Install a gas heater now: how useful is that?

Climate protection, increased prices and a new energy law speak against heating with gas.

Nevertheless, the demand for it is currently high.

Is it worth it?

Frankfurt – The topic of energy and heating is a long-running issue in Germany and Europe.

The industry also knows about this: In 2021, more heating systems were delivered than in 27 years, writes the

.

A consequence of the Ukraine war and dependence on gas from Russia?

Surely that's a reason for many;

but that doesn't explain why the demand for gas heaters is particularly high at the moment.

This is reported by the

This is more related to a new regulation by the federal government, explained Jakob Köllisch, foreman of the plumber and heating engineer guild Deutsche Weinstraße, to the

From 2024, only heating systems that are operated with at least 65 percent renewable energies are to be newly approved in Germany.

Many wanted to install a conventional gas heating system beforehand or have their old heating system modernized.

But is it worth it?

Gas heating, heat pump and Co.: When choosing the heat supply, several factors are important

If there is a change in the heat supply, the consumer advice center advises foresight: “Make future-oriented decisions.

Plan your heating replacement early and carefully,” writes the advisory network on its website.

Such a decision is usually one for the next 20 years.

In times of rising prices for electricity and gas and discussions about climate protection, it can certainly be questioned how sensible an investment in heating technology with gas is, but it depends on several factors.

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The Building Energy Act will apply in Germany from 2024: how sensible is it to have gas heating installed now?

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The initial investments in a gas system are significantly cheaper than modern heat pumps, said Köllisch.

For the greener variant, which is favored by the government, you would have to pay twice as much at 25,000 to 30,000 euros as for the gas boiler.

However, the operating costs for consumers are lower because they are no longer dependent on fossil fuels with the electric heat pump.

Have gas heating installed soon?

The climate heats up

In addition to the cost factor of ongoing operating costs, the consumer advice center also refers to the climatic aspects.

Alternative heating systems "not only have a positive effect on your wallet, but also on the climate".

And there is no need to worry about the Building Energy Act, which will come into effect in 2024: the heat pump method would make it easy to meet the new federal government requirement, because it can be operated entirely from renewable energy.

So should consumers prefer to flirt with a heat pump instead of gas heating?

There is no general answer here either.

Because what sounds desirable in theory, experts see as difficult to implement in reality.

"The challenge is that the buildings in Germany are all so different," said Norbert Azuma-Dicke from the Association of the German Heating Industry with a view to the desired, greener heat supply to the

.

Turning away from gas heating: Often not easily possible in old buildings

If the green heat pumps can be easily implemented in new buildings and are usually already there, their installation in many old buildings is rather difficult, according to criticism from specialist circles.

The reason: the buildings are often poorly insulated and thus give off heat more quickly.

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The advantage of a heat pump in terms of energy efficiency then fizzles out.

In order for it to take effect, extensive renovation is often required first - and thus further investments that are initially not available with gas heating.

Hybrid solution instead of gas heating: The ideal heat supply for certain homes

Efficiency and renewables must therefore complement each other.

According to the consumer advice center, hybrid heating could be one way of doing this.

Conventional heat generators, such as gas heaters, are combined with the principle of heat pumps by being connected to a surrounding heating network.

The advantage: energy consumption is more efficient, even in poorly insulated buildings.

The disadvantage: Consumers are still not self-sufficient from fossil fuels.

However, according to the consumer advice center, a hybrid solution is ideal for those who have a photovoltaic system on the roof.

Since modern heat pumps are powered by electricity, they can be operated inexpensively with self-generated solar energy.

But even those who heat with gas have ways and means of saving money.

(Romina Kunze)

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