Modern heating Systems: Natural gas comes out on top again in Eco-Efficiency Analysis

Wingas has taken a critical look at modern heating systems for the fourth time since 2002 in a BASF Eco-Efficiency Analysis.

Once again, heating systems powered by natural gas came out on top. Alongside local heating supply systems with cogeneration units (natural gas cogeneration units), the natural gas condensing boiler together with solar collectors to heat drinking water supplies emerged as the winner of the study certified by DEKRA.

Wingas analyzed ten different heating systems in the setting of a detached single-family home with a heated surface area of 150 square meters. In addition to the natural gas condensing boiler and the local heating supply, the Eco-Efficiency Analysis also examined three micro cogeneration plants with Stirling engine or fuel cell technology, two heat pumps, two biomass power plants and a heating oil boiler. The micro cogeneration units will probably finish in front in years to come - thanks to their low impact on the environment and in financial terms as costs fall.

The results for the two biomass power plants, however, the firewood boiler and the wood pellet boiler, were not so positive. The pellet boiler in particular was not rated as highly owing to the high initial investment costs. The heat pumps fared as well as the natural gas boilers in terms of environmental friendliness, but lost out to the fossil fuel on the costs factor. The heating oil boiler is no alternative to a natural gas powered system because of its detrimental effect on the environment as well. Thus, natural gas is the most attractive form of energy in more ways than one: for it protects homeowners' wallets as well as the environment.