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Almost two-thirds of heat generators installed in Germany are inefficient. With an average age of over 17 years, most are outdated and don't meet the latest technology. These heat generators often don't make optimal use of their fossil fuel-based energy source. This results in heat loss, significantly increasing operating costs during periods of rising fuel prices, not to mention the environmental impact. Compared to other renovation measures, heating system modernization offers the greatest energy savings potential. We've summarized the most important points for you.
There are many compelling reasons to upgrade or replace a heating system. The age of the heating system and its efficiency aren't the only factors. Environmental considerations, heating costs, and comfort are also important considerations. Furthermore, a new heating system may make sense if construction work is being carried out on an existing building many years later. Depending on the scope of the work, changing the heating control settings—for example, the heating curve—may no longer be sufficient.
Emissions can be reduced, especially by replacing heating systems with renewable energy sources.
Modern heating systems are highly efficient and consume significantly fewer resources than outdated heating technologies.
Improving efficiency and using renewable energy sources can reduce fuel costs.
New heating technology provides heat and domestic hot water on demand. Convenient app control is available as an option.
Renewable energy subsidies are available to reduce the purchase price of heating system upgrades.
Investing in upgrading your heating system saves energy in the long run while simultaneously increasing property value.
Climate protection and a secure, affordable energy supply for the future are two of the greatest challenges of our time. By using modern heating equipment, every homeowner can make an active contribution. Replacing outdated systems with modern heat generators helps conserve natural resources and reduce emissions—especially when using renewable heat generators. Modernizing a heating system saves an average of one ton of CO₂ per year. Overall, this is a significant contribution to the energy transition.
There are many ways to save energy in your home. However, upgrading your heating system offers the greatest potential. As the following graph shows, a new heating system or installing a solar roof system can save nearly a third of your energy consumption, thereby reducing your heating bills. This doesn't require extensive renovations. The potential savings from simply insulating your exterior walls are significantly lower. The same applies to replacing windows or doors.
In addition to the savings a new heating system offers, an additional benefit of upgrading is increased comfort. This is thanks to the digitalization of the heating system, which, among other things, allows for app control. Residents can set their desired temperature using a smartphone or tablet from anywhere—at home, on the couch, or on the way home from work. The Viessmann ViCare app demonstrates just how simple and convenient this can be.
In terms of cost and consumption, no home or building renovation project pays for itself faster than a heating system upgrade. Furthermore, you can increase the market value of your property by upgrading an old heating system. With energy costs rising, many buyers are paying closer attention to the cost of utilities. Consequently, their willingness to pay for energy-efficient properties is higher. Furthermore, when renting, leasing, or selling a property, this information is included in the energy performance certificate. This is mandatory in these cases.
The appropriate heating system for a modernization depends on a variety of factors. In addition to the building's age and insulation condition, it also includes the individual heating habits of the occupants. Your chosen contractor will help you make this decision. After you and your specialists have determined the key parameters for your new heating system, they will provide you with competent and personalized advice. The decision here is primarily based on energy sources. Below, we list suitable systems for a heating system modernization.
Heat from the earth, groundwater, or air is an economical alternative to fossil fuels. Viessmann heat pumps utilize natural energy in a particularly efficient and environmentally responsible manner. The Vitocal 250-A and Vitocal 252-A are particularly suitable for heating modernization. They achieve flow temperatures of up to 70 degrees Celsius, effectively supplying existing buildings with ambient energy.
A wood-burning boiler is a great alternative to heating with fossil fuels. If you choose a solid fuel boiler that uses wood pellets, wood chips, or logs, you're using one of the most natural fuels in the world—especially if it's locally sourced. Thanks to Viessmann's advanced technology, wood heating has become highly efficient and convenient. Because these boilers allow for high flow temperatures, they're also suitable for heating existing buildings.
Highly efficient solar thermal systems in detached homes and multi-family buildings now cover up to 60 percent of the annual domestic hot water (DHW) energy needs. Along with DHW, solar collectors can also heat water for central heating and serve as a backup source for central heating. Therefore, solar thermal energy is an ideal complement if you're looking to upgrade your heating system.
With a fuel cell heating system, you not only generate heat but also electricity, which you can use in your home. This means greater independence from your local energy supplier. The Viessmann Vitovalor PT2 is compact and offers significantly higher electrical efficiency than existing combined heat and power (CHP) solutions. As a result, heat consumption is lower, making it suitable for use in both new construction and in renovated and modernized existing buildings.
Renewable energy sources don't necessarily have to cover all heating needs. Supplementing existing systems is also a good way to improve the overall efficiency. An energy mix offers maximum freedom in energy source selection. This is because hybrid appliances flexibly utilize various energy sources, ensuring they always operate economically and efficiently.
