In view of the ongoing energy crisis, wood stoves are seen by many as an alternative solution to gas heating. But even there, consumers now have to reckon with high price increases.
In view of the high prices for gas, oil and electricity, many people in Germany rely on wood for heating – but that has also become enormously expensive. According to the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden, the prices for firewood and wood pellets for stoves and heating systems rose by almost 86 percent in August compared to the same month last year. Overall consumer prices rose by 7.9 percent over the same period.
The statisticians explained that the reasons for the well above-average price increase were not only the increased demand but also the increased procurement and transport costs in the timber industry.
Although wood is in demand during the crisis, stoves in new buildings are primarily used as additional heating options for one or more rooms. In the residential buildings completed in 2021, wood was the most important secondary heating energy source with a share of 11.8 percent, alongside solar thermal (13.1 percent), according to the statisticians.
In contrast, wood is less relevant as the primary heating energy source in new residential buildings. Here, owners are significantly more likely to use other renewable energy sources such as heat pumps: While these were used in a good half of the residential buildings completed in 2021, wood was the primary heating energy source in only 3.6 percent of the new buildings.
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
