“We are cheaper,” argue some. “But they’ll ban you,” counter others. Arguing between sellers can often resemble the bickering of small children. The sellers of heat pumps and gas boilers are no exception, and they are known for getting into their hair here and there. What are the most common arguments of both sides? And are they based on truth?
When competition knows no bounds
It’s no news that when promoting and touting their product, sellers sometimes slip into a bit of a competition. They often contrast their product with another competing product in order to demonstrate the quality and advantages of what they offer. There wouldn’t be anything so strange about that. The market is big and there are a lot of products on it. For that reason, marketers must try to engage their potential customers. However, it must not exceed a certain limit.
Recently, two groups have engaged in this way, namely heat pump manufacturers and gas boiler manufacturers. Each of them makes a number of arguments against the other to discourage customers. Let’s take a closer look at these arguments.
A ban on F-gases will also mean a ban on heat pumps
First, let’s focus on the arguments of gas workers against heat pumps. Recently, word has started to spread that they will ban the gases necessary for the operation of heat pumps, which will de facto mean a ban on heat pumps. These are so-called F-gases, or fluorinated greenhouse gases. These are found not only in pumps, but also, for example, in air conditioners and other devices. They are used here as cooling or heating elements.
Although this gas will most likely be truly banned, it will by no means be the end of heat pumps. Manufacturers will only have to replace the gas with another, for example propane, which is already used by some manufacturers. In addition, they will have enough time to prepare for the ban.
You can compare the current prices of heat pumps on the Czech market here.
Electricity will become more expensive and the heat pump will cost a fortune
It is common knowledge that a heat pump uses electricity for its operation. However, they cannot be compared with other direct heaters or different electric boilers. A heat pump draws part of its energy from air, water or earth. In addition, we could use the argument of rising prices against all appliances that depend on electricity. Of course, in the case of extreme electricity prices and a low heating factor, the heat pump can be a very expensive way of heating.
With the growing number of heat pumps, there is a risk of network overload
Another argument against is the possible overloading of the grid if a large number of people start heating with heat pumps and charging their electric cars. Once the grid is unable to handle this increased pressure, it could become overloaded, meaning the demand for electricity would exceed its supply. This could lead to voltage drops or even blackouts.
These potential problems began to be addressed at the end of last year in Germany. From January 2024, German distribution system operators may temporarily limit the supply of electricity to heat pumps and charging points for electric cars in order to maintain grid stability. The electric networks neither in Germany nor in our country are yet developed enough for everyone to be able to heat with electricity, but on the other hand, they are constantly being modernized and expanded.
The heating factor of the heat pump is lower than stated
Yes and no. It is true that heat pump manufacturers often state the highest possible value of the heating factor in order for the product to work as efficiently as possible. However, it depends a lot on the type of heat pump. If we are talking about a heat pump that gets energy from the ground or water, the value of the heating factor can really be what the manufacturers promised.
Heat pump: what is the truth about efficiency, price and subsidies
The heat pump is very noisy
Similar to the previous point, it also depends on the specific device. If you pay extra for a more luxurious option, the heat pump probably won’t wake you up at night. It will be different with cheap heat pumps from Asian e-shops that even your neighbors will hear.
You can find the prices of more luxurious heat pumps here. You can look at cheaper alternatives here, for example.
The gas boiler will soon be banned
We get to the other side of the barricade, where arguments against gas boilers are spreading. News about a possible ban on gas boilers went to the media, which competitors immediately seized on. However, what about the said ban in reality?
A proposal has indeed appeared in the European Union to limit gas boilers in some way. However, it does not talk about banning this device, but only banning the sale of certain species. In practice, this would mean that from 2029 it will not be possible to sell a certain type of device. However, no one will have to get rid of their gas boiler. In addition, it is important to emphasize that this is only a proposal for the time being.
You can check the prices of safe and permitted gas boilers here, for example.
Gas will be unavailable or overpriced
In the fall of 2021, panic hit everyone, which continued practically throughout 2022. The price of gas then went out of control. In addition, his future was very uncertain. So people began to worry not only about its price, but also its availability. Of course, this was immediately caught by the competition, which built its argument on the ambiguities regarding gas. However, the situation caused by the energy crisis and world conflicts began to calm down at the beginning of 2023, when the price of gas fell sharply again, and since then it has been relatively stable. Among other things, the greater plurality of countries that import gas into the country is also responsible for the stabilization of conditions. This is a big change compared to previous years, when gas was imported into the Czech Republic from only one country.
-
