Whether new or old — not every house is automatically suitable for a heat pump. Insulation, heating system and space play a decisive role. But how can you tell whether the conditions are right? This article explains which factors are important and which solutions are available for different types of houses.

‍

When is a house suitable for a heat pump?

A house is suitable for a heat pump if it well insulated Is and the heating system with low flow temperatures works. You also need enough space for installation and maintenance. New buildings usually meet these requirements automatically. In existing buildings, suitability depends on the state of renovation. The lower the heat requirement, the more efficiently the heat pump works.

You can determine whether your house is suitable for a heat pump using the following checklist Determine:

‍

Which requirements must be met?

For a house to be suitable for a heat pump, certain requirements must be met. These are:

• Energy status of the building: The better the building insulation, the lower the heat losses. However, if a house is poorly insulated, the heat pump's electricity consumption and heating costs increase. Especially in old buildings, a heat pump can quickly become uneconomical without renovation measures. Through targeted renovation measures, energy consumption can be reduced and efficiency increased. For buildings from 1978 to 1994, just a few measures, such as roof or façade insulation, are sufficient.
• High annual efficiency factor (JAZ) of the heat pump: The JAZ indicates how efficiently a heat pump works. The higher it is, the more economical the company. As a guideline, the following applies: One Heat pump is worthwhile Starting from a JAZ of 3 or higher.
• Heating system flow temperature: For a heat pump to work efficiently, the flow temperature should be as low as possible. 35 to 40 °C is optimal, with a maximum of 55 °C.
• Suitable heating surfaces: Panel heating systems such as floor heating systems or wall heating systems are ideal for heat pumps because they make do with low heating water temperatures. Classic radiators made from old gas or oil heating systems are often undersized for operation with heat pumps. These should be replaced by low-temperature radiators.
• Enough space for installation: Depending on the type, the heat pump requires a suitable location. With air-water heat pumps installed outdoors, for example, you must have sufficient Distance to neighbors comply due to sound emissions. Sole and groundwater heat pumps require sufficient land space for geothermal collectors or probes.

‍

Heat pump in a single-family home: When does it make sense?

A heat pump is useful in a single-family home if the structural and technical requirements are right. The installation is particularly ideal in new buildings, as the heat pump can be planned right from the start. In old buildings, the suitability of insulation and heating systems depends; modernization measures are often necessary. Here, the heat pump often has to be installed outdoors. Make sure you have a location for the monoblock outdoor unit.

‍

Heat pump in apartment buildings: Is that possible?

A heat pump can be used in an apartment building if the building is well insulated and the heating system operates with low flow temperatures. However, there are challenges: The heating load is higher than in single-family homes, so a powerful heat pump is required. In addition, the heat supply for several residential units must be regulated, and there are technical and organizational issues regarding cost allocation and maintenance.

There are two options for using a heat pump in an apartment building:

• Central heat pump: One system supplies all residential units via a common heating system.
• Decentralized heat pumps: Each residential unit has its own heat pump and heats independently.

The table below shows the differences:

Which solution is more suitable depends on the building structure, the existing heating systems and the organization of the heating bill. In modern new buildings, a centralized solution is often preferred, while decentralized systems are often integrated into renovated old buildings.

‍

Heat pump in a terraced house: What to look for?

A heat pump can also be installed in a row house, but there are some challenges. The limited space for the outdoor unit is the most common limitation, particularly with air-water heat pumps. Sound insulation must also be taken into account, as neighboring properties are often close to each other.

The table below shows the most common challenges and potential solutions:

‍

Can an old building be heated efficiently with a heat pump?

An old building can be heated efficiently with a heat pump if the conditions are right. This is confirmed by a Fraunhofer ISE study. Good planning, suitable heating surfaces and an optimized flow temperature are crucial.

‍

Is a heat pump possible in unrenovated buildings?

A heat pump can be operated in unrenovated buildings if it is in bivalent operation works. A second heating source supports the heat pump, either alternatively (it switches on at low temperatures) or parallel (both systems run at the same time). It is particularly efficient hybrid heat pump, which combines a heat pump with gas or oil heating. The heat pump covers the basic heat requirement, while the existing heating system steps in at peak loads. As a result, efficiency remains high, even if the building requires high flow temperatures.

‍

How do I find out whether my house is suitable for a heat pump?

Whether your house is suitable for a heat pump can be determined with the 50-degree temperature test check. Set the heating curve so that the flow temperature is 50 to a maximum of 55 °C. Let the heater run on several cold days and turn on all thermostats. If the rooms stay warm, a heat pump can heat efficiently. If it is not warm enough, larger radiators or better insulation are required.

‍

autarc: Your partner for efficient planning of heat pumps — find out more now!

Rely on quality and expertise when planning and installing heat pump systems. With our heat pump check, you receive comprehensive support so that you can implement your projects efficiently and sustainably. Contact us today and benefit from our expert knowledge!

‍

‍