Heizungsgesetz 2026: Was Sie jetzt wissen müssen
Das Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GEG) zwingt Millionen deutsche Hausbesitzer zum Umstieg auf erneuerbare Heizungen. Ab 2026 gelten strenge Fristen – je nach Gemeindegröße. Mit bis zu 70% Förderung und steigender CO₂-Steuer lohnt sich die Umstellung. Dieser Rechner zeigt Ihre Frist, Kosten und Einsparungen.
Ready to run the numbers?
Why: Germany's GEG (Gebäudeenergiegesetz) requires 65% renewable heating for new and replacement systems. Millions of homeowners face deadlines, rising CO₂ taxes, and complex subsidy rules. This calculator clarifies your situation.
How: We use official heating demand by energy class, CO₂ tax trajectory, BEG subsidy rates, and upgrade cost ranges. Deadlines depend on municipality size and owner type. Results include 10-year cost comparison and payback.
Run the calculator when you are ready.
Enter your building and heating details. Heating demand is estimated from your Energieausweis energy class. Costs use mid-range market prices; actual quotes may vary.
10-year cost comparison
| Scenario | 10-year total (€) |
|---|---|
| Current system (fuel + rising CO₂ tax) | €21,793 |
| New system (running costs only) | €13,371 |
| Net cost (upgrade − subsidy) + 10yr running | €24,621 |
Switching saves €8421 in running costs over 10 years. Payback: 15.2 years.
CO₂ tax cost trajectory (10 years)
Upgrade options cost comparison
Subsidy coverage breakdown
Monthly running costs: old vs new
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
Quick Reference: Heating Demand by Energy Class
Annual heating demand in kWh per m² of living area (from Energieausweis):
| Class | kWh/m²/year | Class | kWh/m²/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 30 | E | 160 |
| A | 50 | F | 200 |
| B | 75 | G | 250 |
| C | 100 | H | 300 |
| D | 130 | — | |
1. GEG 2024 Requirements Summary
The Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GEG) 2024 mandates that new heating systems must use at least 65% renewable energy. When replacing a broken fossil heating system, the replacement must meet this 65% rule. The law applies to both residential and commercial buildings.
The GEG consolidates previous energy regulations (EnEV, EEWärmeG) into a single framework. Key obligations include the 65% renewable share for new and replacement heating, mandatory energy advice (Energieberatung) for certain upgrades, and phased deadlines based on municipality size. Non-compliance can result in fines and may affect property value.
2. The 65% Renewable Rule Explained
Qualifying systems include: heat pumps (Luft- or Erdwärmepumpe), solar thermal, biomass (e.g. Pelletheizung), district heating (Fernwärme), and H2-ready gas boilers with a renewable share. Pure gas or oil boilers no longer qualify for new installations.
The 65% figure refers to the share of heating energy that must come from renewable sources. A heat pump, for example, draws roughly 75% of its energy from ambient air or ground and 25% from electricity—so it easily exceeds the threshold. Hybrid systems combining a heat pump with a gas boiler can qualify if the heat pump covers at least 65% of the load. Hydrogen-ready boilers are a transitional option but must eventually run on green H₂.
3. Deadlines by Municipality Size
Municipalities with over 100,000 inhabitants face a June 2026 deadline for the 65% rule. Smaller municipalities have until June 2028. WEG (condominium associations) receive an additional 2 years. Hardship extensions are possible for eligible owners.
The staggered deadlines reflect the higher density of fossil heating in larger cities and the need for coordinated planning. If your fossil heating system is over 30 years old, it must be replaced by the relevant deadline regardless of municipality. Emergency replacements (e.g. boiler failure) must still meet the 65% rule. Check your local Bauamt or energy agency for exact dates and any municipal-specific rules.
4. What Counts as Renewable Heating
Heat pumps, pellet boilers, solar thermal, biogas, and district heating from renewable sources all qualify. H2-ready gas boilers must eventually run on green hydrogen. Electric direct heating and night storage heaters are generally not recommended due to high electricity costs.
Luft-Wärmepumpe (air-source heat pump) is the most common choice for single-family homes. Erdwärmepumpe (ground-source) offers higher efficiency but requires drilling or ground loops. Pelletheizung suits buildings with storage space. Fernwärme (district heating) is ideal where a network exists. Solar thermal can contribute to the 65% share when combined with another system. Each option has different upfront costs, running costs, and space requirements—consult an Energieberater for a tailored recommendation.
5. Subsidy Programs (BEG, KfW)
BEG EM (Bundesförderung für effiziente Gebäude – Einzelmaßnahmen) offers 30% base funding. KfW programs 261/262 support comprehensive renovations. Apply before starting work. The speed bonus (20%) rewards acting before the deadline; the income bonus (30%) helps Wohngeld recipients. Maximum combined subsidy is 70%.
