Hello community,
I’m reaching out to the experts because I’m quite confused. About 1.5 years ago, we bought a used house from the 1950s with an old oil heating system and last year we used 6,000 liters (1,585 gallons) of oil for heating 180 m² (1,937 ft²). Since this is obviously too much, I spoke with our local utility company, and they said the best options would be either a storage heater or infrared heating because 1) we wouldn’t need an additional gas connection, 2) we would save space by removing the oil heating system and tanks, 3) the initial investment wouldn’t be expensive, and 4) with modern control technology, we could heat using cheap and ecological electricity when there is an excess of green power.
Now, I researched a bit and found out that there is hardly any green electricity available at night, since the sun isn’t shining then—so storage heaters are probably not an option. Infrared heating is somewhat more expensive to install, but according to Redwell’s website, it is much cheaper than natural gas, for example, because it heats the walls and ceilings instead of the air. My neighbor, however, told me that electric heating systems are banned. So here are my questions:
1) Could the 6,000 liters of oil consumption be correct, or do we have a leak in one of the tanks (there is no smell of oil)?
2) Are electric heating systems still allowed to be installed?
3) How can I access cheap green electricity using control technology?
4) Which makes more sense economically: storage heaters or infrared heating?
Regards,
Tobi
I’m reaching out to the experts because I’m quite confused. About 1.5 years ago, we bought a used house from the 1950s with an old oil heating system and last year we used 6,000 liters (1,585 gallons) of oil for heating 180 m² (1,937 ft²). Since this is obviously too much, I spoke with our local utility company, and they said the best options would be either a storage heater or infrared heating because 1) we wouldn’t need an additional gas connection, 2) we would save space by removing the oil heating system and tanks, 3) the initial investment wouldn’t be expensive, and 4) with modern control technology, we could heat using cheap and ecological electricity when there is an excess of green power.
Now, I researched a bit and found out that there is hardly any green electricity available at night, since the sun isn’t shining then—so storage heaters are probably not an option. Infrared heating is somewhat more expensive to install, but according to Redwell’s website, it is much cheaper than natural gas, for example, because it heats the walls and ceilings instead of the air. My neighbor, however, told me that electric heating systems are banned. So here are my questions:
1) Could the 6,000 liters of oil consumption be correct, or do we have a leak in one of the tanks (there is no smell of oil)?
2) Are electric heating systems still allowed to be installed?
3) How can I access cheap green electricity using control technology?
4) Which makes more sense economically: storage heaters or infrared heating?
Regards,
Tobi
How old is the oil heating system? Even more importantly: what work have you done on the house so far? Have the windows been replaced or have the roof and walls been insulated? If not, that could explain it.
Before installing a new heating system, I would consider insulation measures first. If heat escapes through the roof and walls, it hardly matters what type of heating you use — it will definitely be expensive. Unless you own a private forest and enjoy chopping wood. :-)
Before installing a new heating system, I would consider insulation measures first. If heat escapes through the roof and walls, it hardly matters what type of heating you use — it will definitely be expensive. Unless you own a private forest and enjoy chopping wood. :-)
That's right, the energy consumption must be optimized first before considering the type of heat generation. However, I already fear that heating based on electricity will be uneconomical.
If you don’t make any changes to the building, switching from 6000 liters (1585 gallons) of oil consumption to electricity will make you financially worse off. Any leaks should be visible. Haven’t you had that checked? You should do this quickly, otherwise it will become expensive.
Regards
Rudolf
If you don’t make any changes to the building, switching from 6000 liters (1585 gallons) of oil consumption to electricity will make you financially worse off. Any leaks should be visible. Haven’t you had that checked? You should do this quickly, otherwise it will become expensive.
Regards
Rudolf
The heating system probably hasn’t been replaced since the house was built (so most likely from the 1950s). We have replaced the plaster both inside and outside. Other than that, nothing else.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a forest nearby. But we are considering replacing the window glass because in January, when it was very cold outside, we had frost flowers on the inside of the windows, which I’ve been told is no longer normal today.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a forest nearby. But we are considering replacing the window glass because in January, when it was very cold outside, we had frost flowers on the inside of the windows, which I’ve been told is no longer normal today.
This is really unusual. But then the consumption figures make sense.
Look into getting an energy consultant. In my district, for example, there is a free initial energy consultation available. After that, you can search for specialist companies. The important thing is: if you decide to make improvements, do it properly. In our multi-family building, the walls were insulated gradually, but after the third one, the work stopped. The windows were not addressed, resulting in thermal bridges and moisture problems. So, the insulation measures need to be coordinated.
That means: roof or attic, windows, basement ceiling, walls. But you will need professional advice for that. And a sufficient budget.
Look into getting an energy consultant. In my district, for example, there is a free initial energy consultation available. After that, you can search for specialist companies. The important thing is: if you decide to make improvements, do it properly. In our multi-family building, the walls were insulated gradually, but after the third one, the work stopped. The windows were not addressed, resulting in thermal bridges and moisture problems. So, the insulation measures need to be coordinated.
That means: roof or attic, windows, basement ceiling, walls. But you will need professional advice for that. And a sufficient budget.
Similar topics