The VDZ, the VDZ Form and Hydraulic Balancing

Who is VdZ?

The VdZ, “Vereinigung der deutschen Zentralheizwirtschaft e.V.” was founded in 1963 and is now known under the abbreviation VdZ. This organization represents the interests of the entire value chain of the heating and building technology sector in Germany, from industry to wholesaling to crafts.

History and background

The VdZ was founded in 1963 and has since developed into an important industry association. In 2021, the name was officially changed to “Wirtschaftsvereinigung Gebäude und Energie e.V.” to better reflect the wider orientation and variety of topics covered by the association. The abbreviation vdZ has remained. Since 1967, VdZ has also been one of the sponsors of the world's leading trade fair ISH in Frankfurt.

Mission and goals of the VdZ

The main tasks of the VdZ include representing the interests of its members vis-à-vis politics, industry and the public, quality assurance through the preparation of standards, guidelines and technical information, and the provision of information. The association informs its members and the public about current developments, legal frameworks and technical standards. In addition, VdZ is committed to the introduction and dissemination of innovative technologies and processes in heating and building technology.

VdZ also plays a central role in the heating industry by acting as an interface between the various players in the value chain. It ensures that the interests of industry, wholesalers and crafts are bundled and effectively represented. Through its activities, it also contributes to increasing energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy, which is of great importance for achieving climate goals.

What is the VDZ form?

Explanation of the VDZ form

The VDZ form is a standardized document provided by VdZ. This form is used for documentation and quality assurance of work in the area of heating and building technology. It is used by specialists to prove work carried out and to comply with and confirm compliance with certain standards and regulations, such as the DIN standard. The VDZ form is used primarily for hydraulic balancing and is a binding proof. This proof is essential for applying for government funding.

All verification forms were updated in April 2021 and at the turn of 2023 and must be used to apply for Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG).

There are currently three different verification forms available: the form for individual measures, the form for KfW efficiency houses and the form for non-residential buildings. These forms must only be completed by a specialist craftsman. After completion of the measures, the completed verification forms, together with the proof of use, must be submitted to the funding agency by the specialist craftsman.

What is the form used for?

The VDZ form is primarily used to prove that hydraulic adjustment has been carried out and then, in the next step, to apply for funding, for example.

On the VDZ form, the specialist craftsman states whether hydraulic balancing has been implemented in accordance with method B or method A. In addition, the specialist operator notes the calculation values for the adjustment, e.g. for flow and return and for the pump delivery height, to calculate the settings for the individual thermostatic valves in the house. Would you like to find out more about hydraulic balancing? In our blog post Hydraulic balancing requirement Method B: Why method B is important and what you need to know, find out more.

Different types of VDZ forms

The VdZ provides various types of forms, each of which serves specific purposes:

• Individual measure form: Since 01.01.2021, subsidies for individual heating optimization measures or the installation of new heating systems in existing buildings as part of the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG EM) have been available through KfW. To apply for this funding, please use the form for individual measures.
• KfW Efficiency House Form: From 01.07.2021, a separate form for hydraulic balancing in accordance with procedure B will be available to you for building a KfW efficiency house or renovating it into a KfW efficiency house.
• Non-residential building form: To be used for all buildings with the exception of residential buildings.

The VDZ form must be presented as part of KfW heat pump funding. Since January 2023, the hydraulic adjustment form in accordance with method B must be completed.

The form records various important values and calculation bases. If you want to know which values are queried in the form, take a look at our Help Center articles on this topic.

Why is the VdZ form important?

The VDZ form serves as official proof that the hydraulic adjustment has been carried out. The use of the VDZ form is mandatory to prove that the hydraulic adjustment has been carried out. Implementation must only be confirmed by verification forms from specialist tradesmen adapted to the BEG (Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings).

Significance for specialist companies and end customers

The VDZ form plays a decisive role for both specialist companies and end customers. For specialist companies, it offers a standardized way to document the proper implementation of installations, maintenance and commissioning of heating systems. This creates transparency and trust among customers, who thus receive a clear overview of the work carried out and compliance with standards. End customers benefit from the increased transparency and security that the VDZ form offers by being able to ensure that all work has been carried out in accordance with applicable regulations and quality standards.

With the AUTARC software, you can not only carry out the hydraulic adjustment in just a few minutes, but also fill out the VDZ form directly in the app. Book one today free demo and try it out for yourself.

Legal and regulatory requirements

Using the VDZ form also meets important legal and regulatory requirements. It serves as official proof of compliance with legal requirements, for example as part of hydraulic balancing, which is required for certain funding programs such as KfW funding 458. By submitting the VDZ form, it is confirmed that the work carried out meets the prescribed standards, which is essential for applying for funding and compliance with energy regulations.

When do I have to fill out the VDZ form?

The VDZ form must be completed when hydraulic adjustment is required or is carried out. This is particularly necessary in the case of:

• Installing new heating systems: To ensure efficiency and correct functioning.
• Renovation or modernization of existing heating systems: To adapt to new requirements and to optimize energy efficiency.
• Funding applications: For applying for funding, such as the BEG (Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings).

Here you can find detailed instructions for filling out the form of KfW.

Conclusion

VdZ, known today as Wirtschaftsvereinigung Gebäude und Energie e.V., plays a decisive role in the heating and building technology sector in Germany. Since its founding in 1963 and continuous development, VdZ has made a significant contribution to promoting innovation, setting quality standards and effectively representing the interests of the industry.

The VDZ form is an indispensable tool for specialist companies to document the proper implementation of installations, maintenance and commissioning. It ensures transparency, security and compliance with legal requirements. Careful and accurate completion of these forms not only ensures the quality of work, but also strengthens the trust of end customers.

Regular training and the use of up-to-date forms help ensure that documentation always meets the highest standards. In an industry that is continuously focused on efficiency and sustainability, VdZ remains a central player that supports transformation and progress.

Simply create the VDZ form in the AUTARC software.

Record the heating load and heating surfaces in accordance with the standards and carry out the hydraulic adjustment in accordance with method B. Check the eligibility of your project and apply for funding directly from the software! In the autarc software, you can simply fill out the VDZ form and, after carrying out the hydraulic adjustment in accordance with method B, use our funding aid directly. Take the first step towards a more energy-efficient home and see how autarc makes the difference.

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