When you want to replace your heating system, it is not enough to compare only the initial investment / in the long term, the part represented by the purchase of fuel is much greater.
Hello Watt studied heating methods through an annualized bill that would take into account.
- 1/20th of the initial investment (20 years being the average lifespan of all heating appliances)
- One year of fuel, considering an average price over the next 20 years based on an annual increase of 5% for fossil fuels, 3% for electricity and wood*
The calculations were made for a house of 100 m2, with 12.000 kWh of heat required.
Hello Watt considered the following returns:
- Heat pump: Coefficient of performance = 3 (for 1 kWh of electricity, 3 kWh of heat are produced
- Wood stove: 95%
- Biomass boiler: 95%
- Very High Energy Performance gas boiler: 90%
- High Performance Electric Radiators: 100%
- Propane: 85%
- Old oil boiler: 80%
- Electric convectors (known as “toasters”): 80%
Hello Watt neglected the maintenance cost of equipment in the calculations because it is almost equal between each equipment. For example, the maintenance of a gas boiler costs 125 €/year, while the maintenance of a heat pump costs 250 € every 2 years.
*For 2023, for electricity and gas, we have applied a 15% increase instead of 5% for gas and 3% for electricity, following government announcements.
Classification of heating systems
For households equipped with a hot water network (case of houses formerly equipped with gas or oil heating, for example).
Podium of the best heating systems for households equipped with a hot water network, according to Hello Watt
Although they can be expensive to buy, heat pumps are heavily subsidized. They run on electricity, a relatively expensive energy, but transform one kWh consumed into 3 kWh of heat produced. This makes it possible to have very low consumption, which makes it the most interesting heating system to install today.
These boilers use an inexpensive fuel: wood. They are ecological, but you have to be able to store pellets or logs!
If the dwelling is connected to the network, natural gas is the preferred option. Otherwise, propane gas in a tank will have to be used.
- Not suitable: All-electric heating
- Prohibited: Oil heating
For households that are not equipped with a hot water network (case of houses formerly equipped with electric heating for example).
Podium of the best heating systems for households that are not equipped with a hot water network, according to Hello Watt
The air-air heat pump draws the calories present in the outside air then diffuses them inside the dwelling in the form of hot air.
Even if it is rather to be considered in the form of auxiliary heating, the wood stove remains an ecological and economical solution.
Heating exclusively with electric heaters is very expensive. In this case, installing solar panels to produce your own electricity can be a very good option.
- Not suitable: Natural gas, propane, biomass boiler, air-water heat pump
- Prohibited: Oil heating
Calculation details
Fuel prices
Purchase price of a new installation
For certain heating appliances, there are significant variations in investment depending on income. Even if the share of the initial investment is less decisive than that of the fuel, the income of a household can therefore slightly vary the choice of the best heating system.
This is why each case is unique, and why it is important to call on an expert like Hello Watt to find the right heating system for your situation.