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Modernising a heating system: tap into potential savings

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Topics at a glance

Why modernise a heating system?

There are many good reasons to modernise or replace a heating system. It is not only the age of the heating system and its efficiency that play a role. The aspects of safety, convenience and environmental protection can also motivate you to become a moderniser. Furthermore, a new heating system can also make sense if structural work is carried out on an existing building after many years. Depending on the scope of the work, it may then no longer be sufficient to change the settings of the heating controls, such as the heating curve.

New heating system as a capital investment?

No question: heating, including hot water, is by far the largest energy cost item in private households. Reason enough to think about modernising the building's energy systems and therefore replacing the heating system. Interest rates on savings are at an all-time low and continuing to fall. From this point of view, putting your money into a new heating system is a good investment.

An investment that pays off

Heating system modernisation offers the greatest potential savings compared to other measures. Heating costs can be reduced by up to 40 percent. And that's not all. A modern heating system has an excellent cost-benefit ratio. The considerable savings on energy costs result in an excellent return on investment.

Save energy and heating costs

There are many ways to save energy in your home. However, modernising the heating system offers the greatest potential. A new heating system or the installation of a solar thermal system on your roof can provide savings. By comparison, only 13 percent of energy can be saved by insulating the external walls. Even replacing the windows or doors only brings a saving of nine percent.

With a new heating system, you can reduce your energy consumption by a third, without necessarily undertaking extensive renovation measures.

Short payback period and increase in value

In terms of costs and consumption, there is no modernisation measure in or on a house that pays off faster – in some cases after just six years. So the sooner you invest in a new, more efficient heating system, the sooner you will start saving. In addition, you can increase the value of your property by modernising – in view of rising energy costs, many buyers are looking more closely at service charges. What's more, this data is recorded in the energy performance certificate when a property is rented, leased or sold. This is obligatory in these cases and for many a good forecast of future consumption, and therefore an important decision-making aid when buying a property.

The time factor plays a role

Who wants to have to replace their heating system in the depths of winter? Nobody. However, if it fails completely, quick action is required. In such cases, there is hardly any time for detailed planning of the new heating system. It is therefore advisable to think about modernising the heating system earlier on. Planning and preparation are essential. Plenty of time should be allowed for these stages, because all kinds of questions need to be clarified in advance.

Modern heat generators conserve natural energy resources

Climate protection and the futureproof supply of affordable energy are two of the greatest challenges of our time. By utilising advanced heating equipment, every householder can make an active contribution. After all, replacing outdated systems with modern heat generators conserves natural energy resources and reduces emissions. Modernising a heating system can save an average of one tonne of CO₂ per year. By modernising your heating system, you also bring the energy transition right into your home. Become proactive by opting for efficient and clean energy and reduce the burden on the environment.

  

Benefits of modernisation with Viessmann

Anything you can do to modernise your heating system is worthwhile. If you do it with Viessmann, you'll benefit several times over.

Over 100 years of experience

If you choose Viessmann for your heating system modernisation, you have a strong partner at your side. For over 100 years, our brand has stood for quality "Made in Germany" as one of the leading international manufacturers of heating systems. Our trade partners offer you first-class service and can provide you with a comprehensive quote for all energy sources as well as for all common heating systems.

Solutions instead of individual systems

Viessmann has evolved from a pure heating technology manufacturer to a solution provider for the complete living space – inside and outside the building. With Viessmann, you will not only find the right heat generator, but a wide range of options. Investment costs, running costs, self-sufficiency, environmental protection, subsidies: whatever matters most to you. Viessmann offers you a clear basis for making your decision.

What to consider before modernising?

The range of Viessmann heating systems is very varied. Fuel types, technical details and storage options have to be taken into account. It is therefore all the more important to clarify in advance what goals you are pursuing in modernising your heating system: Do you want to reduce consumption and costs? Protect the environment and reduce CO2 emissions? Or become independent of gas and electricity? All these questions need to be clarified in advance.

In addition, the new heating system must also suit the house and the individual needs. If it is to be a fully comprehensive solution, radiators and pipework may also have to be replaced. The heat demand of the building must be determined. Likewise, the occupants' heating patterns should be considered and factored into the decision. It is therefore clear that a heating system modernisation project requires good planning and preparation. This also includes checking how much energy can be saved through such measures.

