New heating systems in the age of GEG & EPBD
Insight for your energy transition!
Blog article 29.10.2025The decision to install a new heating system depends on many factors in view of the Building Energy Act (GEG) and the EU Buildings Directive (EPBD). This makes it increasingly difficult for builders and those wishing to modernize their homes to find their way around. With a differentiated view of the individual systems, we help you make a wise long-term decision!
First, the legal situation: even though there is currently much debate about it, the GEG will remain in place. It stipulates that all buildings must be climate-neutral by 2045. In addition, the EU Buildings Directive (EPBD) is another, overarching piece of legislation at European level. The EPBD stipulates a zero-emission building stock by 2025 – and will also be transposed into national law.
Continue using oil or gas?
Oil and gasFact check for oil and gas heating systems
In addition to the legal situation, ecological and economic reasons in particular argue against new oil or gas heating systems. CO₂ pricing is gradually making fossil fuels more expensive. Although gas boilers can be designed to be "H₂-ready," network operators are rarely able to provide a binding guarantee of hydrogen admixture at present. This means that there is still a risk that the system cannot be operated in compliance with the law in the long term. At the same time, green hydrogen is in high demand in industry and transport, so rising prices are likely.
Combine gas or oil heating with a heat pump?
hybrid heating systemFact check for hybrid heating systems
Simply combining gas or oil heating with a heat pump as a hybrid solution sounds sensible in theory – but in practice, the limitations quickly become apparent. Although the heat pump can be smaller, which reduces the initial costs, fuel costs for gas/oil and additional maintenance for the second unit remain. With rising energy prices, the advantage is often quickly eroded. At the same time, however, fuel costs for gas/oil and additional maintenance for the second device remain; with rising energy prices, the advantage is often quickly eroded. The combination makes sense above all if you already have a relatively new condensing boiler that you want to continue using. Important for planning: Design the heat pump so that it can carry the entire heating load on its own, taking into account planned insulation measures; the fossil fuel heating system then remains only as a backup for peak loads on very cold days.
Switching to biomass?
biomassFact check for wood pellet boilers
At first glance, wood pellets appear to be a natural and therefore sustainable solution, and according to GEG, they are compliant as a supplementary solution. In practice, however, there are a few snags: heating with pellets produces exhaust gases and fine dust, so it is not entirely emission-free. In addition, a lot of wood is needed to produce pellets, which promotes monocultures. Then there is the price: pellets are dependent on the timber market and prices can fluctuate greatly. And finally, there is the space requirement: a pellet storage facility needs its own dry room (several square meters) and a connection to the outside wall where the delivery truck can attach its hose. In many existing buildings, this space is not readily available.
Switch to infrared or solar thermal energy?
Infrared / Solar thermal energyFact check for infrared or solar thermal solutions
Infrared heaters convert electricity 1:1 into heat. According to the law, this is usually only permitted in very well-insulated houses (efficiency house standard EH40 = extremely low heat requirement). In existing houses, this level can practically only be achieved after a complete renovation.
Solar thermal energy is well suitedfor hot water production and as a backup for heating. If you want to use it for heating alone, you need very large collector areas and correspondingly large roof areas.
Often more sensible: Photovoltaics (PV): PV generates electricity that you can use yourself —e.g., for household appliances or to operate a heat pump. This allows energy to be used more efficiently.
Take advantage of district heating offers?
district heatingFact check: District heating
District heating is an integral part of heating planning in many cities. It is particularly economical in densely built-up areas, but at the same time, expansion there is often more expensive initially because pipes and house connections have to be co-financed. Those who connect are completely tied to one provider – switching providers, as is possible with electricity or gas, is not an option. If you want to avoid a later connection obligation, you can – as far as local planning allows – opt for a GEG-compliant solution (e.g., heat pump) at an early stage.
Should you rely on heat pumps?
heat pump
Fact check: Heat pump heating systems
Heat pumps are the first choice for truly future-proof heating. Their high efficiency, flexibility in planning and operation, and use of sustainable electricity and ambient energy are already convincing builders and renovators across the board.
Conclusion: By opting for heat pumps now, you can reduce dependencies, lower long-term operating costs, and meet legal requirements - a strong foundation for your energy transition.