Applications are submitted via the BAFA (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle) or KfW portal. You must apply before signing contracts or starting construction. The Förderantrag is processed after completion; funds are paid upon proof of work. KfW 261 provides low-interest loans for individual measures; KfW 262 supports full building renovation. Combine BEG grants with KfW loans for maximum support.
6. Hardship Exemptions
Owners over 80, Wohngeld recipients, or those in demonstrable financial hardship may apply for exemptions. Applications go to the local building authority. Exemptions typically delay rather than waive the requirement. Documentation of income and assets is required.
Härtefallregelungen vary by Bundesland. Typical criteria include: age over 80, receipt of Wohngeld or similar social benefits, or inability to finance the upgrade without undue hardship. You must prove that compliance would cause disproportionate burden. Exemptions may grant a delay of several years; the requirement is not permanently waived. Consult your local Bauamt or a Mieterverein/Vermieterverein for guidance.
7. Landlord Cost Pass-Through Rules
Landlords can pass modernization costs to tenants, but the increase is capped at 10% of the modernization cost per year (over the useful life). For heating upgrades, this means gradual rent increases. Tenants cannot be charged the full cost upfront.
The Modernisierungsumlage allows landlords to recover a portion of upgrade costs through rent. The 10% cap applies to the annual rent increase attributable to the modernization. For a €20,000 heating upgrade with a 20-year useful life, the annual pass-through is limited to €2,000 ÷ 20 = €100/year. Tenants must be notified in writing. In Mietpreisbremse areas, additional rules may apply. Landlords can also use KfW loans to spread costs.
8. CO₂ Tax & Its Rising Trajectory
The CO₂ price on heating fuels rose from €45/tonne in 2024 to €65/tonne in 2026 and will reach €120/tonne by 2032. This significantly increases the cost of gas and oil heating. A 120 m² home in energy class D can pay €400+ per year in CO₂ tax by 2030.
The CO₂-Preis is part of the national emissions trading system (nEHS). Gas emits ~0.2 kg CO₂ per kWh; oil ~0.27 kg. As the price rises, fossil heating becomes progressively more expensive relative to heat pumps. Switching early locks in lower electricity costs and avoids years of rising CO₂ tax. The trajectory is set by law through 2033; beyond that, further increases are expected as Germany pursues climate neutrality.
| Year | €/t | Year | €/t |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 45 | 2029 | 95 |
| 2025 | 55 | 2030 | 100 |
| 2026 | 65 | 2031 | 110 |
| 2027 | 75 | 2032 | 120 |
| 2028 | 85 | 2033 | 130 |
9. Energieausweis Requirements
An Energieausweis (energy certificate) is required when selling or renting a property. It shows the building's energy class (A+ to H) and heating demand. Costs range from €100–€300. A Bedarfsausweis is required for older buildings; a Verbrauchsausweis may suffice for newer ones.
The Bedarfsausweis is based on the building's calculated energy demand (Berechnung); the Verbrauchsausweis uses actual consumption (Verbrauch). Buildings with fewer than five units and built before 1977 generally need a Bedarfsausweis. The certificate is valid for 10 years. It is essential for estimating heating demand in this calculator—if you don't have one, use the typical values for your building age and type, or commission an Energieberater to produce one.
10. Timeline for Phasing Out Gas
Germany aims for climate neutrality by 2045. Gas heating will be phased out gradually. New installations must already meet the 65% renewable rule. Existing gas boilers can run until end-of-life, but rising CO₂ tax makes them increasingly expensive.
There is no forced replacement of functioning gas boilers before the deadline. However, when a gas boiler fails or is replaced, the new system must meet the 65% rule. The combination of rising CO₂ prices and stable or falling heat pump costs means the economic case for switching strengthens each year. Planning a replacement before the deadline can secure subsidies and avoid last-minute price spikes.
Disclaimer & Data Sources
This calculator provides estimates only. Actual costs, deadlines, and subsidy eligibility depend on your specific situation. Data sources: BMWK (GEG), KfW/BEG subsidy programs, official CO₂ price trajectory (nEHS). Heating demand and upgrade costs are market averages; obtain quotes from installers and an Energieberater for accurate planning.
Next Steps
- Obtain or update your Energieausweis if you don't have one.
- Contact an Energieberater for a tailored recommendation.
- Apply for BEG/KfW funding before signing contracts.
- Get quotes from certified heat pump installers.
- Check your municipality's exact deadline and any local rules.
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