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Record energy prices have become the number one topic as the heating season approaches. Households, businesses, and public institutions are considering all options to save on heating costs. Take a look at our comparison of different types of heating and tips on how you can significantly save on thermal energy.
Nowadays, no one doubts that investing in building insulation and quality windows pays off for everyone. However, when it comes to types of heating, the situation is more complicated. The development of energy prices is much more turbulent than we expected a few years ago. Therefore, besides the initial costs and operating expenses, it is also necessary to consider the financial risk associated with each type of heating.
Electric or gas boilers are the most common in our country. People favour them mainly due to their low maintenance, relatively low initial costs, ease of use, and higher environmental standards.
The biggest disadvantage, however, has proven to be the high dependency of gas and electricity prices on the current geopolitical situation. Even with the current energy price caps, households will pay on average 50-100% more for electricity and gas than last year.
Record energy prices have taken the whole of Europe by surprise.
The solid fuel boiler has long been considered the cheapest way of heating. However, it has its drawbacks. The main disadvantages include the amount of emissions and other pollutants produced by solid fuel boilers. It is the least environmentally friendly solution, which is significantly restricted by legislation.
Another disadvantage is the demanding operation, as it is necessary to constantly add fuel to the boiler and store it somewhere. We must not forget the risk of fire or the leakage of toxic carbon monoxide.
Consumption and operating costs depend on the age of the boiler and the quality of the wood or other solid fuels (coal, briquettes, pellets, etc.). Moreover, the prices of solid fuels may increase significantly due to high demand this year. Therefore, as a more economical solution, you might consider stocking up on fuel in the summer when it is cheaper. It is not possible to definitively state what the costs of this type of heating will be now or in the near future.
Heat pumps share the top spot with solid fuel boilers in the ranking of the most economical types of heating. Many people are discouraged by the high initial cost of heat pumps, but the return on investment is actually very quick.
Air-to-water heat pumps extract thermal energy from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water in the heating system. In this way, they can produce 3-4 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity used. The advantage of this modern heating method is not only its economical and ecological operation but also its relatively low dependency on market energy prices.
Underfloor heating requires a lower temperature, as the radiant heat from the floor creates a subjectively higher thermal comfort. On the other hand, it is energy-intensive to frequently turn this type of heating on and off. Therefore, it is particularly worthwhile in permanently inhabited buildings where heating is maintained at a constant temperature.
As you can see, nothing is black and white, and each type of heating has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the solution may be their appropriate combination with regard to the specific house or building.
The table below shows the estimated costs, advantages, and disadvantages of each type of heating for an insulated family house with a floor area of 150 m2.
|
Initial Cost |
Annual Costs |
Ease of Use and Maintenance |
Environmental Impact |
Risk of Rising Prices |
Safety |
|
|
Solid Fuel Boiler |
50,000 -100,000 CZK |
20,000 CZK |
High |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
|
Electric or Gas Boiler |
20,000 – 40,000 CZK |
40,000 CZK |
Low |
Medium |
High |
Medium |
|
Air-to-Water Heat Pump |
200,000 CZK |
20,000 CZK |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Low |
High |
For our model family house, the optimal solution would be an air-to-water heat pump combined with underfloor heating. In properties with a larger floor area, the higher initial investment is offset by the highest savings. In such a case, it is advisable to heat to a constant, slightly lower temperature and, if necessary, supplement heating in living rooms with popular wood-burning stoves.
Given the current energy prices, a heat pump is financially worthwhile compared to a boiler within a 10-year horizon. Add to this the benefits of being maintenance-free, highly self-sufficient, safe, and having minimal environmental impact – and it is a clear choice.
However, even with heat pumps, it pays to choose carefully. Individual models can vary significantly in operational efficiency and the amount of electricity consumed. This has a significant impact on long-term costs. The difference in operating costs between different types of equipment can be as much as 250,000 CZK over 15 years. More details and practical examples can be found in this article.
Despite the energy crisis, it is possible to heat cheaply and ecologically.
Even with the most economical type of heating, it is necessary to know how to use it correctly to minimize the energy losses of the building.
Minimize heat loss: Invest in insulated facades and roofs, as well as quality windows and doors. Although these are major and financially demanding construction interventions, insulation and window replacement can reduce heating costs by up to 50%. However, if you do not plan a renovation immediately, you can reduce heat loss with simpler and cheaper methods, such as thicker, heavily pleated curtains (see an article on their selection) that act as an additional insulating layer, especially for older windows, self-adhesive seals and silicone sealants for quick sealing of gaps, insulating films creating an air pocket preventing the flow of cold air, and carpets or insulating pads increasing thermal comfort where the cold from the floor is most felt.
Use smart thermostats: Zonal heating regulation and daily heating schedules can bring you savings of up to 20% on average. An equithermal regulator also automatically adjusts the heating output based on outdoor temperatures, avoiding unnecessary overheating in the event of sudden weather changes. WiFi thermostats allow you to control heating via mobile or the internet, so you always have perfect control over the temperature in your home and energy consumption.
Ventilate properly: In winter months, it is recommended to ventilate briefly and intensively, which efficiently exchanges the air in the room for fresh air without cooling the walls and floors. However, the ideal way is to ventilate using recuperation, which brings outdoor air into the house and heats it using waste (exhaled) air from the room. Recuperation thus ensures a constant supply of fresh and warm air.
When choosing heating, always consult independent experts and do not forget to consider the dramatic changes that have occurred and may still occur in the energy market. Follow the basic rules of economical heating system operation, and you will see that you can handle the upcoming heating season without major financial difficulties.
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