000 euros, but the extra cost must then be financed yourself. For example, with a loan from the bank.

Cavity wall insulation

Just as double glazing has an air layer in the cavity, this used to be the case with the space between the outer and the inner wall. If the situation allows it (the cavity must be suitable for this and there must, for example, be no construction waste in the cavity), the cavity can still be insulated later. To do this, a company will drill small holes in the facade and inject insulation material into them until the cavity is completely full. Afterwards everything is neatly sealed again. Cavity wall insulation costs around 800 to 3.100 euros, but naturally depends on the total volume that has to be filled. For a detached home the costs will therefore be higher. Cavity wall insulation qualifies for the energy saving loan when it has an R-value of at least 1,1 m²K/W.

Loft or attic floor insulation

A lot of heat can be lost via the loft or attic. If the attic is not heated, it is therefore advisable to insulate it. It is sufficient to fit the loft with insulation boards. A requirement, however, is that the loft and attic floor insulation has a minimum R-value of 3,5 m²K/W.

Floor and/or ground insulation

Floor insulation not only provides extra comfort in the home, especially for the barefoot people among us, but it also helps save energy. The potential saving, however, depends not only on the type of floor insulation, but also on the type of floor and the floor covering present. A good contractor will advise on this. When floor insulation is not an option, ground insulation can offer a solution. With ground insulation, insulation material is poured into the crawl space. This can also be combined with floor insulation, for example to reduce the moisture pressure in the crawl space. Both floor and ground insulation qualify for the energy saving loan if they have a minimum R-value of 3,5 m²K/W.

Wtw system (heat recovery system)

A wtw system extracts the residual heat from waste water or extracted air. This residual heat is then reused to heat the home. As a result, less energy is lost. Both a system for heat recovery from ventilation air and one from (shower) water qualify for the energy saving loan. It is, however, required that the heat recovery from ventilation air achieves an efficiency of 90% or more.

Heat pump

Heat pumps are systems that extract heat from the ground, the groundwater or the air via a heat exchanger and then use it to heat water. They achieve a very high efficiency, but are only useful in homes that are already well insulated. Not only does a heat pump qualify for the energy saving loan, but a subsidy can also be applied for from the RVO.

Hydronic balancing of the central heating system

With hydronic balancing, the hot water flowing through the radiators is adjusted so that each radiator receives exactly the right amount of water. As a result, the different rooms heat up much more evenly. The consequence is that there are fewer peaks and troughs in the central heating temperature and that the boiler can heat much more efficiently. The exact cost of this depends, among other things, on the number of radiators in the home, but 300 to 500 euros (incl. VAT) can be taken as an average.

Very Energy-Efficient Package

With a Very Energy-Efficient Package, the VvE can take various measures to make the complex more energy-efficient. This combines roof insulation, wall insulation, floor insulation, insulating glass, insulated frames and insulated external doors. Specific requirements apply to each of them. When the requirements are met, an energy saving loan of up to 50.000 euros per apartment right can be applied for, with a term of 30, 20, 15 or 10 years.

Solar water heater

With a solar water heater, a collector on the roof captures the heat of the sun and then uses it to heat water. This is often combined with a central heating combi boiler that provides the additional heating, because the water will not always be at the desired temperature. For a solar water heater, not only can the energy saving loan be used, but a subsidy can also be applied for from the RVO.

Solar panels and home battery

Finally, the energy saving loan is also available to those who want to finance solar panels. This is on the condition that the solar panels are also combined with at least one of the other energy-saving measures. In addition, no more than 75% of the loan may be spent on the solar panels and any associated home battery. Such a home battery will become increasingly important in the coming years, when the net metering scheme comes to an end.

02The energy saving loan in practice

The energy saving loan can be used to finance one or more of the sustainable measures mentioned. Only for solar panels is it required that this is combined with another sustainable measure. The amount that can be borrowed for this in principle ranges between 2.500 and 25.000 euros, with the exception of the energy saving loan for zero-on-the-meter homes. This can amount to as much as 65.000 euros.

