What types of heat pumps are there?
%25203%2520(1).webp)
Stefano Fonseca ist Ingenieur für Energie und Umwelt mit über sechs Jahren Erfahrung in der technischen Gebäudeausrüstung (TGA). Er kombiniert technisches Fachwissen mit einer Leidenschaft für verständliche Kommunikation. Seit mehr als fünf Jahren schreibt er als freiberuflicher Redakteur über erneuerbare Energien und nachhaltiges Wohnen, insbesondere über Photovoltaik und Wärmepumpen.
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly important as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating systems. However, not all heat pumps work the same way. Their type determines how efficiently they work, what conditions they need and how well they are suitable for specific buildings. In this article, you will find an overview of the types of heat pumps.
What types of heat pumps are there?
You can use various types of heat pumps Select, including air-to-water, brine-water, air-to-air, hybrid, high-temperature and hot-water heat pumps. Each variant has specific features that make it particularly suitable for various applications and requirements.
air to water heat pump
air source heat pumps use the ambient air as a heat source and transfer the energy obtained to a heating system via a refrigerant circuit. The efficiency of an air-to-water heat pump depends on the outside temperature and the flow temperature of the heating system. It works particularly economically for well-insulated buildings with underfloor heating or low-temperature radiators.
.png)
It can be installed outdoors or inside the building. A split version is also possible, where the heat pump is divided into an outdoor and indoor unit. Devices installed outdoors require sufficient distance from walls and neighboring properties to minimize noise emissions.
Air-water heat pumps are suitable for new buildings and renovated old buildings with moderate heat requirements. They are comparatively cheap to buy and do not require any earthworks or permits. The biggest advantage lies in the simple installation and wide range of uses. However, efficiency decreases in winter.
brine water heat pump
A brine-water heat pump uses the heat stored in the ground to heat buildings. It absorbs geothermal energy and converts it into heating energy via a refrigerant circuit. Since the earth's temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, it works particularly efficiently. Installation is possible with area collectors, geothermal heat baskets or geothermal probes.
- Area collectors require a large open area
- geothermal energy baskets are more space-saving but less efficient, and
- Earth probes They reach deep into the ground, but are cost-intensive and require approval.
.png)
This heat pump offers high efficiency and low operating costs, works quietly and regardless of the outside temperature. However, the purchase costs are higher and the installation requires construction work. It is particularly suitable for new buildings with sufficient land area on which a borehole or a collector can be laid.
water to water heat pump
One water to water heat pump uses groundwater as a heat source by extracting heat from it via a conveyor well and transferring it to the heating system via a heat exchanger. The cooled water is then returned via an absorption well. Since groundwater has relatively constant temperatures of around 8 to 12 °C all year round, this heat pump is particularly efficient. The installation requires a well system with two wells, sufficient groundwater resources and suitable soil conditions. Permits are also required, as interventions in groundwater are subject to strict regulations
.png)
Their biggest advantage is their high efficiency, which is reflected in a better annual performance factor compared to other types of heat pumps. However, development costs are high and water quality must be regularly checked. It is particularly suitable for new buildings or large existing buildings with high heat requirements if the geological conditions are right. If the groundwater is easily accessible and of stable quality, the water-water heat pump offers a sustainable and efficient heating solution.
air-to-air heat pump
An air-to-air heat pump uses the exhaust air from a building as a heat source and transfers the energy obtained to fresh air. It works with a heat exchanger, which extracts heat from the exhaust air and transfers it to the incoming air. Since no water-based heating system is required, it is particularly suitable for passive houses and buildings with controlled residential ventilation. Efficiency depends heavily on building insulation, as uncontrolled heat losses can affect performance.
The biggest advantage lies in the simple installation and low purchase costs. However, the heat pump cannot provide hot water and requires a ventilation system, which limits its use to low-energy and passive houses. It enables direct heat transfer and ensures a pleasant indoor climate, but can hardly be used economically in existing buildings.
hot water heat pump
One hot water heat pump uses ambient air or exhaust air to heat drinking water. It extracts heat from the air and transfers it via a refrigerant to the water in the integrated storage tank. As a result, it significantly reduces power consumption compared to conventional boilers. Efficiency depends on the ambient temperature, which is why warm rooms such as heating or utility rooms are ideal locations. Using exhaust air from ventilation systems can also increase efficiency.
The installation requires good air circulation so that the heat pump can work efficiently. It is suitable for households who want to operate their hot water supply independently of the heating system. The advantages are low power consumption, easy retrofitting and the use of waste heat. Disadvantages include the dependence on the ambient temperature and the limited volume of hot water during heavy use.
hybrid heat pump
One hybrid heat pump combines a heat pump with a second heating system, usually a gas condensing boiler. It primarily uses environmental heat from air, soil or water and automatically switches to additional heating when there is a high heat load or low temperatures. As a result, the heat supply remains constant and efficiency is maximized. It is particularly suitable for existing buildings where a single heat pump is not sufficient, e.g. unrenovated existing buildings.
Hybrid heat pumps offer a high level of operational safety and always use the most efficient energy source. As a result, they reduce heating costs, but in some cases remain dependent on fossil fuels. The investment costs are higher than with a pure heat pump, but they enable a flexible and reliable heat supply. If you are looking for a sustainable heating solution but cannot or do not want to completely switch to a heat pump, hybrid technology is a useful alternative.
high temperature heat pump
A high-temperature heat pump achieves flow temperatures of up to 80 °C. Compared to other heat pumps, it increases the temperature of the heating water through special compressor stages. This makes it particularly suitable for buildings with old radiators that require higher temperatures.
High-temperature heat pumps offer an efficient alternative to gas or oil heating systems, particularly in old buildings or poorly insulated houses. Their main advantage lies in the high heating capacity and the ability to use existing radiators. However, the purchase costs are higher and the operation is less efficient than with low-temperature heat pumps. A powerful power supply is also required.
Which heat pump is the right one?
Which heat pump is right for you depends on local conditions, heating requirements and building structure. Air-water heat pumps are particularly suitable for retrofitting, as they are easy and flexible to install. Brine-water and water-to-water heat pumps offer high efficiency, but require sufficient land space and complex earthworks. High-temperature heat pumps are ideal for old buildings with existing radiators.
Which heat pump do homeowners in Germany choose?
Most homeowners choose an air-to-water heat pump. It impresses with simple installation, flexible deployment options and lower costs. Die BDH/BWP sales statistics shows that it is chosen significantly more frequently than ground-connected systems, which require complex installations.
The following chart shows the development of sales figures:
.png)
What do I have to consider when choosing a heat pump?
The choice of the right heat pump depends on several factors that influence efficiency, costs and long-term use. A careful analysis of the conditions of your building and your needs is crucial.
When choosing a heat pump, you should pay attention to the following factors:
- Building type: New or old building, insulation standard and heating system.
- Heat source: availability of air, soil, or groundwater.
- Flow temperature: Radiator or panel heating requirements.
- efficiency: COP and SCOP values for energy consumption and cost savings.
- Installation costs: Space requirements and construction requirements.
- Investment costs: Purchase, installation and possible additional costs.
- Funding opportunities: Reduce investment costs.
- operating costs: power consumption and maintenance costs.
- Future security: Compatibility with renewable energy sources such as solar thermal energy and photovoltaics.
With thorough planning and advice, you can ensure that the heat pump is ideally suited to your requirements.
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!