Warning against spontaneous gas heating installation: Financial burden due to increasing CO2 prices

Warning against spontaneous gas heating installation: Financial burden due to increasing CO2 prices

According to a report by amp2.wiwo.de, the Heating Act has encouraged many people to quickly buy a gas heater. But Germany's top consumer advocate, Ramona Pop, warns against spontaneously installing a gas heater - especially for cost reasons. She bases this warning on rising prices for gas and oil, which are further exacerbated by the annual increase in CO2 pricing.

A gas heater produces around 200 grams of CO2 per kilowatt hour. With an annual consumption of 10,000 kilowatt hours, around two tons of CO2 are produced. The resumption of the CO2 pricing increase announced by the federal government for 2024 could mean that these emissions increasingly become a financial burden. “In 2024 alone, the price for a ton of CO2 is expected to rise by 17 percent to 35 euros,” explained Pop.

Pop also expressed criticism of the planned heating law. In their view, despite intensive discussions, it still does not provide consumers with enough clarity and could therefore become a cost trap. "The heating law has not improved as a result of the long debate, consumers still lack the necessary clarity. The hodgepodge of options is overwhelming them," warned the VZBV boss. “And there is a risk of cost traps, for example through the quick purchase of a gas heater.”

These warnings should be taken seriously as rising gas and oil prices and carbon pricing increases can have a significant impact on consumers' financial burdens. Purchasing and installing a gas heater quickly could therefore lead to significant costs that will put a strain on your household budget in the long term. Consumers should therefore carefully consider whether a new gas heater is the best option under the current conditions.