If a designer suggests a heat pump as the only possible heating solution, be wary. The ‘alternativlos’ approach – meaning ‘no alternative’ – no longer applies today. Thanks to the amendment to Decree No. 264/2020 Coll. on the energy performance of buildings, which comes into force on 1 September 2024, electric radiant heating can also be the main heat source for a new detached house. This change in legislation gives builders greater freedom in choosing a heating system and paves the way for simpler and more affordable solutions.
Until recently, electric heating in new buildings faced limitations when calculating a building’s energy performance certificate. This was due to the high non-renewable primary energy factor and the calculation methodology. However, the amendment has reduced the NEP factor from 3.0 to 2.6 and made it possible to include the entire output of a photovoltaic power plant in the EPC calculation. As a result, installing a smaller photovoltaic system – typically around 6 kWp – is now sufficient for a house with electric heating to meet the requirements of legislation.
Modern new-builds have very low heat loss, which fundamentally changes the way we think about choosing a heating system. For homes with heat loss of around 4–5 kW, a significant investment in a heat pump is often not worthwhile. It makes more sense to invest in a high-quality building envelope, better windows or heat recovery. Electric radiant heating makes more sense here, both economically and technically – it is simple, reliable and fully meets the practical needs of low-energy homes.
Concerns about high electricity consumption from electric heating are unfounded these days. Unlike complex systems, electric radiant heating requires neither pipework nor regular servicing. Installation is quick, operation is maintenance-free and regulation is highly precise. Thanks to its immediate response to temperature changes, heating is only provided when it is actually needed. Combined with solar panels, it offers an efficient, comfortable and long-term sustainable residential heating solution.
