Install a new oil heating system now?

Hello everyone,

we are currently facing the difficult question of whether or not we should still install a new oil heating system, given the current "penalties" for oil heating systems that are being discussed.

It is about a renovation and actually the decision for a new oil heating system with condensing technology was made some time ago, the KFW application has been submitted, etc... the heating system was supposed to be installed soon.

Now I am a bit uncertain whether we should still switch at short notice (the only real alternative for us would be pellets).

Are there any opinions on this?

Best regards, Kate

If it is financially comparable, I would move away from oil. Otherwise, go ahead and install oil, you first have to recoup the additional investment. However, this is just my personal bet on the future...

The pellet heating system would cost about €10,000 more (despite better subsidies) according to our heating engineer. Of course, it also pays off through the difference between heating oil and pellets and not only because of the CO2 penalties, but it is still questionable whether it is worth it over the estimated lifespan of the heating system of about 20 years...

The prediction of the development of oil and pellet prices in connection with an estimated lifespan of a heating system is quite crystal ball reading. You can make it look good or bad. Anyone who still installs fossil fuels in their home today is pretty outdated. Money or no money. If liquidity is not too heavily strained - choose a more modern and environmentally friendly option.

Well, we are removing an old oil heating system with significantly worse performance values than will be the case with the new one. In addition, it will have condensing technology and a water buffer tank that is heated alternatively. There is also a tiled stove. In this respect, I don't necessarily see the whole thing as "outdated," and the KfW also supports this measure with 15% of the costs.

What is currently giving me pause, however, are the proposed CO2 penalties, which will directly affect the heating oil price per liter...

I would also be concerned about who will deliver the stuff to me in 15 years and at what price. I think that the market of heating oil home delivery providers will also change in the next 15 years. So it is not only the assumption of the oil price but also that of the supply logistics that causes uncertainty.