Homeowners who want to switch to more climate-friendly heating systems can submit applications to the KfW development bank from today. Initially, this only applies to owners of single-family homes who live in them themselves.
In the morning there were waiting times when registering on the KfW portal because there was obviously a lot of rush. “Ahead of you in the waiting room are: 529 people. The waiting room has stopped,” the website said. The application process began at 8 a.m.
The background to the new subsidies is the traffic light coalition’s heating law, which has been in force since January 1st. Homeowners can apply for up to 70 percent of eligible costs. There is a basic subsidy of 30 percent for the installation of a heating system that is considered climate-friendly, such as a heat pump. Bonuses can also be paid if you use the house yourself and your salary falls below a certain salary limit. A contract with a specialist company is also required.
Functioning heaters can continue to be operated
There had been bitter disputes over the heating law for months. In general, functioning heaters can continue to be operated. This also applies if a heater breaks but can still be repaired. Since January 1st, it has been mandatory that new buildings in new development areas must have heating with 65 percent renewable energy. In many cases this is a heat pump.
With the reform for more climate protection, the federal government wants to advance the heating transition in the building sector and protect consumers from price jumps for oil and gas if CO2 prices rise in the coming years.