The need to upgrade their heating system is an issue for many homeowners, but is often put off till the last minute. Read on to find out why and in what ways it pays off to replace your heating system sooner rather than later.
Fossil fuel heating systems, such as those running on oil and gas, continue to be very common in Switzerland. This is despite the fact that they produce significant amounts of CO2 and thus contribute to climate change. In order to do something about this, the government adopted the new Energy Act in 2018. Under this law, fossil fuel heating systems have to comply with stricter emission limits. In real terms, this means that heating systems that are over 20 years old and no longer meet the new limits have to be replaced with new systems. Plus, existing heating systems will also need to undergo more regular maintenance to ensure these limits are being adhered to. This means that the need to replace ageing heating system primarily affects older buildings and in particular pre-war buildings.
The advantages of upgrading a heating system are wide and varied. First off, it can significantly lower your running costs. Modern heating systems are also significantly more efficient and use less energy. This not only saves you money, but is also good for the environment. New heating systems are also often more reliable and effective at regulating room temperature. They can make a huge difference to how comfortable your home feels by ensuring that it is evenly heated. Last but not least, an efficient modern heating system can also increase your property value. Prospective buyers and tenants appreciate sustainable and low-cost heating systems, which can have a positive impact on rent or a property’s sale price.
When it comes to upgrading a heating system, the first step will be to choose one of the many available systems. Every system has its own pros and cons, and it is very important to choose a system that will meet your individual needs and be the right fit for your situation.
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air outside, which means that they do not require any major building work or investments. Water source heat pumps can be used to extract heat from springs, lakes and ground water. They are very similar to air source heating in terms of the installation work required, but the costs involved heavily depend on the quality of the water. Ground source heat pumps extract energy from the ground and require drilling holes. Although they are a little more expensive to install, they cost very little to run. Wood pellet boilers are carbon neutral, but are more expensive to purchase. They also take up a lot more space and need more maintenance. District heating systems supply several buildings with heat from a central heat generating system, which is not only very convenient, but also environmentally friendly. Solar energy can be harvested in two different ways: either with solar thermal collectors, which generate hot water and support the heating system, or photovoltaic systems, which generate electricity and reduce running costs.
Deciding which is the right heating system for you depends on a number of factors such as the building’s size, your budget and environmental considerations. Hence, we would always recommend talking to an expert for professional advice.
Upgrading your heating system is a perfect way to make your home more environmentally friendly and to lower your running costs. Getting it done sooner rather than later will not only benefit the environment and your purse in terms of running costs, but will also avoid the stress and costs associated with your heating system breaking down during the winter.
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