ᐅ Use of District Heating – Are Consumption and Costs Typical?

Created on: 10 Feb 2018 07:36
R
Rollo83
Good morning.

I’m curious to know who here uses district heating.

We live as two people in a semi-detached house of about 130m2 (1,400 sq ft) built at the end of 2015, with underfloor heating. We use very little heating and rarely shower at home since we exercise five times a week.

Yesterday, the district heating bill arrived.

Rounded up, it was 10,000 kWh/year with an additional charge of nearly €150.
That means from now on a monthly payment of €107. I somehow find that “very expensive.”
77.willo10 Feb 2018 11:48
We pay about 100 euros per month for 220 sqm (2,370 sq ft) and 2 people. It’s important to keep in mind that one kWh of district heating delivers more heat to the house than one kWh of gas. However, our basic fee is also 600 euros per year.
R
Rollo83
10 Feb 2018 12:03
I need to take a closer look at the invoice later. I will probably end up around 600€ (about 640 dollars) as well. I find that quite steep.
K
Knallkörper
10 Feb 2018 13:53
77.willo schrieb:
You have to keep in mind that one kWh of district heating delivers more heat to the house than one kWh of gas.


Yes. But the difference is probably around 5%. On the other hand, at least in our case, we need to have a 1000L (264 US gallons) buffer tank that maintains about 70°C (158°F) throughout summer and winter, which causes losses accordingly.
A
Alex85
10 Feb 2018 14:18
Did you have a choice, or was district heating mandatory?
blaupuma11 Feb 2018 20:43
In our new development area, district heating is mandatory.
However, it was also recommended to me, had I had a choice.

Absolutely reliable
No additional maintenance costs
If there are any defects or similar issues, the service comes immediately and repairs free of charge.

The heating system never needs to be replaced.

It is apparently not unusual for gas or geothermal heating to cause significant expenses after the warranty period.
K
Knallkörper
11 Feb 2018 20:56
It was not mandatory for us, but a natural gas connection was not offered. The district heating connection, including the transfer station, had to be purchased together with the plot of land. If this forced quasi-monopoly did not exist, I would never have chosen district heating.