Third of Germans would opt for heat pump if given the choice - survey
Clean Energy Wire
One in three Germans would currently choose a heat pump if they were to install a new heating system, according to a survey commissioned by consulting firm co2online. Heat pumps, which use electricity to efficiently transfer heat from outside into homes, were clearly more popular than all other heating technologies, co2online said. 58 percent of respondents said they favoured a heating system based on renewable energy.
Approval for heat pumps has increased by 14 percentage points since 2023, co2online stated. “Across party lines, many people now see heat pumps as a cost-effective option. This shows that, in the end, economic viability is the deciding factor, not political positions.”
The consulting firm noted that heat pumps have become increasingly attractive due to their efficiency, which reduces operating costs, and because they are climate-friendly. "The demand is there, but many people are hesitant because they don't know what to expect," said co2online managing director Tanja Loitz. Co2online called on political leaders “to finally provide clarity in the building energy law”. The government plans to present a highly anticipated reform of the law governing the transition to climate-friendly heating early next year.
The survey also indicated that citizens are aware of the financial risks associated with fossil fuel heating systems. Two-thirds of respondents agreed that heating with natural gas or oil would become a cost trap in the long run. High fuel prices, rising CO2 prices, and increasing network charges are expected to drive up operating costs, likely making fossil fuel systems much more expensive to run in 20 years' time than they are today, the consultancy said. “Added to this is the risk that gas networks will be dismantled in the years to come, and that municipalities might end their gas supply altogether prematurely.”
A recent analysis found that households relying on gas heating in Germany may face additional costs of more than 4,000 euros per year by 2045 due to rising grid fees. More than half of existing homes in the country are heated with gas, almost 20 percent with heating oil, and 15 percent through different energy sources in district heating. Less than 5 percent used a renewables-based system in 2024.
