Green group backs heat pump cost benefits
27th May 2023
GERMANY: The environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has called for a ban on installing gas and oil heating systems after claiming that heat pumps are cheaper even in existing buildings.
Based on practical examples and calculations in a new report compiled by the DUH and the German energy advisory association GIH are said to prove the economic efficiency of the heat pump.
The DUH claims that installing new gas heaters is a “cost trap” for consumers and criticises the German government for a renewed delay in the Building Energy Act and calls for a speedy amendment.
The report claims that installing a heat pump instead of a new gas heating system in a family home in Germany would currently save around 12% on energy costs per year, taking into account the investment costs. In a small apartment building, it claims the savings for tenants are as much as 15% or €0.17 per m2.
Describing new gas heaters as “a consumer trap”, the DUH MD Barbara Metz said: “Climate and consumer-friendly heating with heat pumps must be possible for everyone. To do this, the federal government must support consumers with the acquisition costs with an income-related subsidy.”
The cost check is based on scientific calculations by the analysis and consulting company Prognos, based on recognised building data, supplemented by figures from sound practical examples.
Arne Kruft , federal technical director of the Energy Advisory Association GIH, added: “A heat pump is also a sensible investment in existing buildings in many cases and will save even more costs in the future. Network charges for gas lines are becoming expensive, some gas networks are becoming unprofitable and dismantled due to the increased installation of heat pumps.”
The report (in German) can be dowloaded here.
