Science finally agrees on the most efficient and economical heating system

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Faced with soaring energy prices and growing environmental concerns, choosing the right heating system is becoming crucial . Homeowners often find themselves lost between the different options available on the market: heat pump, pellet stove, gas system… Each installer extols the merits of their solution. But what is it really like ? A team of German researchers is finally providing concrete answers based on scientific data.

A rigorous methodology that changes the game

The scientists did not do things by halves. To obtain reliable results, they simulated the operation of 13 different heating systems in a typical two-story house. Their innovative approach combines life cycle analysis (LCA) to assess the environmental impact and net present value (NPV) to measure economic viability. This dual analysis makes it possible to identify solutions that truly perform well in all respects.

The team took all the parameters into account: installation costs, energy consumption, maintenance costs, but also CO2 emissions and the use of natural resources. The researchers even included in their calculations the probable evolution of energy prices and future changes in the German electricity mix.

The air-water heat pump with photovoltaics wins the prize

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The results are clear: the air heat pump -water coupled with photovoltaic panels tops the ranking in terms of eco-efficiency. This system has a 17% lower environmental impact than the reference (gas boiler) while reducing costs by 6%. Even in the worst-case scenarios considered by the researchers, this solution remains more efficient than many alternatives.

The remarkable performance of this duo can be explained by several factors. First, the air-water heat pump efficiently exploits the energy present in the outside air. Then, the addition of photovoltaic panels significantly reduces the electricity bill and the carbon footprint of the system. The researchers even point out that optimizing photovoltaic self-consumption could further improve these results.

Surprises in the ranking

The wood gasification boiler ranks surprisingly well, coming in second place in terms of eco-efficiency. It has a 42% lower environmental impact than the gas boiler, despite a 20% higher cost. This good result is explained in particular by the consideration of wood as a renewable resource, provided that it comes from sustainable forest management.

On the other hand, some systems considered ecological disappoint. The pellet boiler combined with solar thermal and the heat pump with ice accumulator have the lowest performances in terms of eco-efficiency. The researchers explain that the complexity of these systems and their high cost do not compensate for their environmental advantages.

The gas boiler, although economical to use, is penalized by its significant environmental impact. It generates the highest greenhouse gas emissions of all the systems studied, even when coupled with solar thermal panels.

• The air-water heat pump with photovoltaics is the most eco-efficient system
• The wood gasification boiler surprises positively in second position
• Complex systems such as the pellet boiler with solar thermal disappoint despite their ecological image

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