Czech households are falling into a trap. Experts have warned against cheap energies that will tempt them

In recent years, huge fluctuations in electricity and natural gas prices have driven a large group of residents back to heating with wood, heat pumps and other sources. There are also large-scale installations of solar panels on residential buildings.

A drop that is very tempting

In recent months, however, on the contrary, the price of gas has been falling more and more. This raw material is thus again reaching levels that are bearable for people and companies. Thus begins the struggle of suppliers over who will provide the end customer with better conditions and who the client will sign for a longer period of time. Due to the ban on boilers of the 3rd emission class, there could be even more new clients. However, experts warn of a possible, and not entirely visible, trap. What does it consist of?

The cost and durability of the situation

If the household uses a solid fuel boiler belonging to the 3rd emission class, this will be prohibited this year. Due to the energy crisis, this and other changes were postponed several times. From September 1, however, it will affect approx. 150,000 households. According to the opinion of the Chamber of RES, i.e. renewable sources, these people will probably decide on a gas boiler.

However, as it looks, it may not pay off too much, especially in the long run. The fact is that all affected people will have to revise the heating system and somehow replace the existing sources. In many cases, there are not so many options, generally a heat pump, a biomass boiler and the gas boiler.

Really cheap?

At first glance, the gas boiler looks very advantageous, primarily because of the purchase price. Then there are the operating costs, which also seem extremely acceptable. The price of the raw material has been falling recently and looks stable in the future as well. But the second circumstance may not last long, not to mention the troubles associated with the Green Deal.

Commodity prices are part of the geopolitical situation, and it is currently more stable than anything else. Even the much-welcomed drop in gas can therefore only be a temporary fluctuation. In addition, national and European commissions set targets for the reduction of emissions in the air. The regulation of electricity payments can thus play into the cards. So where is the problem?

Photo: Shutterstock

Trapped households

“The price of gas can fluctuate a lot and for many households it can be a big problem in the future, as we have seen recently. The government should meet them, give a clear signal and set motivational conditions. Therefore, to support the purchase of a more expensive renewable source, which, however, provides the most sustainable, price-stable and long-term cheapest method of heating.” the Chamber of Renewable Energy reports on the matter.

Don’t be fooled by the price

Due to the new EU legislation on the operation of gas boilers, their ban may stick out its horns soon. “The EU plans to ban the marketing of gas boilers, electric boilers and liquid fuel boilers alone. Only heat sources with a seasonal efficiency of 115% will be allowed. This mainly targets newly defined hybrid devices, such as an electric boiler and heat pump assembly,” states Oto Hanus from Acond.

The installation of other sources is accompanied by the possibility of a subsidy compared to gas ones. However, especially for low-income groups, it is not a great motivation to revise or replace just because of emissions. This is where the state should therefore be more generous if it wants to see any results.

Photo: Shutterstock, source: tzbinfo, centrumvytapeni