New challenges for energy efficiency and climate protection from 2025

The year 2025 will bring a host of new energy and environmental regulations for property owners. These changes are aimed at making energy consumption more transparent, increasing energy efficiency and driving forward climate protection. From the obligation to install smart meters and stricter limits for heating systems to extended regulations for photovoltaic systems – property owners are faced with important decisions and necessary adjustments.

In this article, we will give you an overview of the key changes and explain how you can best implement the new requirements.

Mandatory installation of smart meters: more transparency in energy consumption

From 2025, the installation of smart meters – intelligent electricity meters – will be mandatory for certain households and system operators. The aim of this measure is to monitor energy consumption more closely, make it more efficient and enable better integration of renewable energies.

Who is affected?

– Households with an annual electricity consumption of over 6,000 kWh.

– Operators of photovoltaic systems with an output of between 7 and 100 kW.

– Households with controllable consumption devices such as heat pumps or charging stations for electric vehicles.

What advantages do smart meters offer?

The new electricity meters enable real-time monitoring of energy consumption and help owners to identify potential savings. They also create the basis for dynamic electricity tariffs, which allow users to benefit from lower prices at certain times of the day.

What do owners need to do?

Affected households and owners should contact their metering point operator in good time to coordinate the installation. The costs for installation and operation are capped by law so that no disproportionate costs are incurred.

Consumption-based heating cost billing for heat pumps: new obligations from 2025

From 2025, consumption-based heating cost billing will also be mandatory for the use of heat pumps. This regulation is intended to ensure a fairer distribution of costs and encourage owners to make their energy consumption more efficient.

What is changing?

Until now, heat pumps were often included in the operating costs bill on a flat-rate basis. With the new regulation, owners must record the heating costs precisely and take into account the actual consumption of the residents.

Why is this important?

Consumption-based billing ensures transparency and offers residents an incentive to reduce their energy consumption. At the same time, it prevents users with low consumption from being disproportionately charged.

What do owners need to do?

In order to meet the new requirements, it is necessary to install suitable measurement technology that accurately records the energy consumption of the heat pump. Owners should consult with specialist companies or their property management company at an early stage in order to implement the necessary technology in good time.

Inventory of floor heating systems: Efficiency review by the end of 2025

Another important innovation concerns the inventory of floor heating systems in buildings. Owners have until the end of 2025 to check the energy efficiency of these heating systems. The aim of this measure is to identify energy weaknesses and lay the foundations for sustainable modernization.

What is a floor heating system?

Floor heating systems are decentralized heating systems that are installed in individual apartments in a building. These systems are often older and less energy-efficient than modern, central heating systems.

Why is the inventory important?

Recording and evaluating existing floor heating systems makes it possible to better assess the energy status of a building. This serves as a basis for decisions on possible renovations or the replacement of inefficient heating systems. This measure can also cut energy costs in the long term and reduce CO₂ emissions.

What steps should owners take?

1. recording the heating systems: Document the existing heating systems in your building.

2. energy efficiency assessment: commission specialist companies or energy consultants to check the efficiency of the floor heating systems.

3. modernization planning: Based on the results, plan possible measures to improve energy efficiency.

The deadline of the end of 2025 gives owners sufficient time to take the necessary steps. However, addressing this issue at an early stage can not only meet legal requirements, but also bring long-term benefits in terms of energy savings and increasing the value of the property.

Stricter emission limits for wood-burning stoves and fireplaces from 2025: action required by owners

From January 1, 2025, stricter emission limits for stoves and wood-burning stoves will come into force in Germany. This measure aims to reduce particulate matter and carbon monoxide pollution and thus promote environmental protection.

What is changing?

The new limits stipulate that fireplaces and wood-burning stoves may not emit more than 0.15 grams of particulate matter and 4 grams of carbon monoxide per cubic meter of exhaust gas. This particularly affects appliances that were put into operation between January 1, 1995 and March 21, 2010.

Which ovens are affected?

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves: Appliances that were installed during this period and do not comply with the new emission limits.

