Heating myths

Fact:
In most cases, connecting a heat pump is straightforward and the grid operator is obliged to provide the connection. However, it is important to comply with the notification requirement: every heat pump must be registered with the relevant grid operator prior to installation. This is usually handled by the specialist contractor you have commissioned. As part of the registration process, the electricity network operators check the existing network capacity and can plan any necessary adjustments in good time. The expansion of the electricity networks is already underway in anticipation of the increasing electrification of heating and transport. You can find the network expansion plan for Dresden and Eastern Saxony by SachsenNetze GmbH here.

A lack of connection is therefore the exception rather than the rule. Technical feasibility should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Fact:
Grid operators are permitted to temporarily limit or reduce the output of controllable consumption devices, such as heat pumps, in rare instances of grid congestion. However, a complete shutdown is not permitted.

Modern heat pumps and heating systems utilise heat storage tanks as well as the building’s own thermal storage capacity. Short-term output limitations usually go unnoticed by residents and do not cause living spaces to cool down. In addition, heat pump users benefit from significantly lower electricity prices due to reduced grid charges.

Fact:
Heat pumps can also be used successfully and cost-effectively in older buildings and listed buildings. The key factors are the specific conditions of the building, particularly its heat demand and the required heating temperatures.

Many existing buildings already have sufficiently large radiators or can be operated efficiently with minor modifications. Even in listed buildings, heat pumps are often a technically and economically sensible solution if the planning is tailored to the specific characteristics of the building.

Further information on heating in listed buildings.

Fact:
Modern heat pumps are designed to operate in Central European climates and usually provide reliable heating even when outside temperatures drop to as low as -20°C. Many units operate efficiently even at temperatures well below freezing – meaning they still consume relatively little electricity.

The heating system is designed to meet the building’s required heating load. With proper planning, a heat pump can often provide the heating supply on its own. Whether an additional heat source is advisable in a particular case depends on the specific building and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Further information:

Fact:
Underfloor or other surface heating systems are advantageous, but not an absolute requirement. Many existing radiators can also be operated economically with a heat pump.

The key factor is the required flow temperature. This can often be reduced sufficiently through hydraulic balancing, optimisation of the heating control system or the replacement of individual radiators. Whether adjustments are necessary can be determined as part of an energy assessment or a heating load calculation.

Fact:
The upfront cost of a heat pump is often higher than that of simply replacing a boiler. However, this is offset by the fact that there will be no future costs for fossil fuels, which are subject to global market risks and rising CO₂ pricing. The blending of low-greenhouse-gas gases or oils, as well as rising gas network charges, also generally lead to increasing operating costs for boilers. Furthermore, subsidy schemes are available that can significantly reduce the investment. A subsidy check is therefore crucial

Which type of heating is cost-effective in the long term depends on many factors, such as the building, specific energy prices and individual usage conditions. It is therefore always worth comparing different technologies and several quotes. An energy consultation should be sought to assist with this.

Fact:
There is no general obligation to connect to the district heating network in Dresden, nor are there any plans to introduce one.

Fact:
District heating prices can vary significantly between cities and supply areas. However, sweeping statements about the ‘most expensive district heating in Germany’ are not particularly meaningful, as price comparisons depend on tariff structures, consumption volumes, connection capacities and other factors. Dresden district heating tends to be in the middle of the range in Germany, as can be seen on the transparency platform wärmepreise.info.

Fact:
In Saxony, there is no general rule requiring heat pumps to be installed at a minimum distance of three metres from the property boundary.

The assessment of heat pumps under building regulations is handled differently in the individual federal states. For Saxony, the Saxon State Ministry for Regional Development has clarified the legal classification in a circular sent to the Saxony State Directorate and the lower building control authorities.

According to this, heat pumps with a height of less than two metres are, in principle, neither buildings nor installations having an effect similar to that of a building within the meaning of the Saxon Building Regulations. Consequently, these installations do not generally require their own clearance zones under Section 6(1), second sentence, of the Saxon Building Regulations (SächsBO). There is therefore no blanket obligation to install the heat pump at least three metres from the property boundary.

Irrespective of this, the applicable noise control requirements must be taken into account at the installation site. The heat pump should therefore be positioned and installed in such a way as to avoid unreasonable noise pollution on neighbouring properties. Key factors here include, amongst others, the sound power of the unit, the distance to rooms requiring protection, and possible sound reflections from walls or other structural elements.