Heat cost allocation in buildings: Possibilities, problems and solutions

The individual heat cost allocation is one of the recent topics which is well-known not only for the possibility of increasing the energy efficiency but also for the related problems. However, there is no comprehensive work where the main problems are shown and adequate solutions are proposed. This article presents the main aspects which are important in the area of heat cost allocation. Firstly, the policy issues were underlined and the recommendations for the introduction of general rules for heating costs allocation at the level of a given country were provided. Secondly, the main possibilities, problems and solutions connected to the devices and methods for heat cost allocation were introduced. Then, the energy savings obtained using heat cost allocation were shown on the example of long term field research (8 heating seasons) carried out for six residential buildings, where heat cost allocators were uninstalled. Lastly, comprehensive recommendations were provided, the introduction of which will allow to minimizing the problems connected with heat cost allocation and maximizing the energy savings while maintaining the thermal comfort in the heated rooms.