The direction is set: Europe is moving towards a future without the use of traditional gas boilerswith the aim of banning the production and sale of boilers powered by fossil fuels by 2040. This prospect has been the subject of several parliamentary discussions at European level over the last few years, despite gas being initially considered a convenient energy source. However, the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency has made a transition towards more ecological solutions necessary. So let’s see what will change and what alternatives are currently available.
Green Houses Directive and elimination of gas boilers
Last April 12th the European Parliament gave the definitive green light to theEnergy Performance of Buildings Directive (Epbd), also known as Green Homes Directive. This Directive aims to progressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption from buildings by 2030, to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Among the main points, the progressive stop to fossil fuel boilers, methane gas included. Initially scheduled for 2035, the ban on the production and sale of boilers powered by fossil fuel was then postponed to 2040, which means that starting from January 1st 2040 it will no longer be possible to install new methane gas and LPG boilers in newly constructed buildings, both residential and non-residential.
The effects of the Green Home Directive also include theinterruption of tax incentives for gas boilers by the end of 2024. The plan also envisages, between 2025 and 2026, the downgrading of the labels regarding the energy performance of gas boilers, with the aim of discouraging their purchase and encouraging the replacement of systems.
What alternatives
In view of a future that sees gas boilers consigned to obsolescence, it is useful to know the alternatives to these devices. Let’s see them in detail:
Heat pump – This system transfers warm air into a building using electricity, avoiding the use of gas or other fuels. The types on the market are:
Air-air: the thermal energy coming from the external air is poured into the house via split (or fan coil). It’s the typology more widespread among families. The devices are simple to install and have relatively limited consumption. The flaw is that they are not very suitable for regions with very low temperatures. Prices between 2,000 and 8,000 euros;
Air-water: Thermal energy is used to operate a system with radiators or floor panels, or to heat water for sanitary purposes. Also this typology, taking advantage of the outside air temperature, is not very suitable for regions where it is very cold. Prices from approximately 3,000 to 10,000 euros;
Water-water: here theground water. These are very efficient but also expensive systems (between 6,000 and 7,500 euros, approximately), for which the construction of a well with suction system is envisaged;
Earth-water: what is exploited in this case is the heat present in the ground, for which the installation of a geothermal probe is necessary. A domestic geothermal system for a building of around 100 square meters can cost up to 25,000 euros, with prices also increasing in relation to the surface to be heated and installed power.
In addition to heat pumps, alternative systems to gas boilers are also the following:
Electric boiler: heats the water through electrical resistors. It is a lower cost solution than heat pumps and fossil fuel systems, especially for smaller spaces. Combined with a solar system, it can contribute to a further reduction in energy costs. As regards prices, they range from 300 – 500 euros for 50/80 liter boilers for medium-sized homes, to 1,500 – 2,500 euros for electric boilers with heat pump;
Ionic boiler: based on the principle of “ionic dissociation”, this technology heats the water via electrolysis, without the use of flues or external units. The use of such technology can help reduce emissions and promote higher energy efficiency, but has high costs and higher electricity consumption than heat pumps. It does not need external connections and can reach high temperatures, although it consumes more than double that of a heat pump. Compared to an electric boiler, however, it can save up to 39% and integrates well with solar and photovoltaic panels. The cost varies between 2,200 and 3,300 euros;
Biomass boiler: Works similarly to a gas boiler, but uses organic materials, such as vegetable or animal substances (pellets, wood or dried fruit shells, etc.), as fuel to produce heat. Solid, liquid or gaseous biomass can be used as a fuel to heat rooms or produce domestic hot water. Usually the average cost of purchasing a biomass boiler including installation is around 4,000 euros;
Underfloor heating: uses thin and flexible tubes installed under the floor to transfer heat to the environment, offering uniform heat distribution and greater energy efficiency. The prices for the supply and installation of traditional underfloor heating fluctuate on average between 70 and 90 per square metre. The price depends on the various components of the system, as well as on the labor, the quality of the materials and the installation location. As regards the choice of heat generator, you can opt for a condensing boiler, an air-water heat pump (as mentioned) or a solar thermal system, with variable costs based on the choice made and the characteristics of the system . In general, for a 100 m2 apartment, the turnkey cost of a traditional underfloor heating system is around 9,000 euros;
Radiant panels: they use the infrared technology to heat the surrounding air, without the use of fossil fuels. They can be installed on the ceiling or wall and offer lower energy consumption than other heating systems. For a house of approximately 120 m2, the cost can vary from 60 to 120 euros per square meter, therefore approximately 7,000/14.
000 euros.
