This is how Germans react to high heating costs

Two-thirds of Germans are willing to contribute to making Germany more independent of energy supplies from Russia. They want to heat less and prefer to put on a warm sweater. The vast majority think it makes sense to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This is the result of a survey conducted by the forsa Institute on behalf of the German Federal Foundation for the Environment.

65 percent of respondents are prepared to take action themselves

The greatest approval for their own measures comes from 18- to 29-year-olds and the over-60s. Better insulation, new windows and energy-saving appliances are named as options. 85 percent are in favor of installing solar systems to supply their own electricity, and 81 percent are in favor of replacing older heating systems.

The representative forsa survey polled 1,011 homeowners in Germany in addition to 1,000 citizens aged 18 and over. A large majority, 87 percent of respondents, consider measures to be "very important" and "important" to ensure greater energy efficiency in buildings.

Two-thirds of respondents want attractive funding conditions

When asked what form of renewable energy would be considered for the purchase of a new heating system, solar energy for electricity generation was the top choice at 62 percent. The use of solar energy for heating and hot water production and the installation of a heat pump powered by electricity from renewable sources were mentioned by 52 percent. For two-thirds of respondents, attractive subsidy conditions are an important incentive for energy-efficient refurbishment. More than half would like to see simpler subsidy offers.

It is mainly about the old building stock

Two-thirds of all buildings in Germany were constructed before 1977 - i.e. before insulation of roofs, walls and basement ceilings was prescribed by the Thermal Insulation Ordinance. Almost half of those surveyed consider renovation measures to be important, but the costs should not be higher than the subsequent savings in energy consumption.

(Photo: © Ebowalker, Pixabay)