H2-ready gas heating: heating with hydrogen – that’s what experts advise

The energy and price crisis shaped the year 2022 – and many consumers will certainly not forget it anytime soon. Gas and heating oil prices in particular had risen massively during the energy crisis. At least with regard to gas, politicians have reacted and introduced an electricity and gas price brake that has been in effect since March. And also heating oil customers should be relieved soon. Consumers can already check their entitlement to a pellet and heating oil subsidy and determine the expected amount.

Converting gas heating to hydrogen: “H2-ready” – What you have to consider

But energy prices are no longer the only topic in energy policy. The plans of the traffic light coalition for a gradual ban on gas and oil heating from 2024 surprised and frightened many consumers. Especially since there is currently an obligation to replace old gas and oil heating systems after 30 years of operation. Now the federal government wants to keep up the pace and pass a new heating law. But not for everyone Deutschland a heat pump is an alternative.

For many, it could be all the more interesting to convert the gas heating be. A gas condensing boiler can be “H2-ready”. This means: In contrast to classic gas heating, the heating can be operated with a mixture of natural gas. Depending on the heating model, this gas mixture can consist of up to 30 percent hydrogen. However, classic gas heaters cannot simply be converted to operate with a mixture of natural gas. In other words, the system has to be completely replaced.

Making gas heating “H2-ready”: Switching to hydrogen – that’s how much it costs

However, with an existing gas heating system, the entire heating system does not have to be replaced. In this respect, the conversion can be interesting for owners with a gas heating system. The total cost for a conversion of the gas heating are significantly lower compared to a heat pump. “t-online” names a price range of 5000 to 8000 euros – depending on the model and size. The “efahrer.com” portal, on the other hand, reports around 6,000 to 10,000 euros.

Both of the price ranges mentioned include state subsidies for a new heating system in 2023 and tax relief totaling up to 20 percent taken into account. But how sensible is the conversion of a gas heating system for consumers at the moment? One thing is certain: the costs are significantly lower compared to a new heat pump – but there is a sticking point. Even modern gas condensing boilers can currently be operated with a maximum of 30 percent biogas. Research is being carried out into 100 percent hydrogen-capable models.

Gas heating from 2024: modernize old heating – why it is not advisable

The plans of the traffic light coalition for gas and oil heating envisage a renewable share of at least 65 percent for new fuel heating systems from 2024. That means: In addition to the gas heating “H2-ready” would have to owner install regenerative heating technology – such as a solar thermal or solar system. Added to this are the currently high prices for green hydrogen. Report “efahrer.com” According to this, hydrogen based on renewable energies currently costs around 16 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).

The price for classic gas has leveled off at the pre-war level since December and is currently around 12 cents per kWh. Next problem: The gas networks in Germany are not designed for natural gas mixtures with a high proportion of hydrogen. Therefore, the end of gas heating could come much earlier than the traffic light coalition envisaged. After all, consumers should ensure that their own heating systems meet the climate targets – at least that’s what a clause in the cabinet draft before.

Buying a new gas or oil heating system now? What energy experts recommend

This is another reason why energy experts advise against new gas or oil heating systems. Ramona Ballod – Energy Advisor Consumer Center Thuringia – points out: “With the decision for a new heater commit to the next 20 years. Take your time to make your decision – and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of all common heating systems.” Switching to renewable energies could make sense for cost reasons alone. The expert names heat pumps or pellet heating systems as alternatives – as well as hybrid systems.

Iris Ege from the Energy Agency Biberach (Baden-Württemberg) is even clearer in an interview with the “Swabian”. She warns of higher costs for consumer. In addition, with regard to the heating plans, the lifetime of a new heating system cannot be fully exploited. By 2024 at the latest, classic gas and oil heating systems should be in Deutschland be over. “I therefore recommend taking your time to think about what you are doing.” In the first step, the expert suggests a consultation. Consumer centers or energy consultants are suitable for this.

Continue to use existing gas and oil heating: Observe the “replacement obligation”.

The situation is different with regard to existing gas and oil heating systems. The consensus is that Experts |: First of all, don’t break anything over your knee and wait for the next steps. Because so far the plans for a new heating law are only a draft. In the Bundestag, this can be revised or even completely rejected. Therefore, waiting is currently the best strategy for consumers. However, anyone with a gas or oil heating system that is more than 30 years old should not wait – keyword “replacement obligation”.

The obligation to exchange is checked – fines of several thousand euros are possible in the event of non-compliance. However, there are various exceptions to the replacement obligation – they also apply independently of the traffic light plans. If in doubt, owners should seek advice and obtain expert advice. In some cases, an old gas or oil heating system can be converted and continue to be used in this way. However, consumers should continue to monitor the development of the traffic light plans. The only thing to avoid is quick shots.

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