If you’re still using an old gas or oil heating system, you’re doubtless aware that you need to replace it – but you’re probably wondering when to do so. There are various options open to you, depending on the condition of your heating system and your expectations. But which of them are even a possibility for your property? And when is the best time to start thinking about upgrading your heating system?
First things first: there’s no time like the present!
Fossil fuel heating systems, such as those running on oil and gas, remain very common in Switzerland. However, they cause around 40% of the CO2 emissions that harm the climate. As a result, they play a substantial role in climate change. In light of this, the Swiss government has decided to encourage people to get rid of their fossil fuel heating systems, putting this into action under the auspices of the Energy Act.
The Energy Act, in force since the start of 2018, obliges owners to comply with emission limits if they have fossil fuel heating systems. In concrete terms, this means that all heating systems more than 20 years old need to be replaced with a new heating system as soon as they no longer comply with the necessary threshold values. Plus, heating systems need to undergo regular maintenance to ensure these limits are being adhered to.
Upgrading your heating system does not just help you comply with emission limits: it can also improve the energy efficiency of your property and thereby reduce your heating costs. The ways in which you can upgrade your heating system depend on various factors, such as the size of the building, the type of heating system and the budget at your disposal. One option would be to swap the old heating system for a modern, energy-efficient alternative, such as a heat pump or wood-fired heating system. Another approach would be to supplement the heating system with a solar thermal system to heat water – enabling you to enjoy hot water without running an additional boiler in parallel.
In addition to the heat pumps and wood-fired heating mentioned above, there are other alternative heating systems, such as hybrid heating. This is a gas-fired heating system paired with a heating system based on renewable energies. District heating or fuel cells are further possible alternatives worth looking at. That said, a variety of factors feed into your choice of the right heating system, such as the amount of heat needed by the building, the energy sources available and the cost.
Our free Engel & Völkers guide to upgrading heating systems includes a detailed overview of the various systems available to you. Besides this, we’d be happy to provide you with personalised advice and put you in touch with the right experts, if needed.
Usually, upgrading your heating system requires comprehensive planning and advice. We believe that upgrading your heating system doesn’t just help you comply with emission limits: it can also benefit you in the long term by making your building more energy efficient and, as a result, reducing your heating costs. Plus, you’ll usually receive financial support from the federal government or the canton, so it’s worth getting in touch with your municipality to see which funding schemes your canton offers.
We’d be delighted to support you with upgrading your heating system!
