Is heating with electricity sustainable? The new heating technologies at a glance

Fossil fuels such as oil have had their day, and in a few years gas will also have its day. The basic energy policy values ​​of our society have changed. Decades ago, heating with electricity was considered wasteful, but new aspects have changed the view. It is ideal if the electricity for heating comes from theown photovoltaic systemis self-generated or at least purchased green electricity. Only in this way and with heat pumps will electric heating be sustainable.

Professor Norbert Fisch, head of theInstitute for Building and Solar Technologyat the Technical University of Braunschweig, is of the opinion that electricity will be one of the main heating technologies. Photovoltaics and wind energy pump green electricity into the systems. Electric heating can be made even more efficient with electric heat pump systems. The CO2 price expected from 2021 will make heating with green electricity even cheaper.

Heating with electricity: Heat pump systems create sustainable efficiency

These systems use the heat naturally contained in the air and the earth and pump it into the heating system via a refrigerant. This evaporates and then flows into a compressor powered by electricity. The compressor increases pressure and temperature. The energy absorbed in this way is released by the refrigerant into the heating system. This well-established technology is already installed in 30% of all new buildings. Such a heat pump can reduce the electricity consumption of an electric heater by two thirds. When purchasing electricity, it is worth comparing suppliers intensively. Anyone who can prove that they have purchased separate electricity for the heating circuit using their own measuring device will receive particularly cheap heating electricity.

Heating with electricity: Infrared heating is pleasant

DieInfrared heatingis based on processing electricity and generates comfortable warmth. Here, large areas of walls, ceilings or floors are heated by installing electrically conductive panels. The radiant heat from the panels literally gets under your skin. These heaters are very pleasant and efficient, but the heating only works directly on the surfaces equipped in this way.

What is electric storage heater?

These radiators collect the heat produced and release it to the room to be heated with a time delay. Some electricity suppliers offer particularly cheap electricity at night, which can then be used for daytime heating. Smart systems take weather data and space requirements into account when determining the amount of electricity to be stored and thus optimize costs. Without smart systems, it is difficult to estimate the amount that can be stored. Instantaneous water heaters provide warm water.Big suppliersdeliver all systems from a single source.

Heating with electricity: underfloor heating

Underfloor heating allows optimal heat supply. These electric heaters are installed high up in the floor and can heat the room more quickly than classic water systems. The power consumption is high.

Heating with electricity: radiators and convectors

These electric radiators are connected directly to the socket. The efficiency is high, but so are the costs when used as sole heating. The heat given off has a soothing effect. Be careful with convectors with fans, as these fans can make noise. Fan heaters heat up rooms very quickly and consume a lot of electricity.

State funding

The state provides significant funding for innovative technologies such as heat pumps, smart homes and photovoltaics. This is intended to support the energy transition by phasing out coal and nuclear energy. These are from theCredit Union for Reconstructionawarded to companies and private individuals. Energy-saving renovations to old buildings are also eligible for funding. With combined heat and power systems, homeowners can generate electricity for heating. These small combined heat and power plants are also supported