How long can you still heat with pellets?
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Stefano Fonseca ist Ingenieur für Energie und Umwelt mit über sechs Jahren Erfahrung in der technischen Gebäudeausrüstung (TGA). Er kombiniert technisches Fachwissen mit einer Leidenschaft für verständliche Kommunikation. Seit mehr als fünf Jahren schreibt er als freiberuflicher Redakteur über erneuerbare Energien und nachhaltiges Wohnen, insbesondere über Photovoltaik und Wärmepumpen.
Pellet heating systems have long been regarded as a climate-friendly alternative to oil and gas. But new laws, climate goals and discussions about particulate matter and sustainability are creating uncertainty. Will heating with pellets remain permitted — or is there a risk of creeping out? Find out here.
How long can you still heat with pellets?
Pellet heating systems in Germany may be operated indefinitely as long as they meet the legal requirements for emissions and efficiency.
There is no provision for a general operating ban. Systems that have already been installed enjoy inventory protection. They do not have to be replaced as long as they are technically functional and comply with the limits of the Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV). For modern systems with filter technology and efficient operation, this is generally unproblematic.
When replacing or building a new building, the requirements of the Building Energy Act (GEG) apply. From 2024, new heating systems may only be installed in new buildings and, in the case of significant heating replacement, if they use at least 65% renewable energy. Pellet heating systems meet this requirement and are therefore still considered admissible.
What does GEG say about heating with pellets?
The Building Energy Act (GEG) expressly permits heating with pellets and classifies pellet heating systems as renewable heating technology one. Since January 1, 2024, the GEG has required new heating systems that they at least 65% renewable energy must use. Pellet heating systems meet this requirement because they are equipped with biomass be operated — a renewable resource.
The current GEG sees no ban on pellet heating before. It only regulates Under what conditions new systems are installed or funded by the state may be allowed. Existing pellet heating systems may continue to be operated.
Does pellet heating serve as an environmentally friendly heating alternative?
Pellet heating serves as an environmentally friendly heating alternative, as it uses renewable raw materials and operates in a CO₂-neutral manner. Burning wood pellets from waste wood only produces as much CO₂ as the tree has previously absorbed. Modern plants also meet strict emission limits and are operated efficiently and automatically.
Does pellet heating have 65 percent renewable energy?
Pellet heating meets the requirement of 65 percent renewable energy, as it is powered entirely by biomass. Wood pellets consist of renewable raw materials such as sawdust and wood scraps. According to the Building Energy Act (GEG), pellet heating systems are therefore considered renewable heating technology and meet the legal requirements for new heating systems.
Does the purchase of pellet heating still make sense?
The purchase of pellet heating system continues to make sense — particularly for Existing buildings with higher heating requirements and enough space for storage. Compared to gas and oil heating, pellet heating impresses with lower fuel costs, government funding and a better CO₂ balance. Although the acquisition costs are higher, they pay off in the long term through lower operating costs.
The following is a comparison between pellet heating and gas heating:
Our example shows that pellet heating pays off in the long term despite a higher initial investment. Thanks to funding, acquisition costs fall to 12,500€, which results in annual savings of 500€ Compared to the gas heating system, already after Amortized for 5 years. Over a period of 20 years, this results in total savings of 7,500€ — in addition to the significantly better CO₂ balance. Pellet heating causes almost no emissions, while gas heating produces around 4.4 tons of CO₂ expels. This makes pellet heating not only economically but also ecologically superior.
How climate-friendly is heating with pellets really?
The climate friendliness of pellet heating systems is a controversial issue. While the industry promotes wood pellets as CO₂-neutral, scientists point out several critical aspects:
- Timed CO₂ release: When wood is burned, the stored CO2 is immediately released. It takes decades for renewable trees to absorb this CO2 again, which in the short term leads to an increase in the CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere.
- Low energy efficiency: Wood has a lower energy density than fossil fuels. For them to generate the same amount of energy, more wood must be burned. This leads to higher CO₂ emissions per unit of energy.
- Effects on forests: The increasing demand for wood for pellets means that more wood is being removed from forests, including tree canopies and other debris that used to remain in the forest. This can impair the supply of nutrients to the soil and weaken the forest's function as a carbon store.
- Particulate matter emissions: Pellet heating systems emit significantly more particulate matter than heat pumps or gas heating systems. According to the Federal Environment Agency, modern pellet boilers emit an average of around 85 mg of dust per kWh, while gas heating systems are only 1 mg/kWh. Heat pumps do not produce any direct emissions. Compared to other wood heating systems, pellet boilers perform best, but particulate matter remains the ecological Achilles' heel.
Pellet heating systems are more climate-friendly than fossil heating systems, but not emission-free. Your environmental balance depends heavily on sustainable forestry, filter technology and efficient operation.
When is a pellet system worthwhile?
A pellet system is particularly worthwhile in Existing buildings with higher heating requirements, enough space for a pellet warehouse and the desire for independent, CO₂-neutral heating.
It pays off particularly when an old oil or gas heating system is replaced and a state-owned one furtherance can be used. Householders that value stable fuel prices and regional energy sources also benefit in the long term.
Pellet heating is not suitable for small, very well-insulated new buildings with low energy requirements or without sufficient storage space. In such cases, heat pumps are often more economical.
What alternatives are there to pellet heating?
Alternatives to pellet heating include in particular heat pumps, which are powered by electricity and work particularly efficiently in well-insulated buildings. Other options include hybrid heaters (e.g. heat pump with gas or pellet) solar thermal systems to support water heating and heating, and district heating, provided that a connection to the network is possible.
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