Unraveling Misconceptions Surrounding Home Heating, as Examined by an Engineer
After the triumph in the elections, the Heating Act and heat pump subsidies are teetering on the edge.** Is the hour of the infamous "green heating oil" about to strike? Engineer Jochen Theloke is skeptical. In the "Climate Lab," he points out the high prices and limited availability of green heating oil: "Globally, 20 million tons are available. In 2024 alone, Germany consumed 10 million tons." Theoreotically, he advocates for the much-maligned heat pump. It's now cheaper, efficient, and versatile, contrary to many myths. "If I have a qualified installer," says Theloke, "I can install it in almost any building." However, it's clear that the electricity prices must fall, or the heat pump won't be cost-effective.
During the election campaign, the migration debate claimed considerable attention. Engineer Jochen Theloke would have preferred more discourse on climate change and the energy transition, specifically the Building Energy Act. In the podcast, he criticized the Union's decision to abolish the act again without clarifying what they meant by it.
According to Theloke, the Building Energy Act, which became known as the "Heating Act" in 2024, already existed before that. He sees no goal-oriented or sensible reason to abolish it in light of Germany's climate goals. The act brings stability to the market and builds trust for consumers, he argues. "Changing it further wouldn't help with that," he admits.
The highest heat pump subsidies in Europe have raised controversy. Theloke acknowledges that prices for heat pumps have changed due to developments in demand and supply. As heat pumps became more popular, manufacturers increased their capacities, leading to lower production costs. Now that demand is picking up again, he expects heat pump prices to rise.
So how do heat pumps work? As a refrigerator but in reverse, the heat pump uses electricity to compress a refrigerant, generating heat, which is then released. The efficiency of a heat pump is given by the annual performance factor, the ratio of input energy to output energy, i.e., electricity to heat. For heat pumps, the annual performance factor ranges between 2.5 and 5.
The efficiency of heat pumps is more than gas and oil heaters. Yes, the key point is that the heat pump delivers climate-neutral heat when using clean electricity. The heat pump can work in old buildings or older single-family homes with qualified installers and good energy advisors.
Theloke acknowledges that there are still skeptics about heat pumps, especially among installers with limited knowledge and experience in working with energy-efficient technology. Many installers find it easier to work with standard gas and oil heating systems.
Regarding electricity prices, Theloke suggests that governments should provide more financial support to make the operation of heat pumps as cheap as or more affordable than gas heating systems. On a European level, it is suggested that the electricity price needs to be below 2.5 times the gas price for heat pumps to be a cost-effective option.
The engineering expert also discusses the idea of "green heating oil" during the election campaign, criticizing it as a risky alternative with limited availability.
Overall, Theloke believes that there are many different solutions at the municipal level to make the German heating system climate-neutral. Decentralized energy generation, intelligent energy management, and district heating will play a role, especially in urban areas. In less urban areas, the heat pump will be the main option.
Whatever the challenges, Jochen Theloke remains optimistic about the future of energy transition, advocating for a mix of solutions, financial support, and public awareness as key to achieving climate-neutral heating in Germany.
1.engineer Jochen Theloke suggests that governments should consider providing subsidies for heat pumps to make their operation as affordable as gas heating, considering the higher efficiency and climate-neutral benefits of heat pumps.2.During the discussions about the heat pump subsidies, Jochen Theloke emphasizes that while the high prices of green heating oil may discourage its use, subsidies for alternative technologies like heat pumps can help increase their accessibility and viability in the market.3.In the context of the discourse about climate change and energy transition, Jochen Theloke advocates for a holistic approach that includes not only technological solutions like heat pumps but also financial support and public awareness, ensuring a level playing field for all low-carbon heating options.
