One of the individual measures funded by Bafa is the replacement of the heating system. Grants are in high demand at the moment. Because more than ever, homeowners are asking themselves the question of how they should heat their building in the future.
Here is an overview of the most common heating systems. The source for the prices mentioned is the heating suitability check of the consumer advice center.
Gas condensing boiler
© Stiftung Warentest / René Reichelt
Advantages. A gas condensing boiler is often the simplest solution with the lowest investment costs.
Disadvantages. The CO2-Load is high, users are dependent on gas price developments, long-term operating costs are high.
Costs. Approx. 12,000 euros, in combination with solar thermal energy up to 25,000 euros.
Financial support. No.
solar thermal
© Stiftung Warentest / René Reichelt
Advantages. A solar thermal system can cover about half of the hot water requirement, and in well-insulated houses it also supports the heating. This reduces the CO2-emission and operating costs. Solar thermal can be combined with various heating systems.
Disadvantages. Operation is generally only economical for households with high hot water consumption (from 3 to 4 people). The installation is relatively complex.
Costs. 5,000 to 10,000 euros.
Financial support. 25 percent of the costs, up to a maximum of 15,000 euros.
air heat pump
© Stiftung Warentest / René Reichelt
Advantages. Heat pumps are the first choice in new buildings and well-insulated old buildings. Air source heat pumps are less expensive than other systems, they can be implemented anywhere. No chimney needed.
Disadvantages. Air source heat pumps are less efficient than other heat pumps and they make noise. Heat pumps are not suitable for poorly insulated old buildings without surface heating.
Costs. 20,000 to 25,000 euros.
Financial support. 25 percent of the costs, up to a maximum of 15,000 euros, when replacing an oil heating system or an old gas heating system, 35 percent, up to a maximum of 21,000 euros.
geothermal heat pump
© Stiftung Warentest / René Reichelt
Advantages. Ground source heat pumps work more efficiently than air source heat pumps and therefore usually consume less electricity. No chimney needed.
Disadvantages. Not all soils are suitable for a geothermal heat pump and drilling is not permitted everywhere. Large areas are required for geothermal collectors. More expensive and more complex than air heat pumps. Usually not suitable for unrenovated old buildings.
Costs. 30,000 to 40,000 euros.
Financial support. 30 percent of the costs, up to a maximum of 18,000 euros, when replacing an oil heating system or an old gas heating system, 40 percent, up to a maximum of 24,000 euros.
pellet heating
© Stiftung Warentest / René Reichelt
Advantages. Wood is a renewable raw material and counts as CO2-neutral. Especially in the form of pellets, it can be an alternative to fossil fuels when other heating systems such as heat pumps are not possible. Comparatively cheap fuel.
Disadvantages. Wood is only available in limited quantities. The storage of the pellets is space-consuming.
Costs. 25,000 to 35,000 euros.
Financial support. 10 percent of the costs, up to a maximum of 6,000 euros, when replacing an oil heating system or an old gas heating system, 20 percent, up to a maximum of 12,000 euros.
district heating
© Stiftung Warentest / René Reichelt
Advantages. Depending on the energy source used, district heating can absorb a lot of CO2 save on. No maintenance required.
Disadvantages. District heating is not available everywhere. There is always only one local provider. Switching to another provider is not possible. The contracts are mostly long-term.
Costs. 8,000 to 15,000 euros.
Financial support. Up to 25 percent of the costs, up to a maximum of 15,000 euros. When replacing an oil heating system or an old gas heating system, 35 percent, up to a maximum of 21,000 euros.
Don’t just think about the new heater
It often makes sense not only to install a new heating system, but also to renovate other parts of the house. It is therefore advisable to seek the advice of an expert before starting work. Ideally, he will draw up a so-called individual renovation roadmap for the house.
Tips: Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of gas heating, heat pumps and pellet heating in our large comparison of heating systems. Our calculation of how you can save gas with the help of solar thermal energy and insulation is also worth reading. Find out how you can set the heating correctly and save up to 15 percent on heating costs.
