Global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions and combat climate change have led to ambitious net-zero targets, which have been agreed upon politically. These goals require drastic changes in various sectors. One sector is property heat generation. Heating systems powered by fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas are widespread in many households. The new CO₂ reduction targets, coupled with the phase-out of fossil heat generation, pose a new challenge for property owners and developers.
Natural gas is often referred to as a bridging technology because it emits less CO₂ than coal and petroleum. Despite its relative environmental friendliness compared to other fossil fuels, the combustion of natural gas still contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve net-zero targets, the use of natural gas in heating systems must be reduced and ultimately eliminated.
Strategies for the transition to sustainable heating solutions
A sound energy strategy is essential for a successful transition to alternative heating systems using renewable energy. The focus must be on the long term. The average lifespan of a heating system is approximately 15-20 years. However, this primarily affects the heat generator, not the heat distribution. Proper maintenance influences the lifespan. If maintenance is neglected over years, the lifespan automatically decreases and repair costs increase.
Replacing a fossil fuel heating system requires a holistic approach. The switch depends on various factors. These include structural requirements, the question of the surrounding infrastructure for district heating, the possibility of using a photovoltaic system, etc.
In addition to the technical requirements, switching to alternative energy sources also involves high initial costs. However, in the long run, renewable energy is cheaper than energy from fossil sources and is generally less subject to price fluctuations. Fossil energy prices have been rising steadily in recent years and are likely to become even higher in the future.
The high initial costs of the new system can often be recouped more quickly with government and private subsidies. Not only does the sustainable heating system release fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contribute to climate protection, it also increases the value of the property. This can also be a decisive factor when selling the property.
What alternatives are there to oil and gas heating?
Several alternative heating systems are focused on reducing CO₂ emissions. These alternatives offer different advantages and are more or less suitable depending on the building type, regional conditions, and individual needs. Here are some of the most important options:
1. Heat pumps
There are different types of heat pumps: air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps (geothermal energy), and water-source heat pumps. Heat pumps use renewable energy sources such as air, earth, or water to generate heat. They are highly efficient and can be used for both heating and cooling. Combined with a photovoltaic system, the use of a heat pump becomes even more sustainable in terms of energy.
2. Biomass heating systems
Heating with wood has been a tradition since time immemorial. Wood is a renewable resource. As forests grow, they can absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the air and store it in their leaves, needles, and wood. Wood heating systems are also called biomass heating systems. More common terms include pellet heating systems, wood chip heating systems, and log heating systems. Biomass heating systems are considered CO₂-neutral because the CO₂ released during combustion was previously absorbed by the plants during growth.
However, it is important to note that ash is produced and, depending on the size of the silo, for example, for pellets, the storage must be refilled regularly. Delivery is by truck.
3. Solar thermal energy
Solar thermal systems use solar energy to generate heat for space heating and hot water. They can be used in combination with other heating systems such as heat pumps or biomass heaters. The system harnesses the sun’s rays to heat water or a heat transfer fluid. This process takes place in special solar collectors installed on the roof of a building or on open land.
4. District heating
If the municipality has the necessary infrastructure, the property can also be connected to the district heating network. District heating systems provide heat that is generated centrally in a heating plant or power plant and transported to consumers via a network. District heating can come from various sources, such as waste heat from industrial facilities, waste incineration plants (WIPs), or combined heat and power plants. This heat is transported directly to the building via insulated piping systems, where it is used for space heating and hot water production.
Economic perspective
Switching your heat generation to a heat pump, for example, is not the most cost-effective option. An investment in replacing your heating system is financially worthwhile if the higher installation costs can be offset by lower operating costs over its expected lifetime. Operating costs for heat pumps are significantly lower than for oil or gas heating systems. If the house is well insulated and the system is optimally adjusted, electricity and operation costs cost a maximum of a few hundred francs per year. Heat pumps with geothermal probes (or air-to-water heat pumps) also require minimal service and maintenance.
If the existing oil or natural gas heating system has already reached the end of its technical service life and the building has a relatively high heating energy demand due to poor thermal insulation, it is worth considering a conversion, as the investment will pay for itself in most cases within 10 to 15 years.
Conclusion
Heating systems using fossil fuels, coupled with poor thermal insulation, result in unnecessarily high operating costs. Well-insulated properties with gas heating are relatively energy-efficient in themselves. Thanks to subsidies and tax breaks, installing alternative heating systems is advantageous in the long run. Anyone who installs or modernizes systems using fossil fuels today risks the risk that they will not last their entire lifespan.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact us. We’d be happy to show you the options available and determine the optimal long-term solution for your property.