The energy saving loan is a monthly annuity loan with a fixed (attractive) interest rate, a fixed monthly amount and a term of between 7 and 20 years. For most homeowners the interest is tax-deductible. There are also no arrangement fees attached to the loan and early repayment is simply penalty-free. It is, however, required that the extra repayment is at least 250 euros.

Conditions for the energy saving loan

To be entitled to the energy saving loan, you must be the owner of an existing home and also live in it. In addition, you may not be older than 75. If there are two applicants and one of them is older than 75, only the income of the one who is 75 or younger is taken into account.

Not only private homeowners can use the energy saving loan, but also VvEs. The VvE must then consist of at least eight residential units and the term is always 10 to 30 years. They can borrow up to 25.000 euros per apartment, but for the Very Energy-Efficient Package (€ 50.000) and a Zero-on-the-Meter project (€ 65.000) this is raised.

Term of the energy saving loan

The term of the energy saving loan cannot always be chosen freely and partly depends on the amount borrowed. Only for energy saving loans of 15.000 euros or more can the term be chosen. The options are shown below.

03How do you apply for an energy saving loan?

The loan is therefore really intended for carrying out maintenance on the home that benefits energy saving. The energy saving loan has several financial advantages. For example, you usually pay a much lower bill than you would with, say, a second mortgage. In addition, the interest rate is set in advance and stays the same for the entire term.

The amount borrowed is then deposited into a construction deposit. The advantage of this loan is that you can always repay. So you can also repay everything in one go, without there being a penalty for it. You do, however, pay at least 250 euros extra for an extra repayment. Furthermore, you pay no arrangement fees.

Financing with your own money

The savings interest rate is historically low. If you have a lot of savings, you can also use that money to invest in energy-saving measures. According to Milieu Centraal, the return on cavity wall insulation is comparable to an interest rate of 11 percent on a savings account. So think carefully about which option you prefer.

04Determine the energy-saving measures

First of all, check which energy-saving measures you want to take. The payback period is central to this. If you wish, you can request tailored advice for this. Tailored advice also qualifies for the energy saving loan.

05Requesting the necessary documents

Request quotes from different contractors. They will also sign a declaration and provide the necessary documents that are required to apply for the energy saving loan. In the meantime, also collect a recent payslip and your latest tax return.

06Fill in the application form

Go to the website of the Nationaal Warmtefonds and fill in this application form. At this point the documents do not yet need to be submitted. First your application will be assessed and a proposal may be made.

07Finalising the application

After the initial application has been approved, you can upload all documents via a Mijn SVn account. These documents will be checked. If everything is in order, a construction deposit is opened containing the loan amount. From there the money is transferred directly to the contractor or the installer, so that it cannot disappear along the way.

08Applying for the energy saving loan

Applying for the energy saving loan naturally involves some paperwork, but a few things have been done to keep it as accessible as possible. A good contractor will often inform their customers extensively about the options and assist them with it.

09Frequently asked questions about the energiebespaarlening

Are you wondering whether you qualify for the energy saving loan? Or do you have other questions about the energy saving loan? Then be sure to check the questions and answers below, because you will probably find the answer to your questions below!

The loans are granted from the Warmtefonds. The Warmtefonds holds 1 billion euros that can be made available for sustainable loans. The Warmtefonds has been made up of contributions from the EIB (European Investment Bank), the CEB (the Council of Europe), ASN Bank, Rabobank and the national government. All payments flow back into the Warmtefonds, which makes it completely self-sustaining.

10Different types of subsidies

There are two different types of subsidies in the Netherlands. The first subsidies for energy-saving measures apply to people who own their home and live in that house themselves. These are the so-called ‘owner-occupiers’. This subsidy has been used extensively in recent years, as a result of which the budget for issuing subsidies has sometimes been reached.

Another option is the subsidy for people who fall under an owners' association (VvE’s). The government uses a separate budget for this.

11Applying for a subsidy for energy-saving measures

A subsidy application is usually possible via the website of the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland. In the application you must indicate which measures the subsidy application is intended for. Moreover, there must already be a quotation from a company, which you can submit. With it you can prove that you really intend to take the measures.

Energy saving loan: make your home sustainable affordably ➜ Find out how

With the energy saving loan you finance sustainability improvements affordably. EnergieAanbieding.nl explains how it works and what is possible.