Alternative to gas heating

Finding the Right Alternative to Gas Heating

Rising gas prices, which are currently subject to increasing fluctuations, and the uncertain future of gas heating in terms of climate policy are forcing many homeowners to consider alternatives to their gas heating system. There are many things to consider—but where and how to start? In the following guide, we present several possible options for switching from gas heating to a renewable energy heating system. Please note that it is impossible to provide definitive recommendations, as buildings, local conditions, and individual heating habits vary greatly. It is recommended to consult your local Viessmann partner for comprehensive advice.

Replace gas heating with a heat pump

Heat pumps are used in many new construction projects. They can also be useful in existing buildings when converting from a gas heating system to a heat pump. Not only do they help reduce fossil fuel consumption, thereby saving valuable resources and reducing climate-damaging CO2 emissions, but they also provide a quiet, efficient, and safe heating system. The new Viessmann Vitocal heat pump was developed specifically for use in existing buildings. Learn more about this intelligent heat pump:

Heating without gas using wood heating

Another way to completely eliminate gas as an energy source is to switch to wood heating . When considering replacing a gas heating system, most people likely consider a pellet heating system. Heating with logs is also a feasible and viable option. Wood is generally considered _{a CO2-neutral} fuel. Combustion releases only as much _CO2 as the trees absorbed during growth and converted into oxygen and biomass. All Viessmann Vitoligno boilers are highly efficient and fuel-efficient. This not only saves resources but also helps you save money.

Proper space selection, location and heat accumulation play a central role

Whichever biomass heating system you choose, you’ll need sufficient space, especially for storing logs or pellets. Furthermore, a pellet heating system offers automatic fuel refilling. Additional space is required for the conveyor system. Therefore, if you’re considering converting a gas heating system to pellets, you’ll need to consider space. However, switching to biomass as a fuel is worthwhile , especially if you live near wood processing plants. This means you’ll be able to source local wood inexpensively and conveniently, avoiding long transportation routes. Pellet and log prices are generally very stable, especially compared to the wildly fluctuating price of gas. In addition to space requirements and regional wood availability, you should also consider adequate heat storage. Since wood combustion isn’t as easy to turn on and off as with a gas heating system, a buffer tank is essential. This way, you can use wood as an energy source very efficiently.

Energy-generating heating systems are a prerequisite for connecting to gas

Another alternative to gas heating, but not completely gas-free, is a heating system with electricity generation, better known as fuel cell heating . This system is based on combined heat and power (CHP) and produces both electricity and heat. The primary requirement, however, is a gas connection. In the Viessmann Vitovalor, hydrogen is separated from natural gas and, in turn, serves as the feedstock for cold combustion, which provides thermal energy for space heating and domestic hot water. The fuel cell heating system, as a compact unit (Vitovalor PT2), incorporates a gas condensing boiler as a peak-load boiler for increased heat demand. It is also possible to supplement an existing gas system with a fuel cell heating system (Vitovalor PA2).

Combined heat and power plants (CHP) also deserve attention . They are also based on the principle of cogeneration. They are particularly suitable for large buildings and make particular economic sense, especially over long-term operation.