Table of Contents

Heating - Heating metering and water

1. Connection Diagram

Individual heating and water metering allows for the fairest possible distribution of heating costs among the occupants of a building.

According to the requirements of the Swiss Federal Ordinance on the Individual Statement of Energy and Water Costs (DIFEE), in force since 2017, the following must be installed:

  • one thermal energy meter (heating) per apartment
  • one hot water meter per apartment
  • one thermal energy meter at the boiler outlet to measure total consumption and deduct the share for common areas
  • one thermal energy meter at the water heater inlet to measure the energy required for hot water production

If an equitable distribution of water consumption and treatment costs is desired, one cold water meter is installed for each apartment and for the common areas (laundry room, watering, etc.).

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2. Meter Connection

The way meters are connected impacts how subsequent expense statements are calculated. See below.

Thermal Meter Connection

The diagrams below also apply to boiler types other than a heat pump (wood, gas, etc.).

Scenario A: One main meter at the boiler outlet, one meter for hot water production, and one meter for each apartment.

This is the correct diagram as recommended by official guidelines.

Consequence for allocation:

  • Heating costs are allocated among each occupant based on consumption measured by individual apartment meters.
  • Costs for hot water production are allocated based on each individual's hot water consumption, measured via individual hot water meters.
  • Heating costs for common areas are allocated based on apartment surface areas.

Scenario B: Only one meter for each apartment.

Not everything is measured.

Consequence for allocation:

  • Heating costs for common areas are estimated.
  • Costs for hot water production are estimated.

If the main meter at the boiler outlet is omitted, it is highly recommended to install at least one meter for hot water production.

Nevertheless, without this meter, the usual estimate is 25% of the total costs dedicated to domestic hot water production.

Scenario C: No meters.

No thermal consumption is measured.

Consequence for allocation: heating costs are allocated based on apartment surface areas.

Electricity Meter Connection

If the heating system is a heat pump (PAC), it is powered by electricity.

Scenario A: One meter for the heat pump and one meter for common areas.

Consequence on allocation: The electricity consumption of the heat pump is separate from the common areas. No estimation is required.

Scenario B: A single meter for the heat pump and common areas.

Consequence for allocation: The electricity consumption of the common areas must be estimated.

See Heating and Water Meters
See how to establish an expense statement

3. Installation Example

It is strongly recommended to place the underfloor heating manifold and the heating meter in an access hatch located at the entrance of the apartment, rather than at the back of a piece of furniture. This configuration greatly facilitates access to the meter for maintenance.

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