Advantages of hybrid heating systems: Combine oil heating and heat pump: There is so much subsidy

The gas conflict with Russia triggered by the war in Ukraine has made energy prices in Germany massive. Consumers had to dig deeper into their pockets in 2022, primarily for heating oil and gas. In the meantime, the situation has relaxed a little. As of January 9, a liter of heating oil in Germany costs an average of 1.20 euros. The gas price has also leveled off at a stable price level. But the energy crisis has not only the prices for energy products changed – rethinking is increasingly coming into focus.

Oil heating: Convert the system – there is money from the state for heat pumps and the like

Away from classic fuels such as heating oil and gas and instead invest in climate-friendly energy generation: That is the idea in the private sector too. In an interview with our editors, Martin Bentele – Managing Director of the German Energy Wood and pelletAssociation (DEPV) – confirmed this trend in Germany. This is why pellet prices have risen so rapidly. The demand exploded within a very short time – which in turn caused the prices to skyrocket.

From an identical one development Sven Kersten from the German Heat Pump Association (BWP) also reported in an interview with our editors. The demand for heat pumps has increased rapidly. But that was already the case before the energy and price crisis. In addition to increased gas or heating oil prices, state subsidies make a new heating system attractive in 2023. The subsidies for a new heat pump total up to 40 percent – provided all the requirements are met.

Combine oil heating cleverly: how much funding there is for new heating systems

There is no longer a separate subsidy for modern oil heating systems. However, consumers can grants for other heating systems – keyword hybrid heating. Oil heating can be combined with a heat pump or pellet heating. A combination of oil heating and solar thermal is also conceivable. New oil heaters with condensing technology can be combined with almost all other heating systems. The oil heater can be used as a passive or active heating system – an overview:

This means: The oil heating is the main heating or is only used as a support. For example, the interaction of heat pump and oil heating is possible. The heat pump supplies the house with hot water and heat all year round. the oil heating comes in winter only as a support. The advantage of a hybrid heating: The heat pump uses less electricity in winter and the oil heating does not use as much fuel. A combination of heat pump and oil heating can be an option, especially in old buildings.

Use oil heating and heat pump together: This is how you save heating oil and electricity

According to Kersten, however, heat pumps could easily be used alone in winter heating system be used – even in old buildings. “Factors such as the size of the radiators and the flow temperature are crucial”. From his point of view, the combination with an oil heater only makes sense if the oil heater is already installed. Please note: If you buy a heat pump or pellet heating system and continue to use your oil heating system, you will not get the heat exchange bonus. Accordingly, the funding is canceled:

The hybrid heating system consisting of a heat pump and oil heating system therefore only receives a maximum of 30 percent state funding. In addition, the percentage is only applied to the cost of the heat pump. There are no subsidy programs for oil heating itself. Also – those who renew their oil heating and exchange individual parts – modernize at their own expense. The subsidy for oil heating is only available as a heat exchange bonus, i.e. if the oil heating is completely taken out of service.

Funding for replacing old heaters: CSU wants “special bonus for oil heaters

Criticism of the current funding system in Germany comes from the ranks of the CSU. “The switch to climate-friendly heat generation in private households must be promoted more,” says Alexander Dobrindt, head of the CSU state group. The CSU therefore wants to establish a “special bonus” for the exchange of old oil heaters. In contrast to the existing heating exchange bonus, the party’s decision paper provides for a subsidy of up to 80 percent. However, it is unclear to what extent the CSU can assert itself as an opposition party in the federal government.

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