Many factors play a role. The amount of the investment costs, changes in the residential area, the time factor, etc. What are the best overall consequences to expect?
Away from gas and oil? Heat properly and use alternatives
It starts with the "right" room temperature. Most people find a temperature of 20°C comfortable. Avoid overheating rooms. This causes the body to adapt to the high temperatures and not feel that it is actually too warm. Also make sure that the radiators are not covered. And when you go to bed, close the blinds. This will prevent heat loss during the night.
Heating and ventilation
Also important: don't save in the wrong place. It is important to ventilate well so that mold does not form in the living areas. The cost of removing mold from rooms can easily exceed many heating bills.
Smart technology and renovation measures
This will also save you money in the long run. A first step could be to install smart thermostats that respond to current outdoor temperatures, even take the weather forecast into account, and can be conveniently operated via an app. You can set the exact room temperature you want at a specific time. New windows and doors can also significantly reduce energy consumption. Owners of existing properties must generally consider renovating their heating systems. An old boiler that has been in operation for 20 years simply consumes much more expensive energy than a new system with modern technology.
Modern alternatives to oil and gas heating
Heat pump
Government subsidies are available for installation. The major advantage is independence from gas and oil. Heat pumps obtain most of the energy required for heating from the environment— from the air, the ground, and groundwater. To make this free environmental heat usable, heat pumps require a small amount of electricity to drive the motor and pump. The technology, legal requirements, and costs vary depending on whether the energy is extracted from the air, the ground, or the water. In any case, you save a lot of CO2 emissions and heating costs in the long run. The relatively high acquisition costs are thus offset by the efficiency of the pumps.
Solar thermal energy or photovoltaics
Solar thermal collectors on the roof of the house convert free solar radiation into heat energy. This heat is transported via a pump from the roof to the basement, where it is used for heating or to provide hot water. The photovoltaic system generates electricity from light in the solar modules. The solar cells convert solar energy into direct current. An inverter converts this into alternating current for the household power supply. Surplus electricity is fed into the public power grid, which is also remunerated.
But before you can heat your home and generate electricity at low cost, you first have to make an investment. Here, too, the investment pays for itself over the service life. Subsidies and low-interest loans are available for the installation of a photovoltaic system.
Pellet heating
No waste. Nothing goes to waste: Sawmills produce large quantities of wood waste, which is used economically in pellet production. The valuable pellets can be used for inexpensive heating and make you independent of gas and oil. The pellets are made from renewable raw materials, i.e., renewable energies, and burn CO2-neutrally. Although CO2 is released, this is offset in advance by the growth of the trees. Subsidies can also be applied for a new pellet heating system.
Fuel cell heating
Fuel cell heating is basically a small power plant for single-family homes. It generates not only thermal energy but also electrical energy, which is fed into the power grid and remunerated when there is a surplus. This kills two birds with one stone: heating and independence from electricity providers. The heating system works on the basis of a chemical reaction with hydrogen, which is completely harmless. The system requires relatively little maintenance. Fuel cell heating is particularly worthwhile for constant consumption. Subsidies are available for the purchase.
Is it worth installing a new heating system in my property?
Installing a new heating system offers significant energy savings, which in turn means lower heating costs and maintains the value of your property. At the same time, it involves financial and personal investment. Many owners are not sufficiently informed about the options and subsidies available. We are happy to help you with this too.
Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation. We look forward to getting to know you and your property.