Cost comparison: electricity prices are increasing: gas heating cheaper than heat pumps?

Looking at energy prices, the world was for many consumer Still okay at the beginning of 2022: In January 2022, you paid less than one euro for a liter of heating oil. But starting in March, heating oil prices really exploded. At times, heating oil customers had to pay more than two euros per liter of oil – a sad record in the history of the Federal Republic. In the meantime, the situation on the energy market has at least calmed down somewhat: heating oil prices have been flying low since January 2023 and experts are optimistic about price developments.

Gas heating better than heat pump? What expensive electricity prices mean for the heating transition

Even the gas price has leveled off at pre-war levels since December and is currently just above it brand 13 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). This trend reversal is contrasted with the development of electricity prices in Germany. Some providers already adjusted their prices at the beginning of the year. On March 1, 2023, one of the largest German energy companies is also moving to and . Could the trend of rising electricity prices endanger the heat transition?

The political goal is clear: as many old gas and oil heating systems as possible should disappear and be replaced by regenerative heat generators such as heat pumps. Since 2019, there has also been a “replacement obligation” for old gas and oil heating systems – what this means for consumers and who is currently affected is summarized in the linked article. However, the costs for a new heat pump are significantly higher than for gas or oil heating. In addition, electricity is consumed – means: If you don’t have a solar system, you pay per kWh.

Heat pump vs. gas heating: A comparison of heating costs – gas heating has an advantage

Thus, rising electricity prices could affect the operating costs of the heat pump – which in turn could endanger the heat transition. But, is this really the truth? The specialist portal “energy-experts.org” dealt with this question. In fact, at least she has gas heating in a sample calculation from “energie-experten.org”. The experts base their calculation on a gas price of 12 cents per kW and an electricity price of 38 cents per kWh – the result:

At least the air source heat pump is the gas heating consider in the calculated scenario. The geothermal heat pump is a little cheaper to operate – but it is also significantly more expensive to buy. Gas heaters are available from around 10,000 euros. A geothermal heat pump can quickly cost up to 30,000 euros. It should be noted that the gas price of 12 cents per kWh used in the sample calculation was chosen with a view to the gas price brake – but this is only a temporary relief for politicians.

Gas heating really better? Sample calculation reveals when the heat pump triumphs

Without the gas price brake, the gas price will rise again – depending on the intensity, the sample calculation will then shift in favor of the heat pump. In addition, factors such as acquisition costs and service life are not included in the sample calculation. Compared to one gas or oil heating Heat pumps are significantly more expensive – but more economical during operation. Even with electricity prices of around 50 cents per kWh, the operating costs would be amortized over the years.

In a second sample calculation, the experts from “energie-experten.org” calculated the total costs of a heat pump compared with those of a gas heating system based on a service life of 20 years. The gas consumption in the second scenario is 12,000 kWh and the electricity price per kWh is 50 cents. Compared to the first sample calculation, differences are immediately apparent. It is true that gas heating is far superior to heat pumps in terms of investment costs – but not in terms of operating costs:

Subsidy for the new heating system: There are various subsidies for heat pumps and the like

In addition, there are various state subsidies for regenerative heating in 2023. For one, this is the basic grants for individual systems such as the heat pump and on the other hand the so-called heating exchange bonus – the application for a heating exchange bonus can be submitted online. The prerequisite: the old oil or gas heating system must be shut down and replaced with a regenerative heat generator. However, if the requirements are met, consumers can benefit from good funding conditions.

The subsidy for a heat pump, for example, can be up to 40 percent including the heating exchange bonus. There is no state subsidy for new oil or gas heating – you should also be aware of this when making a purchase decision. With the increase in the obligation to replace old gas and oil heating systems, investing in a new fuel heating system therefore makes little sense. As an alternative to a heat pump, the state also recommends the installation of one pellet heating subsidized. The heating exchange bonus can also be added here.

Replacing oil or gas heating: What consumers should pay attention to with the heat pump

Heat pump or pellet heating – which is the better decision? There is no general answer to this question and it should be answered taking structural factors into account requirements and personal wishes, needs and preferences are met. The age of a building is not necessarily decisive. A heat pump can also replace oil or gas heating in old buildings. The size of the radiators and a good flow temperature should be taken into account, says Sven Kersten from the German Heat Pump Association (BWP).

Kersten in an interview with our editors: “Also in old buildings the electricity costs can be amortized over time.” Consumers should not be unsettled by fluctuating electricity and energy prices in general. Especially since heating systems such as a heat pump or pellet heating system are very compatible with a solar system. With the right combination, you can rely on them Make a piece of self-sufficient from the power grid.Hybrid heating systems are also possible.The combination of oil heating and heat pump also has savings potential.

Conclusion on the price comparison: You should reconsider the purchase of a new gas heating system

The conclusion to the comparison of gas heating and heat pump: In the short-term operating cost gas heating is currently in the lead. However, the currently comparatively low gas prices play a major role. Even in a long-term comparison, the tide is turning: over time, the higher costs incurred when purchasing a heat pump will be amortized. There are also subsidies and grants from the state. When making a purchase decision, you should therefore always think long-term and get help from an energy consultant or specialist company.

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