Germany plans to ban oil and gas heating from 2024
The terms and conditions
The current government has decided to ban the installation of new gas and oil heaters from 2024 onwards. The aim is to reduce harmful emissions and achieve long-term climate protection goals. This decision has caused uncertainty among property owners. Here you can find detailed information on the reasons behind the law, alternative heating options to fossil fuels, and who will be affected by the regulation.
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Important facts about the planned law
The law prohibits the installation of new, traditional heating systems that are operated exclusively with natural gas or oil from 2024 onwards. From that point on, it will be mandatory for newly installed heating systems to be powered by renewable energies to at least 65%. This regulation applies exclusively to newly installed heating systems. All heating systems that are already in operation enjoy protection and do not need to be removed or converted, even if they break down and require repairs. This means that there is no obligation to replace old and new heating systems. The law applies to heating systems that are operated entirely with fossil fuels. These include pure oil and gas heating systems. No more funding will be provided for these forms of heating. It is therefore advisable to focus on alternative energy sources, not only with regard to the ban on gas and oil heating systems but also because there are already subsidies available for climate-friendly heating models, which can provide up to a 40% cost credit.
Permitted heating options for installation from 2024
Various options are available for the new heating systems that must be powered by renewable energies to at least 65%. The required share of renewable energy can be generated by connecting to a district heating network, by using a pellet heater, a heat pump, biomethane, or through a hybrid heating system. Hybrid heating systems include two different heat sources, such as a gas heater and a heat pump. During winter, the fossil fuel provides the main source of heating, while in summer, the heat pump takes over. To determine which option is the best solution for your individual case, it is recommended to seek independent energy consulting. Experts know exactly how the condition of the building and the existing heating system can affect the possibilities of using renewable energy sources and provide comprehensive advice on financial requirements.
The right time to replace an oil or gas heating system
It is advisable to start exploring alternatives to old gas and oil heating systems early on. Those who operate their old heating system until it fails may face high costs. Homeowners can, for example, modernize existing systems, supplement them with renewable energies such as solar heat, or completely replace the old heating system with new systems such as a pellet boiler or a heat pump. Especially with old and inefficient heating systems, it is recommended to tackle this promptly and have the system checked. Some heating boilers must be replaced after a period of 30 years anyway. Those who already rely on systems that can be partially or completely operated with renewable energies may benefit from attractive state funding programs. Those who decommission an old gas or oil heating system as well as coal or night storage heating can receive a funding bonus of 10 percent. The replacement often pays off after just a few years, as new models are more energy-efficient and thus offer high savings potential.
Exceptions to the oil and heating ban
Although the law provides for a ban on oil heating and gas-fired heating systems, there are a few exceptions to the oil heating ban and the ban on gas-fired heating. Those who use so-called green gas, such as biogas, to heat their homes, will still have the option to install a gas heating system even after 2024. Heating with 100 percent hydrogen is theoretically legal as well. However, as this is currently very expensive, it hardly plays a role in practice. Another exception to the gas and oil heating ban has been established for owners who are over 80 years old. They may continue to install gas-fired heating systems in buildings with up to six apartments, provided that one of them is permanently occupied by the owner.