How Private Households Can Benefit from Climate Bonus Money
Private households in Austria are currently receiving a climate bonus of up to 290 euros, funded by the revenues from the CO2 price on gasoline, heating oil, or gas. Consumers with eco-friendly heat pump heating systems can keep more of the flat-rate climate money in their household budget because they save on CO2 costs.
Thomas Mader, the Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron Austria, a house and system technology manufacturer, emphasizes the benefits of heating with heat pump technology. He points out that depending on the electricity mix used, heat pump heating generates minimal to zero CO2 emissions. This means that private households using heat pumps do not incur CO2 costs, unlike operators of oil and gas heating systems who have their climate bonus deducted.
Rising CO2 Prices and the Principle of Responsibility
The current CO2 price in Austria is set at 45 euros per ton, with plans to increase to 55 euros by 2025 to drive the energy transition forward. The underlying principle that polluters should pay for their CO2 emissions is generally supported by 66% of Austrians, according to the „Energy Trend Monitor 2024“ survey. This measure is seen as crucial in advancing the energy transition.
However, when asked about personal energy transition and willingness to pay for their own emissions, only 37% of respondents were in favor. Mader notes that Austrians support the goals of the energy transition but are concerned about associated costs. To alleviate these financial worries, households receive their CO2 costs back as climate money, and the government assists in transitioning to eco-friendly technology in heating systems by providing approximately 75% funding.
Long-term Savings with Heat Pump Technology
In addition to the initial investment in new home technology, the costs over the lifecycle are also important. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems have determined that over a 20-year period, a heat pump is more cost-effective than a gas heating system, even without considering Austrian funding models.
The future CO2 price is a crucial factor in this assessment. Mader stresses the importance of taking action now to save costs in the long term. Replacing old fossil fuel heating systems with heat pumps is a significant lever for households, offering benefits for both the climate and the household budget.
Information on Funding Opportunities
Consumers can find information on funding opportunities for heat pump heating systems and technical advice online. STIEBEL ELTRON, an innovative family-owned company specializing in solutions for hot water, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, is committed to environmentally friendly, efficient, and comfortable home technology. With approximately 5,000 employees worldwide, the company prioritizes its own expertise from product development to manufacturing.
The Austrian branch, Stiebel Eltron Gesellschaft mbH, located in Hörsching near Linz, is the oldest subsidiary of the group, established in 1972. It is a leading distributor of heat pumps and ventilation systems in the country.
By taking advantage of the climate bonus money and transitioning to eco-friendly heat pump technology, private households can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also save costs in the long run. Initiating the shift towards sustainable heating solutions is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the financial well-being of households.