Converting gas heating to a heat pump: Everything you need to know about the switch

Can I convert my gas heating system to a heat pump?

Converting from a gas heating system to a heat pump is an important decision that many homeowners are considering in order to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. But is such a conversion always possible? Here are some key factors that should be considered:

1. Technical feasibility: The first step is to check whether your house is suitable for the installation of a heat pump. Heat pumps require a well-insulated house in order to work efficiently. You should also check whether there is enough space available to install the heat pump and its components.
2. Type of heat pump: There are different types of heat pumps, such as air-to-water, brine-to-water or water-to-water heat pumps. Each has its own requirements and advantages. Choosing the right heat pump depends on the local conditions and your personal requirements.
3. Cost efficiency: A conversion may require a considerable initial investment. In the long term, however, operating costs can be significantly reduced compared to gas heating. In addition, possible subsidies and grants should be taken into account when calculating costs.
4. Environmental impact: Heat pumps use renewable energy sources and are CO2-neutral in operation if they are powered by green electricity. This makes them an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional gas heating systems.
5. Planning and installation: Conversion requires careful planning and specialist knowledge. It is advisable to commission a qualified specialist company to plan and carry out the conversion.
6. Regulatory requirements: Depending on the location, various building regulations and permits may be required. Find out about local guidelines and regulations in advance.

Converting a gas heating system to a heat pump is possible and sensible in many cases. However, it requires a thorough analysis of your own living situation as well as careful planning and implementation. Choosing a heat pump can save energy costs in the long term and make a positive contribution to environmental protection.

Converting gas heating to a heat pump: advantages & potential

By converting to a heat pump instead of a gas heating system, you are opting for a future-proof and efficient heating solution. Heat pumps use renewable energies and therefore already meet the future requirements of the German government with regard to the use of renewable energies. These heating systems are more efficient than gas heating systems and reduce heating costs, especially in view of the gradual increase in the price of CO2. Combining a heat pump with a photovoltaic system increases independence and security of supply, which is particularly advantageous in view of the current energy crisis and dependence on gas imports.

• Future-proof: Meets the requirements of the RE utilization obligation, which stipulates renewable energies in newly installed heating systems.
• Efficiency: Heat pumps are superior to gas heating systems in terms of efficiency.
• Cost savings: Lower heating costs through the use of environmental energy and low electricity consumption.
• CO2 price: Taking into account the gradual increase in the CO2 price leads to further savings.
• Security of supply: independence from fossil fuels and external energy sources.

These aspects make heat pumps an economically and ecologically sensible alternative to conventional gas heating systems.

Converting gas heating - these options are available

If you are considering upgrading your gas heating system, there are several options available to you. Choosing the right solution depends on several factors, including the nature of your home, your heating needs and your environmental goals. Here are some of the most common conversion options:

1. Converting to an air-to-water heat pump: This type of heat pump is relatively easy to install and does not require drilling holes in the ground. It extracts heat from the outside air, which makes it particularly suitable for buildings in urban or densely built-up areas.
2. Installation of a brine-to-water heat pump: This variant uses the heat stored in the ground. It requires the drilling of geothermal probes, but offers greater efficiency, especially in areas with lower outside temperatures.
3. Water-to-water heat pump: This technology uses groundwater as a heat source. It is very efficient, but requires a sufficient and qualitatively suitable groundwater source to be available.
4. Hybrid systems: A hybrid heating system combines a heat pump with an existing gas heating system. This can be a good option if the heat pump alone is not sufficient to cover the heat requirement on very cold days.
5. Photovoltaic system in combination with heat pump: By combining a heat pump with a photovoltaic system, you can further increase energy efficiency. The photovoltaic system supplies the electricity for the heat pump, which makes operation more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.

When deciding on a retrofit option, you should always seek detailed energy advice to ensure that the solution you choose is the best fit for your individual requirements and circumstances. It is also advisable to find out about funding opportunities and regional regulations to facilitate the implementation of your project.

