Many consumers are affected by rising heating costs. Especially property owners. Those who still heat with gas or oil can switch to alternatives. What options do homeowners have?
In addition to gas and oil, wood or electricity can also be important energy sources. Owners who make the switch save on heating costs in the long term and increase energy efficiency due to reduced CO2-emissions also increase the value of your home. Before spending money on converting the heating system, you should check whether and how it can be implemented. To install an electric heat pump in an old building, for example, certain conditions must be met.
Is retrofitting possible?
First of all, the questions should be answered: What works and what makes the most sense in my property? There is a standardized procedure for evaluating the old heating system - the Heating Check 2.0. Experts look at the weak points in the current heating system. But the consumer advice center also helps with its "heating check" to check the heating system. If you want to modernize more than just the heating system and become independent of gas and oil, it is advisable to take advantage of an energy consultation.
Together with the owner, an estate agent can look for suitable experts in the region and knows which measures will additionally increase the value of the property. The cost-benefit factor and the available budget should also be taken into account when retrofitting. The greater the technical effort, the more expensive it will be.
Heating alternatives: Heat pump vs. wood pellets
Pellet burners are often cheaper than electric heat pumps, as less technical conversion is required. All that needs to be done is to dismantle the existing boiler, which then serves as a heat exchanger. If you want to be even more climate-friendly, convert to an electric heat pump. Here, the heat is obtained from air, earth or water. The principle is simple: the ambient heat is absorbed by the coolant and vaporized. The electricity compresses and heats the whole thing. At the end, everything passes through the heat exchanger to the heating water.
Renewable energies can also be integrated with both alternatives. In addition to solar thermal energy, there are now also so-called micro-wind turbines for house roofs. If the house or apartment has a balcony, solar panels can also be installed. Provided the structural requirements are met. Which combination is most beneficial for homeowners in terms of cost savings, technical retrofitting options and value appreciation should also be clarified in advance with the estate agent and specialist.
Do you have questions about selling or buying a property? Or do you need help with energy-efficient refurbishment? Then contact us. We will be happy to advise and support you.
Notes
For reasons of better readability, the generic masculine is used in this text. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included where this is necessary for the statement.
Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific individual case.
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