Most drivers know approximately how much petrol their cars use on average. The consumer takes note of the efficiency rating of a fridge or washing machine at the latest when about to buy one. Yet more often than not no objective information is available on the energy quality of a residential building, despite the fact that most of the energy consumed in Germany is used for heating and hot water generation in private households.

Paper briquettes prohibited in small units It may seem like a clever idea at first glance: a large discount chain’s online shop is offering a paper briquette maker for sale. However, consumers are not allowed to burn the painstakingly paper briquettes made with it in so-called small firing units, that is, is household ovens and heating furnaces.