1. Read the contracts and consumption records
Record periods, kWh, unit prices, fixed charges and change terms in gas and electricity bills. Compare equivalent periods alongside use and weather. European market movements do not directly determine every Swiss contract. Use actual applicable prices and several future assumptions rather than a certain price trajectory.
2. Assess the heating system’s condition
Have a professional assess condition, maintenance, heat demand and planned work. For replacement, request options suited to emitters, temperatures, space and site constraints. Heat-pump selection depends on more than gas prices. Check local requirements, connection and any permissions before ordering.
3. Calculate remaining electricity demand
Request heat-pump consumption with seasonal-performance assumptions, then monthly and hourly PV generation. Separate on-site use, surplus and grid purchases. Heating and solar have different profiles; high annual generation does not remove every electricity expense. Assess storage losses and limits without assuming it can supply energy throughout winter.
4. Compare the work and future costs
Include equipment, heat-distribution adaptations, electrical and roof work, controls, access, removal and service. Compare confirmed grants, maintenance, finance and replacements over the same horizon. Separate contract termination from work on the old system. Payback should come from quotes and assumptions, not one figure for every household.
5. Plan the transition and handover
Specify coordination, heating downtime, tests, documented settings and contractors. Check each measure’s grant timetable, then handover records and contacts. New equipment does not guarantee fault-free operation. For backup, request circuits, limits and complete-system tests separately from annual savings calculations.