Modern heating systems: Gas, oil, heat pumps, and more for saving energy – which option is worthwhile?

Due to the heat transition, it has become necessary to focus on three key pillars: heating networks, energy efficiency, and above all, renewable energy. Energy costs make up a large portion of the monthly utility bills for property owners, making it all the more important to be able to save energy. Since the beginning of the year, prices for fossil fuels and, above all, electricity have risen sharply. Furthermore, the looming gas crisis calls the energy supply into question.

Both oil and gas heating systems are gradually being replaced by alternative heating options. They are being succeeded by hybrid systems, heat pumps, or heating buildings with wood to save energy. Which heating system and technology is best suited also depends on the building. In addition to regional conditions, the age and renovation status of the property also play a major role, of course.

Welcome in politics: The heat pump for saving energy

Regarding heat demand, the Heat pump in combination with photovoltaics ahead to save energy. Especially in low-temperature range Depending on the design, heat is absorbed from groundwater, air, or the earth. The building must be able to support low temperatures. This means it must be well insulated, otherwise the supply temperatures required for operation would be too high. As a result, the electricity costs for operating the heat pump would skyrocket. Especially in older buildings, the use of a heat pump may therefore not be a viable option.

Another way to save energy: heating with biomass

Biomass heating systems use plant-based, i.e., renewable, raw materials. These include Pellet heating systems, or Systems that use wood chips or firewood are operated. Especially for unrenovated older buildings, this option represents a climate-friendly heating solution. The advantage: As a renewable, domestic fuel, wood is not subject to major price fluctuations. Transport distances are also significantly shorter. Disadvantage: Both wood and pellets sometimes require plenty of storage space.

The combination of a gas or oil heating system with renewable energy sources is possible. Hybrid heating options combine reliable heat generators with renewable energy. Often, you only even need a single device for this. The very environmentally friendly, but often fluctuating renewable energies ensure low heating costs. If you want to know you have additional security, combine them with a conventional gas heating system and benefit from its reliability.

Hybrid heating systems for saving energy

Hybrid heating systems combine, among other things, hybrid heating with solar thermal energy. This process uses heat captured from the sun's rays to supplement the main heating system. Especially in the summer months, this makes it very easy to cover domestic hot water needs. If the roof area is large enough, solar thermal systems can also be used to support home heating. This can save up to 20 % on heating costs.

In Germany, the proportion of medium district heating network of covered heat demand is at about 10 %. Speculation is growing that this percentage could rise to up to 25. Anyone who owns a property that can be connected to the local or district heating network should take advantage of this. Heating networks are considered very efficient and have a positive environmental balance. The primary energy required for this comes from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, or coal. In some cases, even from waste. Renewable energies such as geothermal energy or biomethane are also used.

Contact us – we are always available

CONTACT US

Increase energy efficiency – Save energy

In addition to the energetic renovation of the property, the old Heating systems checked for potential savings be. Regular checks of the settings, a hydraulic balancing as well as professional annual heating maintenance, can positively optimize heating operation.

Tested here is the regenerative production of synthetic gas (eco-gas). Excess green electricity is generated by special facilities. Biogas, on the other hand, is produced from plant waste through a biochemical decomposition process. Both variants can be fed into the public gas grid. However, this technology is still quite new and production costs are high. Whether this will change in the future remains to be seen.

FAQ: Current Questions Regarding Modern Heating Systems

Is there government funding for switching to alternative energy sources, such as solar thermal systems or heat pumps?

In fact, there are currently more subsidies available for regenerative heating than ever before. Everyone who is planning to replace their heating system soon or build a completely new one can benefit from them.

When is it time to modernize the heating system, and do legal obligations apply?

The Building Energy Act (GEG) stipulates that boilers (excluding low-temperature and condensing boilers) should be replaced after a service life of 30 years at the latest. Consequently, it is estimated that more than 1 million old gas and oil heating systems should be replaced in Germany in 2022.