
Away from gas and oil – what are the alternatives?
In addition to gas and oil, wood and electricity can also be important energy sources. Owners who switch will save on heating costs in the long term and also increase the value of their home due to reduced CO2 emissions. Before spending money on converting your heating system, you should check whether and how this can be done. For example, certain conditions must be met in order to install an electric heat pump in an old building.
Is retrofitting possible?
First, you should answer the following questions: What is possible and what makes the most sense for my property? There is a standardized procedure for evaluating old heating systems: the Heating Check 2.0. Experts examine the current heating system to identify its weak points. The consumer advice center also helps with its "Heating Check" to review 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 seek energy advice.
A real estate agent can work with the owner to find suitable experts in the region and knows which measures will increase the value of the property. When retrofitting, the cost-benefit factor and the available budget should also be taken into account. The higher 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 because they require less technical conversion. All that is done here is to dismantle the existing boiler, which then serves as a heat exchanger. Those who want to be even more climate-friendly can switch to an electric heat pump. This extracts heat from the air, ground, or water. The principle is simple: the heat from the environment is absorbed by the coolant and evaporated. The electricity compresses and heats the whole system. Finally, everything is transferred to the heating water via the heat exchanger.
Renewable energies can also be integrated with both alternatives. In addition to solar thermal energy, there are now also so-called micro wind turbines—wind turbines for house roofs. If the house or apartment has a balcony, solar panels can also be installed, provided that the structural requirements are met. The combination that offers the most benefits for homeowners in terms of cost savings, technical retrofitting options, and value appreciation should also be clarified in advance with a real estate agent and technical expert.
Do you have questions about selling or purchasing a property? Or do you need help with energy-efficient renovation? Then get in touch with us. We will be happy to advise and support you.
Notes
For reasons of better readability, the generic masculine form is used in this text. Female and other gender identities are expressly included insofar as 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 case.
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