Future-proof heating systems

Analysis of sustainable heating systems for residential and non-residential buildings

hkama | stock.adobe.com

The “Future-proof heating systems” project develops comprehensible information materials for building owners, as well as decision-making and implementation aids for the selection of a sustainable heating system.

The requirement for 65% renewable energy for new heating systems in the amendment of the German Building Energy Act is crucial for a successful heat transition. In practice, this means a change of technology for many owners when the heating system is replaced. In addition to heat pumps, the connection to a heating network, or the installation of a biomass heating system, a gas heating system using green gases, a heat pump hybrid heating system and a direct electricity heating system are possible options to comply with the regulation.

However, owners often lack information regarding the possible heat sources and technologies and their suitability for their building. For example, often heat pumps are not yet perceived by private homeowners as an acceptable heat supply solution for existing buildings. Frequent concerns are that the characteristics of the building (e.g. efficiency of the building envelope, but also radiators and necessary supply temperatures for the heating system) only allow the use of heat pumps to a limited extent, lead to high operating costs and the required room temperatures cannot be achieved. Without technical expertise it is often unclear which measures are required for the use of sustainable heating systems (keyword "low-temperature readiness") in the building. Also, the associated effort and costs cannot be easily assessed. Likewise, the possibilities and availability of a heat grid supply are often not known.

The "Future-proof heating systems" project aims to close this central information gap. For various stakeholders without expert knowledge (e.g. private homeowners, housing and property owners' associations), comprehensible and target group-specific information materials, as well as decision-making and implementation aids, are being prepared and published.  These are intended to support various stakeholders in their decision-making process and thus contribute to the success of the heat transition.