Requirements for the efficient use of the heat pump

To ensure that a heat pump works efficiently and effectively in your home, certain conditions must be met. A heat pump is an excellent solution for environmentally friendly heating, but its performance depends heavily on the conditions of your home and the correct installation. Here are the most important factors you should consider:

• Building insulation: Good thermal insulation is crucial for the efficiency of a heat pump. This includes insulated walls, roofs, windows and doors. A well-insulated property retains heat better, which means the heat pump uses less energy to heat the house.
• Heating system compatibility: Heat pumps work most efficiently with heating systems that are effective at low temperatures, such as underfloor heating or low temperature radiators. When used with conventional radiators, efficiency may decrease.
• Size and design of the heat pump: The heat pump must be correctly sized to meet the specific heating and cooling requirements of your home. A heat pump that is too small or too large can impair efficiency and performance.
• Site conditions: The efficiency of a heat pump also depends on the local climatic conditions. For example, air-to-water heat pumps are more efficient in areas with a milder climate.
• Energy source: The type of heat pump (air, water or ground) must match the environment. For example, ground source heat pumps require a suitable subsurface for the installation of the geothermal probes.
• Electrical installations: Ensure that your electrical systems and connections are adequate to support the heat pump. In some cases, it may be necessary to update the electrical installations.
• Operating costs and environmental impact: Consider the operating costs and the CO2 balance. Heat pumps are particularly environmentally friendly if they are powered by renewable energies such as solar power.
• Maintenance and service: Regular maintenance is essential for the long-term, efficient operation of a heat pump. A reliable maintenance schedule helps to extend the service life of the system and maintain efficiency.

By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your heat pump works optimally and offers maximum energy efficiency. It is advisable to seek advice from a qualified professional to make the best possible decision for your specific home.

Is my house suitable for a heat pump?

The suitability of a house for the installation of a heat pump varies depending on whether it is a new build or an old building:

New build: The installation of a heat pump is generally very easy to implement in new builds. These buildings are often already designed to be energy-efficient and have excellent insulation. In addition, the integration of low-temperature heating systems such as underfloor heating is often already planned, which increases the efficiency of the heat pump. For new buildings, the heat pump is an ideal heating solution that offers both ecological and economic benefits.

Old buildings: If you live in an old building and would like to upgrade your old gas heating system to a heat pump, this is possible without any problems in most cases. In a five-year research project, the Fraunhofer Institute discovered that heat pumps are also an ecologically and economically sensible heating solution in existing buildings.

The evaluations of the field test showed that the age of the building is not relevant for the efficient operation of the heat pump. Good planning and professional installation are crucial for overall success. Normal radiators with lower flow temperatures are just as suitable for operating the heat pump; underfloor heating is not required. The integrated heating elements in the heat pump for particularly cold days (below -15 °C) are rarely used and only account for around 1.9 percent of the heating work. The reliability and durability of the heat pumps was confirmed by the field test, as there were very few operating faults.

For the field test, 56 existing buildings with varying degrees of refurbishment were examined, almost 60 percent of which were equipped with an air-to-water heat pump.

In both cases - new and old buildings - it is important to seek professional energy advice in order to find the best solution for your specific conditions.

Converting gas heating to a heat pump - when is it worth it?

Switching from a gas heating system to a heat pump can be worthwhile in various circumstances. Conversion is particularly attractive if environmental protection and energy efficiency are high priorities, as heat pumps use renewable energy sources and can be operated particularly effectively with green electricity. In times of high gas prices, the long-term cost savings from a heat pump can be considerable, especially if government subsidies reduce the initial investment costs. It also makes sense to switch if your heating system is due for renewal and your home is well insulated and may have a low-temperature heating system. Ultimately, retrofitting is worthwhile if you take a long-term view and factor both economic and ecological benefits into your decision. Expert advice can help you find the best option for your specific circumstances.

Converting gas heating to a heat pump: costs

Converting from a gas heating system to a heat pump is an investment that requires both short and long-term financial considerations. The costs can vary, depending on various factors:

1. Type of heat pump: The costs vary depending on the type of heat pump (air-to-water, brine-to-water). Air-to-water heat pumps are generally cheaper to purchase than ground source heat pumps.
2. Installation and additional work: The cost of installation can vary considerably, especially if additional work is required such as laying pipes or improving insulation.
3. Size of the house and heating requirements: Larger houses with higher heating requirements need more powerful heat pumps, which can increase the costs.
4. Funding and subsidies: In many countries, there are funding programs that subsidize the cost of switching to a heat pump. These can significantly reduce the investment costs.
5. Operating costs: Heat pumps are generally more efficient to operate than gas heating systems, which leads to long-term savings in energy costs.
6. Maintenance costs: These are generally lower compared to traditional heating systems, but should be taken into account in the calculation.

Overall, the cost of converting to a heat pump varies depending on individual circumstances and market prices. It is advisable to obtain several quotes and carry out a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis in order to assess the long-term profitability of the project.

How much money will you save by retrofitting?

