.png)
The future of heating starts right outside your front door — invisible, quiet and surprisingly efficient. But what is behind this technology, which is considered a turning point in energy supply? Here you can find out everything you need to know about the heat pump.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a heating system that uses environmental heat to heat buildings. It is therefore an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional heating systems such as gas and oil heating systems. While these burn fossil fuels and cause high emissions, the heat pump requires primarily renewable energy from air, water or soil and only a small amount of electricity.
What types of heat pumps are there?
There are various types of heat pumps, including air-water, brine-water, water-water, air-to-air, hybrid, high-temperature, and hot-water heat pumps. Each of these heat pumps has specific properties that vary depending on the area of application and requirements.
How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump uses environmental heat from air, water or soil and uses it for heating and hot water through a technical process. The process is based on a closed refrigerant circuit, in which a refrigerants absorbs and increases environmental heat and then transfers it to the heat distribution system.
The following is a step-by-step explanation of the refrigerant cycle:
- evaporation: The heat pump extracts from the environment by evaporator heat (e.g. from air, soil, or groundwater). This heat causes the refrigerant to evaporate. The refrigerant has a very low boiling point, which makes it gaseous even at low temperatures.
- Compression: The supercharger compresses the gaseous refrigerant. As a result of compression, the pressure and therefore the temperature of the gas increases significantly. This high temperature is decisive for heat transfer.
- Liquefaction: The hot refrigerant gives off its heat in condenser onto the heating system (e.g. floor heating or radiators). In the process, the refrigerant cools down and becomes liquid again.
- Regeneration: In expansion valve relaxes the liquid refrigerant completely. As a result, pressure and temperature drop sharply. The refrigerant is now able to absorb heat again and the cycle starts all over again
How much does a heat pump cost?
A heat pump costs between 12,000 and 35,000 euros, depending on the type and performance. The price of a heat pump is typically 10,000 to 18,000 euros. In addition, there are installation costs of 2,000 to 3,000 euros. There are additional costs for brine-water and water-to-water heat pumps of 2,000 to 16,000 euros to tap into the heat source.
Are heat pumps being promoted?
Heat pumps are used as part of federal funding for efficient buildings (BEG) supported by grants and cheap loans. When replacing heating, you can, for example, use the KfW subsidy 458 or apply for the 358/359 supplementary loan.
The 458 grant covers up to 70% of eligible costs off. For a single-family home, this will cost up to an amount of 30,000 euros takes into account what a maximum subsidy of 21,000 euros corresponds. The funding is aimed at private owners of existing residential buildings who want to install a climate-friendly heat pump.
With the KfW loan 358.359, you can apply for a low-interest promotional loan with an effective annual interest rate of **0.01% **. Per residential unit, you have loans of up to 120,000 euros available, which can be used in addition to existing subsidies. Householders with an annual income of up to 90,000 euros benefit from particularly low interest rates.
Who is a heat pump worthwhile for?
A heat pump is worthwhile for homeowners with well-insulated buildings and low heat requirements. It is particularly efficient in new or renovated old buildings with underfloor heating or modern radiators. In addition, those who want to rely on renewable energy sources, particularly in combination with photovoltaics, will benefit.
When is a house suitable for a heat pump?
A house is suitable for a heat pump if it has a low heat requirement has. In addition, the flow temperatures of the heating system must be between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, but at most 55 degrees Celsius, amount. This is often the case with well-insulated new buildings or energy-efficient old buildings.
For the heat pump to operate efficiently and economically, the following conditions should be met:
- Low heat consumption: Good insulation of walls, roofs and windows so that heat losses are minimized.
- Suitable heating system: Surface heating systems such as floor heating systems or large, modern radiators that work with low flow temperatures.
- Space for installation: Sufficient space for outdoor equipment (for air-water heat pumps) or earthworks (for brine-water heat pumps).
How does the installation of a heat pump work?
The installation of a heat pump is carried out in several steps and usually takes time two to five days, depending on the type of heat pump and construction requirements. Here's how:
- Planning and preparation: A specialist company checks the local conditions in advance, such as the heat requirement, the existing heating system and the available space. For brine-water and water-to-water heat pumps, additional permits for earthworks or well drilling are required.
- Dismantling the old heater: When a heater is replaced, the old heating system is removed and disposed of. Depending on the heating system, this can take from a few hours to a day.
- Heat pump installation: Installation and installation of the heat pump. With brine-water and water-to-water heat pumps, earthworks or drilling are necessary to develop the heat source.
- Connection to the heating system and electrical network: The heat pump is connected to the existing heating system and the electrical supply. A hydraulic balancing ensures efficient heat distribution.
- Start-up and briefing: The installer starts up the heat pump and checks all functions. You will then receive instructions on how to operate and care for the device.
Where can you install a heat pump?
Brine-water and water-water heat pumps are installed inside the building. Air-water heat pumps offer several installation options: Indoor installation, outdoor installation and split installation (separate indoor and outdoor unit) are possible.
Air-water heat pumps require sufficient outdoor space, while brine-water and water-water heat pumps require additional space for earthworks or well systems. The exact choice of location depends on technical requirements and local conditions.
The following is an overview of the installation options and space requirements for various types of heat pumps:
How far does the heat pump have to be from the neighbour?
To comply with noise protection requirements, the heat pump must be at least 3 meters away from the neighboring property. The exact distance depends on local regulations and depends on the sound level of the heat pump. Air/water heat pumps installed outside may generate a maximum of 50 dB (A) during the day and a maximum of 35 dB (A) at night on the neighboring property. If there are deviations or limited space, you should use soundproofing measures such as hoods or sound-absorbing walls.
Which permits do you need?
Air-water heat pumps generally do not require a permit, but local noise regulations must be met. On the other hand, brine-water heat pumps (with geothermal probes) and water-water heat pumps require a water permit, as drilling or well construction involve groundwater. With brine-water heat pumps, geological reports and groundwater hazard studies may be necessary. In addition, network operators must be informed about the connection of the heat pump.
Which heat pump is the best?
According to the Stiftung Warentest heat pump test Are they Buderus Logatherm WlW186i-10 AR E And the Weishaupt Biblock WBB 12 Test winner. In the test, several models of air-water heat pumps were evaluated. Both devices impressed with their high energy efficiency and good environmental properties; they were awarded an overall rating good (2,3) excellent.
Other heat pumps rated “good” include LG Electronics Therma V (overall score 2.4) and the Panasonic Aquarea L-Series KIT WC09L3E5 (Overall score 2.5). Die Alpha Innotec Hybrox 8 only received an overall rating of “satisfactory (2.8)”, as it had the highest power consumption in the test and is less efficient in colder climates.
How long does a heat pump last?
A heat pump usually lasts 20 to 25 yearsif it is professionally installed and regularly maintained. However, the actual lifespan depends on the quality of the system, use and maintenance.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of heat pumps?
Heat pumps offer many advantages, such as low operating costs, environmental friendliness and independence from fossil fuels. However, they involve high initial costs and special building and installation requirements. Whether a heat pump is worthwhile depends on individual circumstances.
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!
%203%20(1).png)
Sie wollen direkt loslegen?
Kein Problem. Buchen Sie sich jetzt eine Demo.
