This provides a certain degree of independence from large suppliers and centralised networks, flexibility in the choice of energy source and lower heat losses due to shorter transport routes. Disadvantages of decentralised heating solutions include higher investment costs in some cases, increased space requirements for heating appliances, storage or fuels and the need for individual maintenance by the owner. Various technologies that can be used to heat buildings decentrally are presented below. These include biomass, heat pumps, renewable fuels and solar thermal energy.