In a photovoltaic system, light-sensitive crystals inside the modules convert sunlight into electricity. Ideally, this electricity can be consumed independently—for example, to operate an electrically powered heat pump. To allow the electricity to be used at different times, a battery system like the Vitocharge VX3 is an ideal complement. This increases self-consumption and the cost-effectiveness of self-generation.
When it comes to heating and modernisation, Viessmann offers you a reliable and experienced partner:
An energy audit provides the ideal basis for decision-making before upgrading your heating system. Viessmann offers a free online building energy audit, certified by TÜÜV Rheinland and rated positively for its credibility, methodology, assumptions, and calculation data sources. The audit itself takes just a few minutes. To obtain the necessary information about your savings potential, you only need the following information:
To ensure trouble-free operation over the long term, even a new heating system should be regularly maintained. If you've chosen a Viessmann solution when upgrading your heating system, we recommend signing a maintenance contract. It can be tailored to your needs. Benefits of heating system maintenance :
As mentioned at the beginning, you can also conveniently control your new Viessmann heating system via an app. However, to do this, the heating system must be connected to the internet and registered. This not only improves ease of use, but also provides you with an extended warranty in addition to the statutory warranty.
Not everyone can afford the high investment costs of a complete system upfront. In addition to financing and government subsidies, Viessmann offers another alternative: heating system rental. With Viessmann Wäärme, you lease a state-of-the-art heat generator for a specified period—with the added option of combining it with a solar thermal or photovoltaic system. Aside from monthly installment payments, you don't have to do anything else. Your Viessmann partner will take care of maintenance and repairs. What's more, you won't even miss out on renewable energy subsidies.
If a complete heating system failure occurs, prompt action is required. In such cases, there is virtually no time left for detailed planning of a new heating system. Therefore, it is recommended to consider upgrading the heating system at an early stage.
Viessmann's range of heating systems is extremely diverse. Fuel types, technical details, and storage options must be considered. Therefore, it's all the more important to determine your goals in upgrading your heating system in advance:
Furthermore, a new heating system must be tailored to the home and its individual needs. A comprehensive solution may require replacing radiators and piping. The building's heating needs must be determined. Therefore, a heating system upgrade project requires careful planning and preparation. Your Viessmann partner is ready to assist you with all these issues. If you're considering upgrading your heating system, they will discuss your options and guide you through the decision-making process and final implementation.
This video provides a brief overview of all the stages of heating system modernization, from decision-making and planning to commissioning the new system.
The Meyer family considered all the options and ultimately settled on the proven natural gas condensate technology combined with a solar thermal system. Peter Meyer: "As a family man, you have to watch your finances. At first, I was worried it would all be too expensive for us. But after consulting with our heating contractor, everything seemed quite reasonable. Now we use much less gas."
The Hoffmann family chose a micro-CHP plant for their modernization project and now produces both heat and electricity. Ulrike Hoffmann: "We made the right decision. By replacing our old boiler, we're saving a significant amount of money each month. It's adding up. With the savings, we can regularly take long weekends with our grandchildren to the amusement park."
The Schmoll family built their home in 1986 and decided to modernize it in 2013 with an air-source heat pump combined with a photovoltaic system. Gerhard Schmoll: "Our son gave us the idea to modernize the heating system. Then we went to a consumer fair in Kassel and were immediately impressed by the air-source heat pump. Now we heat ourselves using energy from the ambient air, which is available in unlimited quantities."
A recently installed fuel cell heater supplies Mirko Schwan's new home with both heat—primarily for hot water—and electricity. Schwan: "I'm committed to saving energy in my new home! Naturally, the heating system had to match that strategy. That's why I decided to install a new fuel cell heater from Viessmann. Since I barely need any heat for central heating, it's powerful enough to heat hot water. Best of all, the Vitovalor 300-P covers most of my electricity needs—fantastic!"
The Schön family's example also demonstrates that upgrading a heating system is a worthwhile investment. Wolfgang Schön: "As a pensioner, you think twice before investing in a new heating system. Then we conducted a special economic assessment, and my installer recommended a pellet boiler with a solar thermal system. I'm amazed at how clean pellet heating is. And above all, I think it's great that in the summer our hot water is heated solely by the sun. So, in the summer, we don't even need to turn on the boiler."
Customized selection, heating control via the app, and product registration. Learn here which steps are especially important after purchasing a new Viessmann heating system.
Digitalization and the energy transition also present challenges for Viessmann. But at the same time, they represent the greatest opportunities in our company's history, which spans over 100 years. One thing is certain: together with our partners, we are making the most of them.
Heating, cooling, ventilation, and power generation in new buildings – which solutions and systems are suitable, and what do you need to know? Read more here.
