Frequently asked questions

Replacing an older household appliance (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine etc.) may initially appear the right solution for energy consumption. However, when the resources required to manufacture the appliances are taken into account, replacing an appliance that is still functional is usually not worthwhile. 

If a household appliance breaks down, we weigh up whether repairs make sense in the long term or if replacing the appliance is more appropriate. The nature of the defect, environmental and economic factors and the cost of purchasing a new appliance are taken into account in making this decision.  

Incidentally, you’ll find useful energy-saving tips on our website. After all, you can also save energy with appliances that are a little older. 

In principle, it is possible to connect a plug-in solar panel system inside a balcony (on the wall or inside the railings). The building envelope must not be damaged in the process. 

We are happy to clarify with owners whether and under which conditions a plug-in solar panel system is desired or permitted on the outside of balconies on the property, and get back to you.

With regard to plug-in solar panel systems, please always note the following: As a tenant, you yourself are responsible and liable for the system's installation, correct operation, maintenance, dismantling and any reconstruction of its original condition. You are also fully responsible for additional costs incurred by the plug-in solar panel system.

Due to rising energy prices, we are expecting a significant increase in ancillary costs. A conclusive estimate of anticipated ancillary costs is not currently possible as price trends for gas and oil remain volatile. 

Please note that your monthly payment on account is not based on current costs. Higher energy prices therefore do not impact your payments on account, and only affect the annual billing of actual ancillary costs.

We are monitoring current developments with regard to energy supply and evaluating various energy-saving options. These may be established depending on the location and condition of the specific property and in consultation with the owners. No specific decisions have yet been made in this regard at present. 

In general, living costs consist of rent, ancillary costs (heating, hot water, property maintenance etc.) and private living costs (private electricity, Internet etc.). Energy costs are not part of the monthly rent, but are billed as part of the ancillary costs, i.e. energy price rises are reflected in your bill for ancillary costs, but not in your rent. For your electricity, you have a direct contract with your local electricity provider. As private living costs, these are separate from your rent and ancillary costs. 

We recommend monitoring the current situation and increasing your payments on account or building up reserves where possible. Should you wish to increase your payments on account, this is possible in principle. We are happy to help you estimate the anticipated additional cost. We have provided information on this which is being updated accordingly in light of the current situation.

We recommend monitoring the current situation and increasing your payments on account or building up reserves where possible. Should you wish to increase your payments on account, we can help you estimate the anticipated additional cost. We have provided information on this which is being updated accordingly in light of the current situation.

Most heating systems are switched on automatically when the outside temperature gets cold or are switched on manually as soon as is necessary. This process is not currently subject to any influence or delay in any way and will happen as it did in previous years. 

We cannot rule out any changes to room temperature at a later stage. We are guided by federal provisions in this regard.

Although we cannot influence rising energy prices, there are different ways we can reduce our energy consumption. This helps us save costs while doing our bit to tackle the lack of energy supply.

We have put together a range of tips on saving energy and eco-friendly living that include specific recommendations on a range of topics.

To prevent any shortages, it’s crucial that we reduce our energy consumption. We have put together a range of tips on saving energy and eco-friendly living that include specific recommendations on a range of topics.

With a photovoltaic system, it makes sense to use as much solar power from the roof as possible and therefore reduce how much electricity you take from the national grid. The generation of electricity from the roof usually peaks in the middle of the day, but it also depends on the time of year and the weather conditions. More solar power can be generated on a sunny day, while on a cloudy, rainy day the amount is less. That means it’s best to use household appliances at lunchtime (approx. between 10 am and 3 pm), especially when it’s sunny.
 

Conventional photovoltaic systems switch themselves off when they’re disconnected from the grid and therefore can’t produce any more energy. That is also the case for the systems we operate. In the event of a power outage, the supply is therefore not guaranteed.