The Brandenburg consumer advice center explains why such electric heaters are at best an expensive emergency solution and shows alternatives.
Cheap to buy, expensive to operate
Electric heaters such as fan heaters, oil radiators or infrared heaters are relatively inexpensive to purchase, but expensive to operate because they convert electricity directly into heat. The following applies to people with a functioning heating system:
Joshua Jahn from the Brandenburg Consumer Center (VZB)
“As long as natural gas, heating oil or wood pellets are cheaper than electricity and available, it makes no economic sense to switch to electric heating. Although prices for natural gas have risen enormously, they are still well below current electricity prices.”
The costs per kilowatt hour of heat could therefore almost triple when using fan heaters or infrared heaters, according to the energy expert. For people with a gas heater, such electric heaters would only make sense if the entire gas supply collapsed.
However, as long as gas is still available, the government plans to provide private households with special protection and give them priority - in contrast to industry.
What can consumers do instead?
The easiest way to respond to increased energy prices is to save energy. Every degree less in room temperature reduces consumption by around 6 percent.
“A small turn on the heating saves a lot of money,” says Jahn. He also advises leaving radiators free-standing so that the heat can circulate well, and consistently turning down the controls when you are away.
It's better to invest money in better insulation
“Instead of spending money on a fan heater, it often makes more sense to invest in insulating the house or apartment. Because the better the insulation, the lower the heating costs are.”
Joshua Jahn
A measure that can be implemented quickly is to minimize heat loss through leaky windows or external doors. For windows it is usually enough to replace the seal or adjust the window sashes. For apartment or front doors with an open door slot, consumers can often retrofit a seal - a so-called cold enemy.
“If necessary, a rolled-up towel can also help to reduce the draft and therefore heat loss.
Joshua Jahn
In the long term, however, it makes sense to invest in a complete energy-saving renovation.”
Get independent advice
If you have any questions about electric heating or energy saving, please call 0331 – 98 22 999 5 (Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to make an appointment for a free telephone or video consultation. Further information is available at www.verbraucherzentrale-brandenburg.de/energie/energiesparberatung-15772
About the energy advice from the consumer advice center
The consumer advice center's energy advice service offers the largest independent range of advice on the subject of energy in Germany. Since 1978, it has been supporting private consumers towards an energy-conscious future with currently over 700 energy consultants and at more than 900 locations.
Every year, more than 150,000 households receive independent and neutral advice on all energy topics, such as energy saving, thermal insulation, modern heating technology and renewable energies. The energy efficiency measures brought about by a year's worth of consultations lead to energy savings equivalent to a freight train over 100 km long full of hard coal.
About the Consumer Center Brandenburg eV
The Brandenburg Consumer Center (VZB) is the most important representation of the interests of Brandenburg consumers towards business and politics.
It offers independent consumer advice, information and education on numerous topics: market & law, travel & leisure, finance & insurance, food & nutrition, digital & telecommunications, energy, building & living. She also advises on German-Polish consumer law. In addition, the VZB warns companies that violate applicable law to the detriment of consumers and educates the public about consumer rights, rip-off scams and savings tips.
You might also be interested in: “ Gas shortage: Are direct heating systems an alternative? “
Source : Brandenburg Consumer Center
Notes:
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