We have chosen the two energy sources mentioned above as our favorites. Now we need to decide which is suitable for us. Our house is about 143m² (1,539 sq ft).
What would you recommend? What are the pros and cons of each? Are there any details on average operating and installation costs? Lifespan, etc.?
Thank you.
What would you recommend? What are the pros and cons of each? Are there any details on average operating and installation costs? Lifespan, etc.?
Thank you.
andimann’s calculation is good but does not take some factors into account:
- the different price increases for electricity and gas over the next 20 years
- the subsidies and incentives from KfW and BAFA for a geothermal heat pump
Gas heating is usually offered together with solar thermal systems. With geothermal heating, the solar thermal system can be omitted. This changes the cost comparison significantly.
Normally, gas heating only works with solar thermal systems because the energy saving regulations require a certain percentage of renewable energy. However, under certain conditions, it is possible without solar thermal, see the thread "Gas heating without solar thermal?"
I am not sure whether gas without solar thermal is still a possible option under the new energy saving regulations effective from April 2016.
- the different price increases for electricity and gas over the next 20 years
- the subsidies and incentives from KfW and BAFA for a geothermal heat pump
Gas heating is usually offered together with solar thermal systems. With geothermal heating, the solar thermal system can be omitted. This changes the cost comparison significantly.
Normally, gas heating only works with solar thermal systems because the energy saving regulations require a certain percentage of renewable energy. However, under certain conditions, it is possible without solar thermal, see the thread "Gas heating without solar thermal?"
I am not sure whether gas without solar thermal is still a possible option under the new energy saving regulations effective from April 2016.
Of course, you can’t simply reduce the calculation to just the “fuel costs.” And it’s very difficult to predict how those will develop in the future. However, in recent years, electricity costs have increased significantly more than gas prices. Personally, I suspect this trend will continue.
But if you factor in all the investment costs including interest, maintenance costs, depreciation (after 20 years the heating system will be due for replacement), and so on, in my opinion a gas heating system is unbeatable economically. Especially without solar thermal! However, getting approval for that is already quite difficult, and next year it will become very, very tricky...
I put together an Excel spreadsheet that includes all these values. You can easily play around with it, and however you look at it, you won’t find anything cheaper than a gas heating system.
@Bauexperte or other admins:
I’m happy to share the spreadsheet if desired.
Next year, you will probably (although it depends on so many factors that you really have to calculate) have to install solar thermal not only for domestic hot water (around 5m² (54 sq ft)), but also for heating support (around 10–12m² (108–130 sq ft)). Economically, this makes no sense at all, but that’s just what the environmental lobby wants...
This will quickly add 3,000–5,000 euros more and push the calculation in favor of heat pumps. And heat pumps are also becoming cheaper...
But honestly, it’s largely a matter of personal preference and belief. One person might not want gas in their home; another might dislike heat pumps, and so on…
Best regards,
Andreas
But if you factor in all the investment costs including interest, maintenance costs, depreciation (after 20 years the heating system will be due for replacement), and so on, in my opinion a gas heating system is unbeatable economically. Especially without solar thermal! However, getting approval for that is already quite difficult, and next year it will become very, very tricky...
I put together an Excel spreadsheet that includes all these values. You can easily play around with it, and however you look at it, you won’t find anything cheaper than a gas heating system.
@Bauexperte or other admins:
I’m happy to share the spreadsheet if desired.
Next year, you will probably (although it depends on so many factors that you really have to calculate) have to install solar thermal not only for domestic hot water (around 5m² (54 sq ft)), but also for heating support (around 10–12m² (108–130 sq ft)). Economically, this makes no sense at all, but that’s just what the environmental lobby wants...
This will quickly add 3,000–5,000 euros more and push the calculation in favor of heat pumps. And heat pumps are also becoming cheaper...
But honestly, it’s largely a matter of personal preference and belief. One person might not want gas in their home; another might dislike heat pumps, and so on…
Best regards,
Andreas
frankenbau13 Nov 2015 19:04I would find the table great.
Looking at the amount of wind and solar power newly installed each year, the electricity mix will look different in 20 years. Gas will still have to come from fracking, Russia, or elsewhere. In this respect, the future will be even more challenging for gas. Wind power is already nearly competitive without subsidies today.
B
Bauexperte13 Nov 2015 20:46Hello Andreas,
Please feel free to share your table; I’m also curious. I believe that gas will face significant challenges due to the upcoming energy saving regulations, and solar systems for domestic hot water on the roof will not be sufficient.
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
Please feel free to share your table; I’m also curious. I believe that gas will face significant challenges due to the upcoming energy saving regulations, and solar systems for domestic hot water on the roof will not be sufficient.
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
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