What does the new heating system cost? And is it worth it?

Many homeowners in Germany will have to say goodbye to conventional heating systems sooner or later. 76 percent of Germans feel poorly informed about the expected costs of a new heating system. 

There is a lot of uncertainty and many homeowners wonder whether they can afford a heating system replacement at all. This is where the ModernisationCheck at www.co2online.de/modernisierungscheck can help. The innovative digital solution makes it possible to check the costs and cost-effectiveness of renovation measures for buildings. The online advice is free of charge and independent. It is based on current data on energy prices, modernisation costs and subsidies from the federal and state governments.

Alexander Steinfeldt, spokesman for the non-profit consultancy co2online, says: "Investments of 90,000 euros for energy-efficient refurbishment mean a monthly burden of 90 to 150 euros over 20 years for homeowners. But the renovation pays off. It leads to noticeably lower heating costs and increases the value of the property."

What many homeowners do not know: Around two thirds of the investment costs are maintenance costs that are incurred anyway. In combination with necessary repairs, the investment in an energy-efficient renovation therefore pays off in most cases. In order to shoulder the financial burden, state subsidies and development loans support homeowners. 

An individual renovation roadmap from an energy advisor is recommended as the first step before renovation and is subsidised by the state by up to 80 percent. Before and during the refurbishment, homeowners can rely on expert advice and construction support, which is also subsidised under the federal funding programme for efficient buildings. 

Heat pumps are expected to become the dominant technology and most important alternative to gas and oil heating, reports the VDI Society for Energy and the Environment. Decisive for optimal operation are good planning and careful installation. 

(Photo: ©Jarmoluk, Pixabay)