December 22, 2022, 4:07 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
In 2023, many heating systems in private buildings must be replaced. According to the Building Energy Act, they are then too old and no longer meet today’s standards. Which heating systems need to be replaced and what exceptions exist.
The Building Energy Act has been in effect since November 2020–it aims to help reduce greenhouse gases to meet climate protection goals by 2023. The law stipulates, among other things, that homeowners may not use their heating systems for more than 30 years. This means that starting next year, only heating systems installed after January 1, 1994, may be operated. However, there are some exceptions. Find out here which homeowners actually need to replace their heating systems in 2023.
These Heating Systems Must Be Replaced in 2023
Outdated oil and gas heating systems are subject to replacement. They must be replaced after 30 years at the latest, as they no longer operate efficiently and do not meet energy standards. This primarily affects so-called constant temperature boilers with a heating capacity of up to 400 kilowatts that are older than 30 years. Even if individual parts of the heating system have been replaced over the years, the replacement obligation still applies.
Info: Constant temperature boilers are technically outdated heating boilers. They run continuously at high temperatures, resulting in high energy consumption. You can recognize the boiler by the fact that it is permanently in operation and lacks an outdoor temperature sensor or a setting option for night setback.
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Overview of Exceptions
In principle, the age of a heating system determines whether it needs to be replaced. However, low-temperature boilers and condensing boilers are exempt from the replacement obligation. Some private homeowners are also not affected.
This is the case if you have lived in the house or apartment yourself since February 1, 2002. Then, outdated gas and oil heating systems can continue to be used. If the owners were to rent out the house and not live in it themselves, the heating system would have to be replaced after 30 years. An exception would be if the owners, for example, moved in themselves in March 2002, just one month after the deadline. In that case, the heating system would not need to be replaced.
Homebuyers are not exempt from the replacement. However, they have a deadline of two years after the purchase. Owners should be aware of this if they want to sell their property. If it has an outdated heating system that the new owners must replace, this usually reduces the value.
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What Happens if Old Heating Systems Are Not Replaced
If you refuse or fail to replace the old heating system, even though you are required to do so under the Building Energy Act, you could face a fine in the worst-case scenario. Additionally, local chimney sweeps may prohibit operation and shut down the heating system.
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How to Determine the Age of a Heating System
If you are unsure when the heating system was installed, you can read the year of manufacture on the nameplate. This is usually located directly on the inside of the main cover. If this plate is no longer legible, there are other ways to determine the age. You can either check the construction documents or invoices. The chimney sweep also records his inspections and can check if necessary. Finally, a heating installer can help. Based on the model, brand, and wear, they can also determine the age.