Energy Coaches on District Safari in De Daal in Gerwen

It's 11 a.m. Saturday morning, Nov. 26, 2022. Five Gerwen energy coaches from Energiehuis Slim Wonen are ready to begin the neighborhood safari in De Daal. Nice word, neighborhood safari. Together on a tour of the neighborhood to bring the central heating boilers from 80 to 60 degrees. The five coaches go over the final details before setting off. It is another step to involve the residents of Gerwen in the energy transition. Now with the action '60 is the new 80'. Together with the energy coaches, we have chosen a block of houses with somewhat similar houses, mainly semi-detached houses.  

Heating at 60°, tap water temperature not!

Already at the first house, a lively conversation ensues about the action. The leaflet, distributed door-to-door prior to the safari, has already led to great discussions, it turns out. First conclusion: the action to set the central heating boiler to 60 degrees raises questions. What exactly should be set at 60°? Is it even safe to turn the heating temperature down because it affects water quality? The coaches are adamant in their answer: the temperature for showers and drinking water remains at least 60 degrees. Every boiler has a separate circuit for tap water and heating water. So only the temperature for heating goes to 60! And: savings of 5 to 10% on gas are on the horizon.

Different responses

Conversation with several residents in The Daal is well underway. At Mrs. Braun's, Alderman Sander Löwik is present to take a look at the "60 is the new 80" action. Together with coach Evert, he goes to the attic and the central heating boiler is set to 60° with a simple action. Sander explains that he has the temperature of his own boiler set at 45°. He is fully prepared for the arrival of an "all-electric" heat pump but will have to wait a while. By the way, the Alderman is impressed with the knowledge of the energy coaches. Ms. Braun's house has been well insulated in recent years. There are also solar panels. In the coming winter months, we will stay in touch with her to hear if the house warms properly at the 60° temperature.

The Daal is on the move

The goal of the neighborhood safari is to get people to take action. And to see if the measure works. It is good to see that a number of residents have already taken the step of putting their central heating boiler on 60°. The measure is working out well for them; it takes a little longer for the house to warm up, but it does become comfortable. Some residents have contacted the service technician to do it for them. Across the street, there is already considerable insulation and solar panels. But for a number of people, the coaches come as no surprise. At several addresses the journey towards the central heating boiler is started. It is great to see that people are talking about saving energy, new solutions, etc. That alone is pure profit. This neighborhood safari tastes like more. And it is good to see that so many people already have the boiler on 60.