The global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions and combat climate change have led to politically summarized ambitious net-zero targets. These targets require drastic changes in various sectors. One sector is heat generation in properties. Heating systems using fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas are widely used in many households. The new CO2 reduction targets with the phasing out of fossil heat generation pose a new challenge for property owners and builders.
Natural gas is often referred to as a bridging technology, as it emits less CO₂ than coal and oil. 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 well-founded energy strategy is essential for a successful switch to alternative heating systems with renewable energies. The focus must be on the long term. The average lifespan of a heating system is around 15 - 20 years. However, this mainly concerns the heat generator and not the heat distribution. What influences the service life is correct maintenance. If maintenance has been neglected for years, the service life automatically decreases and the repair costs increase.
Replacing a fossil fuel heating system requires a holistic approach. The switch depends on various factors. There are structural requirements, the question of infrastructure in the surrounding area for district heating, the possibility of using a photovoltaic system, etc.
In addition to the technical requirements, switching to alternative energy sources is also associated with high initial costs. However, in the long term, renewable energy is cheaper than energy from fossil sources and is generally less exposed to price fluctuations. The price of fossil fuels has risen steadily in recent years. They are likely to become even higher in the future.
The high initial costs for the new system can often be amortized more quickly with both state and private subsidies. Not only does the sustainable heating system release fewer greenhouse emissions 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 systems?
Several alternative heating systems are the focus of CO₂ reduction. These alternatives offer different advantages and are more or less suitable depending on the type of building, 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) and water source heat pumps. Heat pumps use renewable energy sources such as air, earth or water to generate heat. They are very efficient and can be used for both heating and cooling. In combination with a photovoltaic system, the use of a heat pump is even more sustainable in terms of energy.
2. biomass heating systems
Heating with wood has always been a tradition. Wood is a renewable resource. As they grow, forests can absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the air and store it in the leaves, needles and wood. Wood heating systems are also known as biomass heating systems. More common terms are pellet heating systems, wood chip heating systems and log heating systems. Biomass heating systems are considered CO₂-neutral, as the CO₂ released during combustion was previously absorbed by the plants during growth.
However, it should be noted that ash is produced and that the store must be refilled at regular intervals, depending on the size of the silo for the pellets, for example. Delivery is by truck.
3. solar thermal energy
Solar thermal systems use solar energy to generate heat for heating and hot water. They can be used in combination with other heating systems such as heat pumps or biomass heating systems. The system uses the sun's rays to heat water or a heat transfer fluid. This process takes place in special solar collectors that are installed on the roof of a building or on open ground.
4. district heating
If the local authority's infrastructure is available, the property can also be connected to the district heating network. District heating systems supply heat that is generated centrally in a heating plant or power station and transported to consumers via a network. District heating can come from various sources such as waste heat from industrial plants, waste incineration plants 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.
Economic approach
A change in heat generation, e.g. to a heat pump, alone is not the most economical approach. An investment in a replacement heating system is financially worthwhile if the higher installation costs can be amortized by the lower operating costs over the expected service life. The operating costs for heat pumps are considerably lower than for oil or gas heating systems. If the house is well thermally insulated and the system is optimally adjusted, electricity and operation cost no more than 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 requirement due to poor thermal insulation, a conversion should be considered, as in most cases the investment pays for itself within 10 to 15 years.
Conclusion
Heating systems using fossil fuels, coupled with poor thermal insulation, cause unnecessarily high operating costs. Well-insulated properties with gas heating are relatively energy-efficient in themselves. Thanks to subsidies and tax benefits, the installation of alternative heating systems is an advantage in the long term. Anyone who installs or modernizes systems with fossil fuels today runs the risk that they will not be in operation for their entire service life.
If you would like to find out more, please contact us. We will be happy to show you what options are available and which is the best long-term solution for your property.