In order not to let the additional costs explode further in winter, some consumers with gas heating are looking for alternatives. However, consumer advocates warn against this, because the power grids could be overloaded by fan heaters.

Expensive winter: Associations warn of fan heaters

Electric fan heaters are a possible alternative to gas heating. Nevertheless, several associations advise that they should not be used across the board in the coming winter. In addition to consumer advocates, the Federal Network Agency and the energy industry also warn of fan heaters. This does not save money and the power grids could be overloaded.

According to the chairman of the Federation of German Consumer Organizations (VZBV), Ramona Pop, fan heaters drive up electricity bills. If they were used much more frequently in Germany than in previous winters, then the danger would increase Overloading of the electricity distribution networks raise. The Federal Network Agency shares this assessment. Instead, she recommends keeping the temperature in the room a little lower to save on expensive gas.

According to the Federal Association of Energy and Water Industries, fan heaters, radiators and convectors are simply “not made” to replace conventional heating. they should “only with care” be used, a spokeswoman for the association told the newspapers of the Funke media group (source: daily News).

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New figures: Germans are buying more fan heaters

Although they are not economical and can pose a threat to the grid, German customers are currently happily reaching for fan heaters and similar devices. The market research company GfK reports that in the first half of 2022 significantly more fan heaters sold were than in previous years. GfK speaks of around 600,000 devices, which corresponds to an increase of 35 percent.