Occupant satisfaction with new low-energy houses

The development and the erection of low-energy buildings have been intensified in recent years. Still, there are only few studies of the energy performance and occupant satisfaction with living in low-energy houses. A questionnaire survey was therefore carried out among occupants of low-energy houses. The purpose was to study occupant satisfaction with new low-energy houses concerning i.a. the perceived indoor climate and the technical installations for heating and ventilation. The survey showed an overall satisfaction with the new low-energy houses, but also that there were problems that should be addressed to make low-energy houses more attractive to ordinary people. Problems could be that it was too hot in summer and too cold in winter; that there were initial difficulties with the technical installations and that they were difficult to use. A series of recommendations to increase occupant satisfaction in existing and future low-energy houses are given.