Today, the decision for a new heating system is more than just a question of technology. It also affects climate, costs and comfort. The choice between heat pump and pellet heating system is often difficult — both are considered sustainable, but their differences lie in the details. Which solution is better for your own home?

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Heat pump or gas heater: An overview

Die heat pump uses stored environmental energy from air, soil or groundwater and converts it into heating energy with the help of electricity. It works particularly efficiently: One kilowatt hour of electricity produces up to five kilowatt hours of heat. Heat pumps are quiet, require little maintenance and can be combined with a photovoltaic system. They are considered to be particularly climate-friendly and are supported by the state. For economic operation, buildings should be well insulated and be able to work with a low flow temperature.

pellet heating burn small pellets from wood residues, so-called pellets, and thus generate heat for heating and hot water. As a biomass heating system, it is considered CO₂-neutral because combustion only releases as much CO2 as the tree has previously absorbed. Operating costs depend heavily on pellet prices. Additional space is required for storage space and conveyor systems. Pellet heating systems require regular maintenance and cleaning, but also meet many requirements for climate-friendly heating.

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Cost comparison: heat pump vs. pellet heating

Die Purchase costs of a heat pump Are between 15,000 and 30,000 euros. Ground and groundwater heat pumps in particular are cost-intensive due to earthworks. Government subsidies of up to 70% are possible when replacing heating systems, which significantly reduces investment costs. Die annual heating costs move at 500 to 1,500 euros, depending on the heat requirement and the electricity tariff used. Even with the maintenance costs Is the heat pump equipped with 100 to 300 euros per year in the lower area.

The purchase costs of pellet heating Including storage space and conveyor system, are usually 18,000 to 25,000 euros. Here too, there is Funding opportunities of up to 70%when specific requirements are met. Die annual heating costs lie at 800 to 1,800 euros, depending on pellet price and consumption. The maintenance costs is higher than with heat pumps, as ash must be removed regularly and the burner cleaned. Die annual maintenance costs Amounts to 300 to 600 euros.

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Comparing efficiency and energy consumption

heat pumps They work particularly efficiently because they use environmental energy and generate a lot of heat with little electricity. Die Annual performance figure (JAZ) On average, is 3.5 to 5.0. This means that 3.5 to 5 kWh of heat is obtained from 1 kWh of electricity. In well-insulated buildings, electricity consumption is correspondingly low. In a new building with 150 m² of living space, it is equipped with 3,000 to 4,500 kWh per year. Consumption rises in an unrenovated old building 6,500 to 9,500 kWh.

pellet heating Have a Efficiency of around 85 to 95%. The actual consumption depends on the insulation standard and the heating load. In a new building, the pellet requirement is around 4,000 to 6,000 kg per year, while in an unrenovated old building 8,000 to 12,000 kg of pellets may be necessary.

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Environmental balance: a comparison of CO₂ emissions

heat pumps Bump depending on the power source up to 100 g CO₂ per kWh off. Will the plant be equipped with green electricity or one photovoltaic system operated, it works almost climate-neutral. Electricity from the regular electricity mix produces around 300 to 1,000 kg CO₂ — depending on consumption and type of building. Compared to fossil heating systems, the heat pump is significantly more environmentally friendly and saves CO₂ costs in the long term through the CO₂ tax.

pellet heating are generally considered as CO₂-neutral, as burning only releases as much CO₂ as the tree absorbed during growth. The actual Life cycle assessment However, it depends heavily on the Source of pellets from: Regional pellets cause significantly fewer emissions due to short transport routes. Imported pellets, particularly from North America or Eastern Europe, have a noticeably poorer environmental balance. In an average single-family home, this creates 400 to 1,500 kg CO₂ per year.

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Future security: legal requirements and heating replacement

heat pumps are considered to be particularly future-proof, as they fully comply with current and planned legal requirements. They use renewable energy sources and thus meet the requirements of the Building Energy Act (GEG) and the criteria for funding from the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG). As part of the heating revolution, heat pumps are receiving targeted support from the federal and state governments — both financially and through regulatory incentives. The exchange of heating with the heat pump becomes mandatory in many cases when old fossil heating systems have to be replaced.

pellet heating are still considered a permitted form of heating as long as they use modern, low-emission technology. In many cases, they meet the legal requirements for renewable heating systems, particularly in rural areas. However, stricter requirements for particulate matter emissions are expected. In addition, the long-term supply of sustainable biomass is not fully secured, particularly as demand and imports increase. Funding for pellet heating systems remains in place, but is linked to minimum technical standards and efficiency limits. In urban areas or during renovations, there may be increasing restrictions due to new regulations.

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Is pellet heating or a heat pump better?

Which heating system is better depends on the building, local conditions and your own priorities. For well-insulated new buildings or renovated old buildings, the heat pump is usually the better choicebecause it works efficiently, quietly and almost emission-free. Pellet heating can be useful where high flow temperatures are required, for example in an unrenovated old building with classic radiators. Both systems are eligible for funding and offer long-term independence from fossil fuels — but the heat pump has a significantly lower emission load.

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autarc: Your partner for efficient planning of heat pumps — find out more now!

Rely on quality and expertise when planning and installing heat pump systems. With our heat pump check, you receive comprehensive support so that you can implement your projects efficiently and sustainably. Contact us today and benefit from our expert knowledge!

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