Heat pumps booming: high costs for gas connection dismantling!

Heat pumps booming: high costs for gas connection dismantling!

In Germany, sky and earth is in motion when it comes to heating technology of the future. Around one million households have already chosen heat pumps, which are really booming, especially in the past ten years. The number of installations even has a substitute, which is not least due to the increasing costs for climate -damaging fuels. So about 56% of households are still heating with gas, but the trend clearly shows that more and more people want to switch to the more environmentally friendly heat pumps, reports the Az .

However, switching to heat pumps contains challenges that should not be underestimated. A current survey of 37 gas network operators in North Rhine-Westphalia shows that many of the 193,000 transferers 2024 were faced with high costs. This meant that consumers reported dismantling costs between 1,000 and 4,000 euros, while in an extreme case even 6,000 euros were due for the complete separation from the gas network. The decommissioning of a gas connection costs an average of around 980 euros. However, the legal situation regarding these costs is complicated: there is no uniform legal regulation, which leads to uncertainties for consumers.

high costs and unclear regulations

A particularly worrying fact is that the costs for the dismantling of gas connections vary greatly. On average, around 1,750 euros are due for this, but for some network operators the costs can also amount to up to 6,000 euros, according to the Energy consultant . In addition, the Consumer Center NRW 115 gas distribution network operators, of whom over two thirds offer free decommissioning their connection. Nevertheless, the uncertainty remains for many. In order to achieve a fair distribution of costs, the Federal Association of Heat Pump (BWP) calls for a solidarity cost division of the dismantling costs on all gas customers.

Currently heating that use at least 65% of renewable energies are required. By mid -2026/2028, the cities also have to present heat plans that regulate future heating technologies. The costs and requirements associated with these changes make it clear that it is important for consumers to receive information about the expected expenses in good time.

How do heat pumps work?

The technology behind the heat pump offers some advantages compared to conventional gas heating. But how do these devices actually work? The process begins with the extraction of environmental heat, be it from the ground, groundwater or air. Liquid, mostly brine, circulating in the heat source system, absorbs the environmental heat and convert it. The energy obtained is converted into usable heat for the heating system of the household via a refrigerant.

The functionality is relatively uncomplicated and yet highly efficient: in the evaporator, environmental energy is transferred to the refrigerant, which then evaporates. Then a compressor increases the temperature of the refrigerant before it cools down again in the liquefier and releases the heat. This system is particularly energy-efficient and can be used for both heating and cooling, reports the Wärmepumpe.de .