A couple from Graz responded with incomprehension to a letter from the authorities: According to them, they had to dismantle their environmentally friendly heat pump and put their old oil heater back into use instead. The reason is a lack of consent.
Franziska Achleitner lives with her husband Peter Kraus in a single-family house in Graz-Andritz. This has been operated with a heat pump for years, because a climate-friendly lifestyle has always been important to both of them.
There were never any problems. The pensioners were even more surprised when mail suddenly arrived from the city of Graz in the spring. “We were told to disassemble our heat pump,” says Kraus. The reason given was that there was no permission. A neighbor is said to have taken the initiative.
Only: “Approval was not necessary at all during commissioning. “We don’t have such paper either,” says the 70-year-old. “My wife was one of the first to choose a heat pump.”
“Regulation is regulation”
Ms. Achleitner and Mr. Kraus tried to find a solution together with the responsible officials: “Unfortunately, no one felt responsible for us. We were told the rule was the rule.”
There are now fines of around 500 euros. But what irritates those affected even more: “Now we actually have to put our 50-year-old oil furnace in the basement back into operation. “You just can’t believe that the city prefers that,” says the former organ builder, shaking his head. “This is pure intimidation.”
The authorities are trying to find a solution
The Building and Facilities Authority of the City of Graz confirms that the heat pump, which according to the owners was installed about eleven years ago, had not yet been approved at the time. “But,” Heimo Schamberger emphasizes, “she was certainly subject to reporting. And that didn’t happen.”
The expert emphasizes that the couple could have objected to the first letter: “Since the homeowner did not contest the moving order, it obviously became legally binding at some point. As a result, the case is automatically referred to the criminal investigation department.”
But nothing stands in the way of a solution: “The train has not yet left. The two of them can still apply for a follow-up permit.”
“Dear Neighbors Building Inspectors”
The official also confirms that a neighbor actually started the matter: Originally there was a complaint regarding noise pollution from the heat pump. We have no choice but to do research.” This would not be an isolated case: “Anonymous advertisements are the most normal thing in the world for us. “Neighbors are the best building inspectors,” Schamberger says.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