Tiled stoves and other single-room firing systems: These must also comply with the stricter requirements.

What do owners need to do?

Inspection by a chimney sweep: Have your stove inspected by a chimney sweep to determine whether the emission values are complied with.

Retrofitting or replacement: If your appliance exceeds the limit values, it must be retrofitted with suitable filters or the stove must be replaced.

Observe the deadline: The necessary measures must be completed by December 31, 2024 in order to ensure proper operation from 2025.

Exceptions

Some historic or rarely used stoves may be exempt from the regulations. However, it is important to check this individually and apply for an exemption if necessary.

Compliance with the new emission limits is not only required by law, but also actively contributes to environmental protection. Owners should therefore act promptly to avoid possible fines and ensure that their fireplaces are operated in an environmentally friendly manner.

Introduction of dynamic electricity tariffs from 2025: flexibility and savings potential for consumers

From January 1, 2025, electricity suppliers in Germany will be obliged to offer dynamic electricity tariffs. These tariffs adapt flexibly to wholesale prices so that consumers can benefit from price fluctuations.

What are dynamic electricity tariffs?

Dynamic electricity tariffs reflect the current prices on the electricity exchange, which can vary hourly. This means that the price of electricity rises at times of high demand and falls when demand is low or renewable energies are being fed into the grid.

Advantages for owners and tenants

Cost savings: Consumers can reduce their energy costs by using electricity when prices are low. However, this requires a certain flexibility in consumption behavior.

Promotion of renewable energies: Dynamic tariffs motivate people to use electricity when wind and solar energy are available in abundance, thereby contributing to the energy transition.

Technical requirements

In order to benefit from dynamic electricity tariffs, the use of an intelligent metering system (smart meter) is required. These devices record electricity consumption in real time and enable accurate billing according to current electricity prices.

What should owners bear in mind?

Obtain information: Ask your electricity provider about available dynamic tariffs and the specific conditions.

Adapt your consumption behavior: Think about which household appliances can be used flexibly to take advantage of favorable electricity prices.

Check technical equipment: Make sure a smart meter is installed or plan to retrofit it to take advantage of dynamic tariffs.

The introduction of dynamic electricity tariffs offers both opportunities and challenges. A conscious adjustment of consumption behavior can lead to cost savings and at the same time make a positive contribution to the energy market.

Current status of the solar obligation in Saxony: No legal requirements for 2025

Unlike some other federal states, Saxony has not yet introduced a solar obligation for new buildings or roof renovations. However, the Saxon energy and climate program, adopted in summer 2021, provides for measures to promote photovoltaics without stipulating a binding obligation.

What does this mean for owners in Saxony?

No legal obligation: Currently, owners in Saxony are not obliged to install solar systems in new buildings or roof renovations.

Voluntary installation: Despite the lack of an obligation, owners can benefit from the advantages of a photovoltaic system, such as a reduction in energy costs and an increase in property value.

Funding opportunities: There are various subsidy programs at federal and state level that provide financial support for the installation of solar systems.

Recommendation for owners

Even without a legal obligation, it makes sense to consider installing a solar system. Early planning and advice from specialist companies can help to weigh up the individual options and benefits.

Summary: Important energy and environmental changes for owners from 2025

The year 2025 will bring significant changes in the area of energy and the environment for property owners in Germany, including Saxony. The mandatory installation of smart meters for certain consumer groups aims to make energy consumption more transparent and efficient.

In addition, consumption-based heating cost billing will become mandatory for heat pumps, which should create a fairer distribution of costs and incentives for energy-efficient behavior.

The introduction of dynamic electricity tariffs enables consumers to benefit from fluctuations in electricity prices through flexible use, but requires the installation of smart metering systems.

Owners should familiarize themselves with these changes at an early stage in order to make any necessary adjustments and take full advantage of the new regulations. A proactive approach and, if necessary, advice from experts can help to ensure a smooth transition and both meet legal requirements and benefit from potential cost savings.

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