For the empirical analysis of the effectiveness of instruments aiming at a reduction of the energy consumption for space heating a techno-economic-model has been developed including variables for the vintage class of buildings, the type of heating system, the type of building, the owner status, the household characteristics, fuel prices and many more. Based on this model the influence of these variables on the energy demand for residential space heating has been analysed in Denmark, Sweden, France, The Netherlands and Germany. The differences and similarities of the national results have been compared. Building standards have shown a strong impact on the energy use. The same result is observed for the choice of the heating system/energy carrier. The influence of subsidies and prices/taxes on the short term is small. Additionally the empirical results have been compared to the results of a building simulation model in order to evaluate the empirical results.