How do we want to heat in the future?

Which heating system fits into which house? How will we heat in the future? That is what many homeowners are currently asking themselves. The amended Building Energy Act, better known as the Heating Act, has been passed but has not brought any new clarity. What to do, wait or act?

The Building Energy Act (Gebäudeenergiegesetz, GEG) was passed by the Bundestag and is scheduled to come into force on 1 January 2024. Only new buildings must be heated with at least 65 percent renewable energies from 1 January 2024. For existing buildings, there is a transitional period until the municipalities have submitted a concrete heating plan. In cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, the municipal heating plan must be available from 2026, in the remaining municipalities with more than 10,000 inhabitants from 2028. Functioning oil or gas heating systems do not have to be replaced, defective heating systems can be repaired.

The hype about heat pumps has died down, many homeowners are uncertain and are waiting to see what happens. Stiftung Warentest advises people to inform themselves now. Fossil fuels will become more and more expensive in the future. In the long run, it is therefore worthwhile to switch to renewable energies. Anyone planning to replace the old heating and hot water system in their home with a modern and efficient one will find competent advice in a new book. The book entitled "Heating and hot water - The right system for your home" costs 39.90 euros, will be published on 24 November 2023 and can be pre-ordered now at test.de and the keywords heating and hot water.

The book explains the advantages and disadvantages of the individual systems and shows which is best suited to individual needs and requirements. Readers receive practical assistance with the installation, adjustment and operation of the heating system as well as information on current funding opportunities and legal requirements.

The conclusion of a heating engineer from Kiel: "Heating will definitely be much more expensive than we have been used to, and for everyone, no matter which solution you choose. Those who stick with the old fossil-fuel heating system will have to dig deeper into their pockets for gas or oil from year to year. Those who convert their house to a heat pump, photovoltaics or another heating system invest a lot of money at the beginning, but increase the value of the house and can hope for cheaper electricity later.

(Photo: Andrew Martin, Pixabay)