Liquefied gas to natural gas or direct heat pump? Experiences

Hello everyone,

I have a challenge for which I would very much like to hear your opinions or feedback.

Initial situation:

[*]There is an existing house, 2.5 floors, about 150m² living space.
[*]Currently liquid gas, tank is in the garden, new heating system (Viessmann) is about 2 years old.

Planned work (financing is secured):

[*]Temporary relocation of the gas tank on the property (because exactly there a new extension will be built)
[*]Construction of the extension (heat pump), starting in the upcoming weeks
[*]In about 6 months natural gas will be available locally, then switch to natural gas and removal of the gas tank
[*]A photovoltaic system on about 40m² flat roof is planned.

However, due to the current situation it is very questionable whether switching to natural gas (which was planned about a year ago) makes sense.

Alternatively, the following would be conceivable:

[*]Relocation of gas tank on the property
[*]New construction as planned
[*]ASAP conversion of the existing house to heat pump
[*]Removal of gas tank
[*]Stop of the natural gas connection

With this solution, additional costs of about 20,000 euros will be incurred.

From your point of view, is this now sensible (the heating system is just about 2 years old), or would you still live with natural gas a bit longer (don't want it anyway, here it's primarily about financial aspects - that natural gas is neither politically nor ecologically sensible is clear to me).

Thank you very much for your input!

Best regards
Rüdiger

After ecology and economy seem to be clear to you, there is probably little more to contribute.

Perhaps one more aspect: The price and supply situation of gas would be too uncertain for me. Just the reports this week alone: LNG terminal in the USA exploded, production volumes on Nordstream 1 drastically reduced, Gazprom receives KfW loan without repayment obligation.

Therefore, I would personally like to accept financial uncertainties and position myself more stably for the future. Heat pumps and photovoltaics are certainly no mistake. Even if financially it ends up breaking even (which I can't believe because of the chimney sweeper, maintenance, and basic gas fee), you have done something for the children.

I also see the planned expansion as an opportunity to make the entire house fit. If insulation and plastering are done anyway, you can also extend the facade a bit beyond the expansion. If underfloor heating is installed anyway, perhaps some walls or ceilings in the existing building can also be covered with screed?! That would at least be my approach now.

Additional costs of around 20,000 euros will be incurred with this solution.

If you can get that approved at that price, go for it. The switch to a heat pump is being pushed anyway, and it's better to plan it than to do it unplanned. But keep in mind that the heat pump needs a significantly lower supply temperature to operate efficiently. That should also fit.

I would stick with the heating system that is only 2 years old for the [Flüssiggastank]. You are going to move it anyway, and the heating system is practically new. In 2 to 3 years, then see how everything develops and reconsider. But disposing of a functioning 2-year-old heating system is not sensible in my opinion.

That is basically a good idea - but it depends on what the reinstalling and rewiring costs.

I had a similar case: I was clear that I would reconnect an old but functional solar thermal system to the new heating. However, rerouting the pipes, refilling, and the larger storage cost 2500,- €. I make hot water during the day for 15 cents. Now you can do the math...

That is basically a good idea - but it depends on the cost of reinstalling and rewiring.

I had a similar case: I was clear that I would reconnect an old but functional solar thermal system to the new heating. However, rerouting the pipes, refilling, and the larger storage tank ended up costing 2500,- €. I produce hot water for 15 cents per day. Now you can do the math...

But the tank is supposed to be relocated first anyway. It apparently is needed at least during the construction phase.