
Heating & Plumbing | Basics of Specialist Planning for Residential and Non-Residential Buildings
Introduction
The Trades Heating and Plumbing form a central component of Building Services Engineering (TGA) and are
decisive for the energy efficiency, operational safety and cost-effectiveness of buildings. We plan heating and sanitary systems for multi-family residential buildings, public buildings and complex construction projects – in compliance with standards, economically and with a focus on long-term safe operation.
Professional TGA planning is particularly important for larger residential buildings, municipal projects and demanding renovation measures to minimize technical risks and ensure smooth operation
Classic Planning Services in the Field of Heating and Plumbing
These include, among others, the following planning services according to HOAI:
– Service phases 1 – 9 (basic evaluation to project supervision)
– Heating load calculation according to DIN EN 12831
– Pipe network calculation for heating and drinking water
– Drinking water calculation according to DIN 1988-300
– Dimensioning of circulation systems
– Development of economical and effective routing concepts
– Building connection planning
– Definition and planning supplements for interface trades
– Creation of chase and penetration plans
– Clash planning with all planning participants / trades
– Creation of final tender planning documents and diagrams / circuit diagrams
– Creation of tender documents (VOB/C)
– Participation in award and construction supervision
– Building condition analyses and renovation concepts
– Variant studies and economic comparisons
Heating Planning – Efficient and Future-Proof
Planning Focus Areas
Heating planning is carried out taking into account:
– Building Energy Act (GEG)
– Eligibility for funding
– System temperatures (e.g. low temperature / heat pump)
– Hydraulic balancing and system operation
– Load profiles and real usage requirements
– Actual space and installation requirements
– Public law requirements and restrictions
– System type in view of economic efficiency in regular operation
Typical Systems in Project Business
– Central heat pump systems
– Hybrid systems (e.g. heat pump + peak load boiler)
– District heating supply
– CHP systems
– Process heat
– Low-temperature heating systems
What Matters in Practice
– correct heating load determination per usage unit and usage area
– correct definition of framework conditions for building airtightness
– coordinated design for HVAC systems / air exchange rates
– economical dimensioning (avoidance of over-dimensioning)
– stable hydraulic systems even with long pipe runs
– coordinated control technology
– consideration of operating conditions (partial load / peak load)
Sanitary Planning – Focus on Drinking Water Hygiene
Planning According to Current Standards
Planning is carried out in accordance with:
– DIN 1988 (in particular DIN 1988-300)
– DIN EN 806
– DVGW regulations
– TAB requirements
– as well as other national / EU regulations
Planning Focus Areas
– demand-based dimensioning of the drinking water system
– ensuring circulation
– prevention of stagnation
– compliance with temperature requirements
– material selection and corrosion protection
– design of risers taking simultaneity into account
– prevention of contamination / residue formation
– consideration of acoustic and fire protection requirements
Typical Systems
– Drinking water installation in multi-family residential buildings
– Circulation systems
– Pressure boosting systems
– Wastewater systems
– Rainwater systems
– Grease and oil separator systems
– Lifting systems
– Backflow prevention systems
Special Features in Multi-Family Buildings (MFH)
Planning in multi-story residential construction places special demands:
– Simultaneity and realistic load reductions
– Design of risers and distribution networks
– Shaft and routing planning
– Integration into architecture and structural engineering
– Fire protection requirements for pipe routing
– Consideration of user behavior and operation
Planning in Existing Buildings During Renovations
Renovation projects require a differentiated approach:
– Integration into existing systems
– System separation for old installations
– limited space conditions
– Adaptation to existing pipe networks
– Implementation during ongoing operations
Interfaces and Coordination
Planning is carried out in close coordination with:
– Project management
– Architecture
– Structural engineering
– Electrical specialist planning
– Fire protection planning
– Outdoor facilities planning
– Building physics planning
– Utility network operators
– Municipal drainage authorities
– and other parties involved
Especially for complex construction projects, early coordination is crucial to
avoid planning conflicts, construction delays and additional costs.
Economic Efficiency and Life Cycle
In addition to investment costs, the focus is on:
– Operating costs over the entire service life
– Maintenance requirements and accessibility
– Energy efficiency
– long-term operational safety
Typical Risks Without Specialist Planning
Without qualified TGA planning, the following frequently occur:
– over-dimensioned or inefficient systems
– inadequate drinking water hygiene
– hydraulic problems during operation
– increased energy consumption
– inadequate fire and sound protection upgrades
– Inadequate wastewater ventilation and de-aeration
– Deficient system separations
– High or low flow velocities in the systems
– Additional costs and planning errors during the construction phase
– Up to prolonged construction stoppages
Why Hire a TGA Engineering Office?
– planning that complies with standards and is audit-ready
– secure basis for tendering and awarding contracts
– minimization of construction and operational risks
– economically optimized systems
– particularly relevant for larger multi-story and special-purpose buildings
Are you planning a project in the field of TGA / Heating and Plumbing?
We support you in planning and implementation – from concept development to commissioning
Heating Technology
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TGA Specialist Planning