reported from the source

Quick summary: A study reveals significant regional disparities in the ability of households to transition to climate-friendly heating systems, with many homeowners facing financial constraints.

Many homeowners are struggling financially when transitioning to climate-friendly heating systems, according to a study by the Social Climate Council. The study, commissioned by the Chamber of Labor of Saarland, highlights that approximately 40% of households in Saarland have a poor or very poor ability to adapt, significantly higher than the national average of about 30%. The study categorizes around 42 million households in Germany into 16 groups based on characteristics such as age, living situation, income, and energy needs. In Saarland, the average income is relatively low, and the rate of homeownership is high, with older building stock contributing to the challenges. Other regions like Rhineland-Palatinate and Lower Saxony also show poor adaptability, while Berlin and Hamburg fare better. The Social Climate Council and the Chamber of Labor are calling for income-based adjustments to funding programs for energy renovations, as current subsidies are deemed insufficient. Despite potential savings on heating costs with new systems, the initial investment for heat pumps remains high. Homeowners like the Lindel family, who recently installed a heat pump, anticipate significant savings on heating costs, but the overall situation for low-income households may worsen due to the energy transition.

Source: www.tagesschau.de