When converting to a heat pump, the following factors are relevant for the savings:

• Efficiency of the heat pump: Modern heat pumps have a high level of efficiency, which leads to efficient energy consumption.
• Current heating costs: Dependent on your previous consumption and the price of gas.
• Local energy prices: The cost of electricity used to operate the heat pump.

Example calculation: Assuming your annual heating costs with gas are 2,000 euros. With a heat pump you save 40% of the costs. Annual savings therefore amount to 800 euros. With purchase and installation costs of 15,000 euros, it would take approx. 18.75 years for the costs to be amortized. Please note that this is a simplified calculation and the actual savings may vary.

Acquisition and installation costs for heat pumps

There are several cost factors to consider when purchasing and installing a heat pump:

• Type of heat pump: The costs vary between air-to-water, brine-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps. Air-to-water models are generally cheaper.
• Installation costs: Dependent on the complexity of the installation and the need for additional work such as pipe laying or adjustments to the heating system.
• House conditions: The cost also depends on the specific requirements of the house, such as insulation and existing heating infrastructure.

Type of heat pump: The costs vary between air-to-water, brine-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps. Air-to-water models are generally cheaper.

Installation costs: Dependent on the complexity of the installation and the need for additional work such as pipe laying or adjustments to the heating system.

House conditions: The cost also depends on the specific requirements of the house, such as insulation and existing heating infrastructure.

It is advisable to obtain quotes from different providers and compare the total costs, including possible subsidies that can reduce the financial burden.

Example calculation of amortization for defective gas heating

If you know the potential savings on heating costs and the purchase costs for a heat pump, you can carry out an amortization calculation. Taking into account a subsidy of 55% and an assumed service life of the heat pump of over 20 years, you can calculate whether the savings will offset the costs.

Sample calculation:

• Acquisition costs of a heat pump: Assuming they amount to 15,000 euros.
• Funding: With 55% funding, the costs are reduced by 8,250 euros.
• Net costs: 15,000 euros - 8,250 euros = 6,750 euros.
• Annual savings: Assuming you save 600 euros per year compared to gas heating.

Amortization:

• Amortization period: 6,750 euros / 600 euros/year ≈ 11.25 years.

In this case, investing in a heat pump would be economically worthwhile, as the payback period is well under 20 years. Please note that this calculation is highly simplified and the actual costs and savings may differ.

Is there a subsidy for converting from gas to a heat pump?

There are attractive funding opportunities for converting gas heating systems to heat pumps in Germany. One key element is the federal subsidy for efficient buildings (BEG), which has been in place since 2024. This subsidy supports the switch to renewable heating methods such as heat pumps and includes various bonuses, including a basic subsidy, a climate speed bonus, an efficiency bonus and an income-related bonus. The maximum subsidy can be up to 70% of the investment costs. Further details and specific conditions of the subsidy can be found in the article on subsidies in Germany.

Converting to a heat pump or hybrid heating? These three criteria will help you decide

Hybrid heating systems are a combination of gas heating and a heat pump, combining the advantages of both systems. They offer flexibility and efficiency by using the heat pump as the primary heating source and the gas heating as a backup or to cover peak loads. This combination makes it possible to benefit from renewable energy while providing a reliable heating source in times of high demand or low outside temperatures. Ideal for buildings that are not fully suitable for heat pumps or for households that prefer a gradual transition to renewable energy.

These three criteria can be helpful when deciding whether you should convert to a heat pump or a hybrid heating system:

1. Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness: Heat pumps are generally more efficient and environmentally friendly as they use renewable energy. They are a good choice if your goal is to reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Existing heating infrastructure and building condition: Check whether your house is well insulated and whether the existing heating system is compatible with a heat pump. Hybrid heating systems can be a viable solution for older or less well insulated buildings.
3. Cost and cost-effectiveness: Consider the purchase and running costs as well as available subsidies. Heat pumps can be more expensive initially, but may offer long-term savings. Hybrid heating systems can be cheaper to purchase but have higher running costs.

The decision should be based on a thorough analysis of your specific situation. It may be advisable to seek advice from a professional to find the best option for your home.

Conclusion: Does it make sense to replace your gas heating with a heat pump?

The decision to replace a gas heating system with a heat pump depends on several factors. Heat pumps offer the advantage of using energy efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way, which is particularly important in order to meet climate policy targets. They are particularly suitable for well-insulated buildings and can lead to long-term cost savings. Despite the higher initial investment, they are often more economical when the rising gas prices and available subsidies are taken into account. However, each case must be assessed individually and it is advisable to carry out a detailed analysis of your specific situation in order to make the best decision for your needs.