ᐅ Is it necessary to replace a night storage heating system with a new heating system in a house?

Hello, I am not the direct owner yet, but I am planning to buy a house that is currently equipped with storage heaters. From everything I have heard so far, this type of heating is not very efficient, and there are conflicting statements that at some point in the future, this type of heating may no longer be allowed.

My question is: does anyone know reliably whether it will actually be required to replace these heaters / storage heating in the future? And what costs should one expect for a replacement? The property is a small older building (about 100 sqm (1,076 sq ft) living area / built around 1906 / old farmhouse). There is not much space for a large boiler. The seller states that the heating costs are about 110 EUR per month (around 1,300 EUR per year total), but I find this hard to believe. And if the heating system is replaced, the water supply probably needs to be changed as well, which would entail additional costs?

Thanks in advance for the answers from the experts.

Hello,

Gaga schrieb:
...., but I’m planning to buy a house that currently has night storage heaters installed.

I would strongly advise reconsidering that!

Gaga schrieb:
...My question is, does anyone know for sure whether in the future the stoves / night storage heaters will have to be replaced?

Yes, starting in 2020. Regardless, this heating system is the most expensive in terms of energy consumption costs.

Gaga schrieb:
...The seller says that the heating costs are around 110 EUR per month (about 1300 EUR per year total), but I somehow find that hard to believe.

The seller will likely try to present the running costs as low as possible. As a buyer, you have a legal right to an energy performance certificate in accordance with energy saving regulations (building energy certificate)!

Gaga schrieb:
...And if you replace the heating system, you will probably have to modify the water supply as well, which will cause additional costs, right?

That’s correct. Heating and hot water preparation are significant cost factors for a single-family home.
So be cautious—such properties can quickly become money pits afterwards. Decisions should only be made after consulting a specialist in construction and building services engineering.

Best regards

Thank you for the information. I was uncertain about this, but I will discuss it again with the people involved, as I am willing to take on the renovation work. However, the price should definitely be reconsidered, as it is absolutely too high.

Hello Gaga,
I would recommend installing an air-to-water heat pump. The installation costs are considerably lower and the process is faster compared to geothermal systems.
My friend and I installed a Mitsubishi Ecodan in his house; the unit is very quiet and has a good COP (Coefficient of Performance). The chimney sweep no longer needs to enter his house. These systems don’t require much space—the indoor unit is about the size of a refrigerator, or you can even get a compact unit that is entirely outdoors, with only the buffer tank in the basement or utility room.
You just need to install larger radiators than with a conventional heating system so the flow temperature can stay as low as possible. The electricity for the heat pump is generally cheaper than the standard tariff, but this depends on the local utility company.
I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Maxim

Hello,

Maxim schrieb:
...I would install an air-to-water heat pump.

A general recommendation that can certainly be promising. The building, climate location, user behavior, etc. must first be assessed for suitability for an air source heat pump!

Maxim schrieb:
...Heat pump electricity is generally cheaper than standard rates, ...

Peak and off-peak tariffs are not always the cheaper option, especially for air source heat pumps. This should be calculated (or have someone calculate it) in advance because air source heat pumps rely on their energy source – outdoor air (seasonal performance factor). Especially with higher domestic hot water demand relative to heating, the high midday temperatures are quite relevant. In this case, a peak tariff applies.
Best regards

It was not a general recommendation, but a suggestion based on my own positive experience. I only shared what worked well for me. I just know that anything is better than night storage electricity!

An air-source heat pump is always better than night-time electricity, and even a ratio of 1:3.2 (2°C / 36°F) is always better than night storage heating. Our local utility company offers a flat rate of 17 cents per kWh around the clock, or 13 cents per kWh at night. But ultimately, it is up to each individual. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.