Modernize your heating system and gain long-term benefits

Nearly two thirds of heat-generating units installed in Germany are no longer sufficiently efficient today. Most of them are outdated and do not meet the current state of the art, with an average age of more than 17 years. Such heaters often cannot use their fossil fuel energy source with the efficiency expected nowadays. As a result, heat is lost, significantly increasing operating costs at a time of rising fuel prices, not to mention the environmental impact. Compared to other renovation measures, heating system modernization offers the greatest energy-saving potential. We have summarized the most important points for you.

Why it pays to modernize your heating

There are many good reasons to modernize or replace a heating system. Not only the age and efficiency of the system matter; environmental protection, heating costs and comfort are also important. Moreover, a new system can be advisable when an existing building undergoes renovation after many years. Depending on the scope of work, simply adjusting settings such as the heating curve may no longer be sufficient.

Reduce emissions
Emissions can be reduced, especially by switching to heating based on renewable energy.

Save resources
Modern heating systems are highly efficient and consume significantly fewer resources than outdated technology.

Lower heating bills
Higher efficiency and the use of renewables reduce fuel costs.

Increase comfort
New heating technology supplies heat and hot water on demand. Convenient app control is available as an option.

Use subsidies
Subsidy options for renewables lower acquisition costs when modernizing the heating system.

Increase property value
Investing in heating upgrades saves energy long term while increasing the value of the property.

Conserving resources and reducing emissions

Climate protection and affordable future energy supply are two of today’s biggest challenges. With modern heating equipment, every homeowner can actively contribute. Replacing outdated systems with modern heat generators saves natural energy resources and reduces emissions — especially when renewable energy is used. On average, modernizing the heating can save one ton of CO₂ per year. Overall, this is a significant contribution to the energy transition.

Savings

Reduce heating bills

There are many ways to save energy at home. However, the greatest opportunity comes from modernizing the heating system. As shown in the next chart, a new heating system or installing a solar system on the roof can save almost one third of the energy consumed, thereby reducing heating bills. Large-scale renovation is not strictly necessary to achieve this. Merely insulating exterior walls offers a much smaller potential; the same applies to replacing windows or doors.

Viessmann savings chart

Increase comfort at home

In addition to savings, another benefit of modernization is greater comfort. This is enabled by the digitalization of the system, which allows control via app. Residents can set the desired temperature with a smartphone or tablet from anywhere — at home or on the way from work. The Viessmann ViCare app shows how simple and convenient this can be.

Invest wisely and increase property value

No other modernization measure in or on the home pays off faster than upgrading the heating, in terms of both cost and consumption. Moreover, modernizing an old system can increase the market value of your property. With rising energy costs, many buyers pay more attention to operating expenses. Willingness to pay for energy-efficient properties is accordingly higher.

Climate solutions suitable for modernization

The right heating system for modernization depends on various factors. In addition to the year of construction and insulation status, residents’ individual heating habits also matter. A Viessmann partner will help you assess all of this. Once you have clarified the key data with specialists, they will provide competent, tailored advice. Essentially, the choice can be made by energy source. Below are systems suitable for heating modernization.

Heat from the ground, groundwater or air is a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. Viessmann heat pumps use natural energy efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way. Vitocal 250-A and Vitocal 252-A are particularly suitable for modernization. They achieve flow temperatures up to 70 °C and thus efficiently supply even older buildings with sustainable energy.

High-efficiency solar thermal systems in single-family homes and apartment buildings now cover up to 60% of the annual energy demand for DHW heating. In addition to hot-water production, solar collectors can also support space heating, especially vacuum-tube systems. Solar thermal energy is therefore an ideal complement when modernizing the heating system.

With a fuel-cell heating system you generate not only heat but also electricity for your home. This increases independence from the local grid operator. Viessmann Vitovalor PT2 is compact and delivers significantly higher electrical efficiency than current CHP solutions; the lower heat output makes it suitable for both new builds and renovated, modernized existing buildings.

Renewables do not have to cover the entire heat demand. Adding them to an existing system is also a good way to increase overall efficiency. Combining energy sources gives maximum flexibility in choosing the source. Hybrid systems allow different sources to be used flexibly, ensuring economical and efficient operation.

In a PV system, light-sensitive crystals in the modules convert sunlight into electricity. The best use is self-consumption, for example to operate a heat pump. To make electricity available at different times, a battery storage system such as Vitocharge VX3 is the ideal addition. It increases self-consumption as well as the economic efficiency of self-generation.

Local funding

Viessmann as a reliable modernization partner

When it comes to heating and modernization, Viessmann is a strong, experienced partner:

For more than 100 years we have been one of the leading international heating manufacturers, delivering “Made in Germany” quality.
Our trade partners provide first-class service and can offer comprehensive proposals for all energy sources and common heating systems.
New build or modernization — we focus on integrated, tailor-made solutions rather than isolated systems.
Investment costs, operating costs, self-sufficiency, environmental protection, subsidies: whatever your focus, we provide a clear basis for decision-making.

Energy check as the basis for replacing the system

An energy check is the ideal basis for decisions before modernizing the heating system. Viessmann offers a free online building energy-efficiency check, certified by TÜV Rheinland and positively assessed for reliability, methodology, assumptions and data sources. The check itself takes only a few minutes. To learn about your savings potential, you only need the following data:

Building type (single-family or multi-family).
Living area in square metres
Heating system (oil or gas)
Annual consumption
Number of household occupants

Modernize the heating system and use the services

To ensure smooth operation in the long run, even a new system requires regular maintenance. If you chose a Viessmann solution during modernization, it is advisable to conclude a maintenance contract. It can be tailored to your needs. Advantages of system maintenance:

Minimal effort — stable conditions without the need to compare prices every year.
High level of safety — regular maintenance ensures high operational reliability.

As mentioned above, you can conveniently control your new Viessmann system via app. To do so, the system must be connected to the internet and registered online.

What to consider before modernization?

If the heating system has completely failed, you need to act quickly. In such cases there is hardly any time for detailed planning of the new system. Therefore it is advisable to think about modernization in advance.

Define goals and explore options

The range of Viessmann heating systems is very diverse. Fuel types, technical details and storage options must be considered. It is therefore all the more important to clarify in advance what goals you want to achieve with modernization:

Reduce consumption and costs?
Protect the environment and reduce _CO2 emissions?
Become independent from gas and electricity?

In addition, the new system must fit the house and individual needs. For a fully comprehensive solution, radiators and piping may also need replacement. The building’s heat demand must be determined, and residents’ heating habits considered. Clearly, a modernization project requires good planning and preparation. Your Viessmann partner is ready to help you in all these matters, show options, support decision-making and final implementation.