  

Choosing a Viessmann heating system

Once you and your contractor have determined the key data for your new heating system, all that remains is to decide on a specific system and thus also on a specific product. Basically, a decision can be made here according to the energy sources. See below for the systems you could consider for your modernisation project.

Heating systems based on renewable energy sources: heat pump, biomass boiler and solar thermal

If you opt for a heat pump, wood boiler or solar thermal system when modernising your heating system, you are usually entitled to state subsidies of up to 50 percent of the investment costs (including a bonus for replacing an oil heating system and an additional five percent for fulfilling the renovation roadmap). At the same time, you are doing something good for the environment.

Heat from the ground, groundwater or air offers a cost saving alternative to fossil fuels. A Viessmann heat pump makes use of natural energy in a particularly effective and environmentally responsible way.

A heat exchanger system extracts energy from the outdoor air, groundwater and the ground, which can be used for heating or cooling via a heat pump circuit. This allows you to use free energy from nature and makes you more independent of gas and oil. Electricity is needed to operate the heat pump.

High efficiency solar thermal systems in detached houses and apartment buildings now cover up to 60  percent of the annual energy demand for DHW heating. Along with DHW, solar collectors can also heat the central heating water and can also be used as central heating backup.

With a solar thermal system from Viessmann, up to 35  percent of the annual energy demand in new buildings can be met for DHW and heating.

When oil and gas are burned, heat is generated. Unlike conventional oil and gas boilers, condensing boilers also use the hidden thermal energy in the hot gases. The water vapour in these gases is passed through the heat exchanger again. The vapour condenses and liquefies. This process releases heat that can be used in addition to the thermal energy from combustion.

Oil is an energy-rich fuel. In addition, the heating technology used in oil heating systems is proven and safe. Furthermore, a Viessmann oil condensing boiler helps to conserve resources and save energy. Almost 100  percent of the raw material used can be converted into thermal energy.

Viessmann gas condensing boilers offer convenient heat generation and there is a suitable solution for a wide range of needs. Condensing boilers are suitable for use in new buildings as well as in modernised and refurbished premises. Whether compact wall mounted boilers or floorstanding models, condensing technology can provide heat efficiently and reliably.

With hybrid appliances, two independent heat generators are integrated in a single unit: a gas or oil condensing boiler is combined with an electrically powered heat pump that takes its energy from the air or water.

This energy mix not only combines "renewable" with "highly efficient", but also offers the greatest possible freedom in the choice of energy source. This is because hybrid appliances make flexible use of various energy sources. In this way, they always ensure cost effective and efficient operation.

With a fuel cell heating system, you not only generate heat, but also electricity at the same time, which you can use in your home. This enables you to become increasingly independent of your local power supply utility.

The Vitovalor PT2 fuel cell heating appliance is the ideal energy centre for the modern detached house. The system combines heat and power generation on a very small footprint. This innovative appliance offers considerably higher electrical efficiency than that available through current combined heat and power (CHP) solutions. It reduces the amount of heat extracted and makes the fuel cell heating appliance particularly suitable for use in new build and renovation projects.

Viessmann is also your partner for generating electricity with photovoltaics. In a photovoltaic system, light-sensitive crystals inside the modules convert sunlight into electricity. To ensure that the electricity can also be used at a later time, a battery storage system is the ideal supplement.

With a PV system, you generate your own electricity on the roof. As feed-in tariffs continue to fall, self-consumption is becoming more and more worthwhile.

The Vitocharge battery storage system reduces dependence on the public electricity supply. It increases self-consumption as well as the economic efficiency of self-generation. In addition, it allows you to continue using electrical appliances in the event of a power grid failure. The single-phase compact unit (230  V) contains up to four battery modules (4 x 3.2  kWh).

Mission accomplished: satisfied customers are the best recommendation

Gas condensing technology

The Meyer family considered all the options and eventually decided on proven gas condensing technology in combination with a solar thermal system. Peter Meyer: "As a family man, you have to keep an eye on your finances. At first I was worried that it would all be a bit too expensive for us. But after the consultation with our heating contractor, it all seemed quite reasonable. We use much less gas now."

Gas condensing technology product information
Air source heat pump

The Schmoll family built their house in 1986 and decided to modernise it in 2013 with an air source heat pump in combination with a photovoltaic system. Gerhard Schmoll: "Our son gave us the idea of modernising the heating system. Then we went to Kassel to a consumer fair and were immediately impressed by the air source heat pump. Now we heat with energy from the ambient air, which is available in unlimited quantities."

Heat pump product information

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