Modernize your heating system and gain long-term benefits

Almost two-thirds of the heat-generating installations installed in Germany today are no longer efficient enough. Most of them are outdated and do not meet modern technical standards, as their average age is more than 17 years. These heaters are often unable to utilize their fossil fuel energy source with the efficiency customary today. As a result, heat is lost, which significantly increases operating costs at a time when fuel prices are rising, not to mention the environmental impact. Compared to other renovation measures, heating system modernization offers the greatest potential for energy savings. We have summarized the most important points for you.

Why it's worth modernizing your heating system

There are many good reasons to modernize or replace a heating system. Not only the age of the heating system and its efficiency are important. Environmental protection, heating costs, and comfort aspects are also crucial. In addition, a new heating system can also be useful if an existing building is renovated after many years. Depending on the scope of work, simply changing heating control settings, such as the heating curve, may no longer be sufficient.

Conserving natural resources and reducing emissions

Climate protection and affordable energy supply in the future are two of today's greatest challenges. By using modern heating installations, every household owner can make an active contribution. After all, replacing outdated systems with modern heat-generating installations saves natural energy resources and reduces emissions – especially when renewable energy sources are used. Modernizing a heating system can save an average of one ton of CO₂ per year. Overall, this is a significant contribution to the energy transition process.

Reduce heating bills

There are many ways to save energy in your home. However, modernizing the heating system offers the greatest opportunities. As can be seen in the following graphic, a new heating system or installing a solar energy system on the roof can save almost a third of the energy consumed, thereby also reducing heating bills. To achieve this, extensive renovation measures are not necessarily required. Merely insulating external walls offers significantly less savings potential. This also applies to replacing windows or doors.

Increase comfort at home

In addition to the savings potential offered by a new heating system, another benefit of modernization is increased comfort. This is provided by the digitalization of the heating system, which, among other things, allows it to be controlled via an app. Residents can set the desired temperature using 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

In terms of cost and consumption, there is no modernization measure in or on a home that pays off faster than heating modernization. In addition, by modernizing an old heating system, you can increase the market value of your property. Given the rising energy costs, many buyers pay more attention to service costs. The willingness to pay for energy-efficient properties is accordingly higher.

Climate solutions suitable for modernization

Which heating system is suitable for modernization depends on various factors. In addition to the building's year of construction and insulation condition, this also includes the residents' individual heating habits. One of Viessmann's partner companies will help you understand all of this. Once you have clarified the most important data for the new heating system with the specialists, they will provide you with competent and individual advice. Basically, decisions here can be made depending on the energy sources. Below, we offer systems suitable for heating system modernization.

Heating with ambient energy

Heat from the earth, groundwater, or air is a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. Viessmann heat pumps utilize natural energy particularly efficiently and environmentally friendly. The Vitocal 250-A and Vitocal 252-A are particularly suitable for heating modernization. They reach flow temperatures of up to 70 degrees Celsius and thus efficiently supply even older existing buildings with ecological energy.

Free solar heat for heating and hot water preparation

Highly efficient solar thermal systems in detached and multi-family houses now cover up to 60 percent of the annual energy demand for hot water heating. In addition to hot water preparation, solar collectors can also provide support for heating, especially for vacuum tube solar systems. Therefore, solar thermal energy is an ideal addition if you want to modernize your heating system.

Heat and electricity generation in combination

By using a hydrogen fuel cell heating system, you not only generate heat but also electricity at the same time, which you can use in your home. This means greater independence from the local energy supplier. Viessmann Vitovalor PT2 is compact and offers significantly higher electrical efficiency than current cogeneration solutions. Consequently, heat generation is lower, making it suitable for use in both new builds and renovated and modernized existing buildings.

Hybrid solutions with renewable energy

Renewable energy sources do not necessarily have to cover the entire heat demand. Adding to existing systems is also a good way to increase the overall system efficiency. A combination of energy sources offers the greatest possible freedom in choosing the energy source. This is because hybrid installations allow for flexible use of various energy sources. Thus, they always ensure cost-effective and efficient operation.

Photovoltaic elements for electricity-based heat generators

In a photovoltaic system, light-sensitive crystals in the modules convert sunlight into electricity. It is best to consume this electricity yourself, for example, to operate a heat pump. To ensure that electricity can also be used at different times, a battery storage system, such as Vitocharge VX3, is an ideal addition. This 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 and experienced partner:

• For over 100 years, we have been one of the leading international manufacturers of heating systems, ensuring "Made in Germany" quality.
• Our sales partners offer you first-class service and can provide a comprehensive offer for all energy sources, as well as for all common heating systems.
• New build or heating system modernization - we focus on integrated, individually adapted solutions, not individual systems.
• Investment costs, operating costs, self-sufficiency, environmental protection, subsidies: no matter what aspect is in focus, we provide a clear basis for decision-making.

Energy check as a basis for heating system replacement

An energy check is the ideal basis for making a decision before modernizing your heating system. Viessmann offers a free online building energy efficiency check, certified by TÜV Rheinland and positively evaluated in terms of reliability, methodology, assumptions, and calculation data sources. The check itself only takes a few minutes. To get the necessary information about your savings potential, you only need the following data:

• Building type (single-family house or multi-family house).
• Living area in square meters
• Heating system (oil or gas)
• Annual consumption
• Number of people in the household

Modernize your heating system and utilize services

To ensure the smooth operation of your heating system in the long term, even a new heating system requires regular maintenance. If you have chosen a Viessmann solution when modernizing your heating system, it is recommended to additionally conclude a maintenance contract. This can be individually designed to suit your needs. Advantages of heating system maintenance:

• Minimal effort - consistent conditions without the need to compare prices annually.

• High level of safety - regular maintenance ensures high operational reliability.

As mentioned at the beginning, your new Viessmann heating system can also be conveniently controlled via an app. However, for this to work, the heating system must be connected to the internet and registered online.

What should be considered before modernizing the heating system?

If the heating system has completely broken down, quick action is required. In such cases, there is almost no time for detailed planning of the new heating system. Therefore, it is recommended to think about heating system 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. Therefore, it is even more important to clarify in advance what goals you want to achieve by modernizing your heating system:

• Reduce consumption and costs?

• Protect the environment and reduce _CO2 emissions?

• Become independent of gas and electricity?

In addition, the new heating system must also meet the needs of the house and individual requirements. If it is a comprehensive solution, radiators and piping may also need to be replaced. The building's heat demand must be determined. The heating habits of the residents must also be considered. Therefore, it is clear that a heating system modernization project requires good planning and preparation. Your Viessmann partner is ready to help you with all these issues. If you want to modernize your heating system, he will show you the options and assist you in the decision-making process and final implementation.

Tips: Purchasing a new heating system

This video summarizes all stages related to heating system modernization - from decision-making, planning to commissioning of the new heating system.

 

Author: viessmann.lv