Current climate protection report confirms the effect of funded heating exchange

The current climate protection report of the Federal Environment Office clearly shows how important funding is for the exchange of old fossil heaters. The decline in greenhouse gas emissions by 2.6 percent in 2024 is not only due to economic weakness and mild weather, but also to funding programs that have accelerated the switch to renewable heating systems.

„Around 400,000 oil heaters are still in operation in Austria. They cause three billion kilos of CO₂ every year“, explains Doris Stiksl, managing director of Prepellets Austria. “”If we want to achieve climate neutrality, these heaters must be replaced – better earlier than later.“

Heating exchange as a turbo for the climate and economy

In 2024, more than 24,000 oil and gas heaters were replaced by modern pellet heating. This was made possible by the promotions of the federal and state governments. These investments work twice:

However, there have been no new funding since the end of 2024. The heating exchange stagnates accordingly.

Prepellets Austria demands

• Clear funding framework conditions for the entire legislative period

• A “acceleration bonus” for households that change quickly

• A legal period until when all oil and gas heating must be taken out of operation

„The funded heating exchange is a real WIN-WIN project for the environment and economy“, Emphasizes Doris Stiksl.Every exchanged fossil heating means less CO₂ emissions, and every installed sustainable heating brings growth, employment and positive effects for the federal budget.“