ᐅ Installation of a Gas Heating System in New Construction 2023/2024

Hello fellow home builders,

we have started constructing a single-family house. The approved building permit / planning permission includes a gas heating system, which we still want to install.

There are two possible scenarios:

1. What happens if the heating system is installed in October 2023, but the house is only inspected and approved in February 2024?

2. What happens if the heating system is installed in January 2024, and the house is inspected and approved in May 2024?

Both options are difficult to plan for. So far, we do not know whether the construction schedule might be delayed.
I haven't found any information on this. Do you have any further details?

Regards,
robert0815

What is the reason for sticking with gas heating—especially in a single-family home? I could still understand it in the case of multi-family houses or semi-detached/terraced houses.

To me, the project is like trying to buy a new car with a naturally aspirated diesel engine next year.

The main issues, in my opinion, are the depreciation due to outdated heating technology and, in the long run, the mandatory replacement requirements.

If the price of the heat pump is the concern, it might be worth having an honest and open-ended discussion about the technology or the manufacturer. In direct sales, there are sensible all-in-one sets with monoblock units and R290 refrigerant for around 10,000 euros (about 11,000 USD). An additional cost for Vaillant in a set could be around 5,000 euros (about 5,500 USD)—especially if you can avoid the gas connection and the extra piping for solar thermal systems.

Strange comparison. The condensing boiler is like the latest generation turbo diesel, while a naturally aspirated diesel is more like an oil heating system. The heat pump is like the electric car. At the moment, I would still go for a gas heating system. Mainly because, due to the lack of large storage capacities, heat pumps will still be powered by coal-generated electricity well into the 2030s during winter... which drives up electricity prices (by the way, the construction of large storage solutions and the massive expansion of renewables also increases electricity prices).

I might consider a heat pump around 2035. If by then no hydrogen economy has developed and people continue to operate their gas boilers simply with green natural gas.

So far, no one who has also studied electrical engineering has been able to explain to me where to get the nearly 5,000 petajoules of heat Germany needs. Most of that in winter, when the sun is weak and the wind sometimes doesn’t blow at all for several days... unless through huge, indeed gigantic storage systems.

PS:
And because a gas heating system can also be installed faster. Current delivery times for heat pumps are reportedly between 6 and 18 months, depending on the model and how good the customer’s relationship is with the manufacturer.

xMisterDx schrieb:

PS:
And because you can get a gas heating system faster. Delivery times for heat pumps are currently between 6-18 months, depending on the model and the customer’s relationship with the manufacturer.

But this is mainly due to the “established” manufacturers, as the installers can earn good money with them.
For example, if you order a Panasonic heat pump today, it can be installed next week if you order it today. However, installers don’t prefer this because the profit margins are lower. The 5 kW monoblock costs only €3,600 (about $3,900) ready for connection, and the split unit only €5,100 (about $5,550) (even with R32 refrigerant, since R410a will no longer be allowed in split units from 2025). And this from German suppliers. So delivery times for heat pumps are not inherently a problem.

In terms of price, Asian models are even cheaper than gas boilers. So I really see no reason to stick with gas heating today. Especially when building to KfW 55 standard or better and the electricity consumption is very low. The electricity cost does not matter much to me either — whether I heat the house with €600 (roughly $650) or €800 (about $870) worth of electricity. You barely notice the difference. Gas is simply outdated.

P.S. Diesel, in any form, has also been outdated for years. Sales have declined by about two-thirds over the last 5 years. So you make a great comparison that puts gas heating in the “no longer state-of-the-art” category as well.

Nothing has happened. So, no need to panic—go ahead and install a gas heating system.

So far, only idealistic ideas have been discussed publicly, and there is a draft law.

Currently, nothing is banned or decided.

Your gas heating system will last twice as long as a heat pump and will be significantly cheaper.

Anyone who still installs a gas heating system in new construction today is either narrow-minded or stubborn and thinks they are particularly clever. Gas heating systems will soon face political penalties. Follow the mainstream – order a heat pump!