warmtevraag

Warmtevraag, in Dutch energy terminology, refers to the amount of heat energy needed to meet a building’s thermal demand for space heating and domestic hot water over a chosen period. It can be described as an instantaneous power demand (kilowatts, kW) or as an energy amount (kilowatt-hours, kWh, or megawatt-hours, MWh) over a day, month, or year. Warmtevraag is the demand side of heating, distinct from the supply that delivers the heat.

Several factors influence warmtevraag. External temperature and weather conditions strongly affect it, as do solar gains and internal heat sources such as occupants, appliances, and lighting. Building envelope quality (insulation, airtightness, window performance), ventilation rates, and setpoint temperatures determine heat losses and thus the required heat input. Usage patterns, occupancy, and hot-water demand also shape the load profile, as do building age, renovation level, and the efficiency of heating systems.

Calculation and use. Warmtevraag is estimated through dynamic or static heat balance calculations, often expressed per hour or per year. Weather normalization using heating degree days, heat loss coefficients, and internal gains helps compare demand across periods. In district heating and industrial contexts, warmtevraag informs plant sizing, dispatch planning, and storage needs, while in buildings it underpins energy performance certificates and retrofit decisions.

Impact and policy relevance. Reducing warmtevraag through improved insulation, airtightness, efficient heating systems, and demand-side measures lowers energy costs and emissions. Understanding warmtevraag supports forecasting, supply planning, and the design of responsive heating systems and energy storage solutions.