What are the requirements for high heat pump efficiency?
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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.
A heat pump can work highly efficiently — or consume an unnecessary amount of electricity. What does that depend on? In this article, you will learn which factors determine the efficiency of a heat pump and how to get the most out of your heat pump.
What are the requirements for high heat pump efficiency?
The efficiency of a heat pump depends primarily on the building insulation, the flow temperature, the outside temperature and the heat source. Other factors such as heating surfaces, hydraulic balancing and correct sizing also play a role.
The following is an overview of the factors that influence the efficiency of the heat pump, as well as a heat pump efficiency comparison that shows how these factors have a positive or negative effect:
Building insulation
A heat pump works particularly efficiently when the building is well insulated. High-quality insulation of the outer walls, roof and windows keeps heat in the house and reduces heat losses. The lower the heat requirement, the lower the flow temperature of the heating system. This reduces the heat pump's power consumption, as it has to use less energy to reach the desired room temperature.
Without adequate insulation, heat escapes the building more quickly. As a result, the heat pump must operate at a higher flow temperature and consume more energy, which reduces efficiency and increases electricity consumption.
If the insulation is inadequate, you can improve it with targeted measures. It is often sufficient to insulate the top floor or the basement ceiling. Replacing old windows and doors with energy-efficient models also reduces heat loss and improves heat pump efficiency.
flow temperature
The heat pump achieves its highest efficiency at a flow temperature of around 35°C And should be a maximum 55°C Amount to. For every degree Celsius increase in the flow temperature above 55°C, the COP (Coefficient of Performance) decreases by around 2 to 2.5%. Ergo: The lower the flow temperature, the less electricity the heat pump consumes.
The following is an example comparison of the efficiency of an air source heat pump depending on the flow temperature:
Panel heating systems such as floor or wall heating systems work with these low temperatures and ensure uniform heat distribution. If your house is equipped with radiators, check whether they are sufficiently dimensioned, for example with the Automatic radiator recognition from autarc. If not, you can low temperature radiator Install.
outdoor temperature
The efficiency of a heat pump is highest when the outside temperature remains consistently mild. Geothermal and groundwater heat pumps offer advantages here, as their temperature is constantly between 5 and 14 °C over the year. Air-water heat pumps, in turn, react strongly to cold winter temperatures. The following applies to them: The lower the outside temperature, the higher the power consumption.
heat source
The efficiency of the heat pump depends on the heat source. Ground and groundwater heat pumps Use constant temperatures and work particularly efficiently. Air to water heat pumps Are dependent on the outside temperature and lose performance in winter.
Even the Mode of operation Affects efficiency. Monovalent systems Like ground water and groundwater heat pumps, they cover the heating load alone and work efficiently all year round. Mono Energetic Air Source Heat Pumps At outdoor temperatures below - 10 °C, require an electric heating element as support, which increases power consumption. Bivalent systems Combine a heat pump with a gas or pellet boiler so that they work efficiently on very cold days.
Heating surfaces
Heat pumps work particularly efficiently with Large Area Heating Systems Such as floor or wall heating systems. Large heating surfaces distribute heat more efficiently and enable lower flow temperatures so that the heat pump uses less energy.
Are only Small or Outdated Radiators available, they require a higher flow temperature of 55°C or more. This significantly reduces the efficiency of the heat pump. In that case, you can go to low temperature radiator Change trains. These are specially designed for heat pumps and work efficiently at 35 to 45°C.
Hydraulic balancing
A Hydraulically Balanced Heating System Ensures an even distribution of heat in all rooms. Without adjustment, some radiators receive too much or too little heat. This leads to unnecessarily high flow temperatures and lowers efficiency. When installing a heat pump, make sure that a hydraulic balancing Is carried out. This ensures their efficient operation.
sizing
One Heat pump tailored precisely to the heat requirement Works efficiently and uses less power. A correctly sized system is running evenly and without frequent clocking (continuous switching on and off).
- One Too large heat pump Turns on and off constantly. This not only leads to inefficient operation, but also to higher wear and tear.
- One Too small heat pump Cannot heat the building sufficiently when the outside temperature drops, which means that the additional heating system switches on and increases electricity costs.
Before installing a heat pump, a specialist company should have a Heat load calculation Carry out. This ensures that the heat pump fits the size of the building.
Regulation and Control
A modern heat pump control system adapts automatically to the heating requirement. An intelligent controller optimizes operations by Nighttime reduction, outdoor temperature and user behavior Takes into account when an incorrectly adjusted heat pump is running inefficiently and consumes an unnecessarily large amount of electricity.
Use a Smart Control And adjust your heat pump optimally. A connection with Weather data or a PV system Can further improve efficiency.
power source
There are separate electricity tariffs for the operation of heat pumps, so-called Heat pump flow. They offer cheaper labor prices and lower electricity costs. If you want to significantly reduce operating costs, the Combination with a PV system. This allows you to use the electricity you generate yourself directly and thus reduce power consumption from the grid.
How do you achieve high efficiency?
You can achieve high efficiency with a low flow temperature, one good building insulation and the correct heat pump type. Ground and groundwater heat pumps Work more consistently while air source heat pumps depend on the outside temperature. Large-scale heating surfaces, a hydraulic balancing And a intelligent control reduce power consumption. A PV system can further reduce operating costs.
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The efficiency of a heat pump depends on several factors. Find out which requirements ensure high efficiency.