Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling

Heat pumps are designed for energy-efficient heating of residential and commercial buildings and, with a properly designed system, can also provide cooling and domestic hot water. An air-to-water heat pump transfers energy from the outdoor air into a hydronic heating system, which then distributes it through underfloor heating, radiators or other suitable heat emitters. When choosing a system, the rated capacity of the unit is therefore not the only deciding factor; the building’s heating demand and required temperature regime are equally important.

Heat Pumps for Homes, Heating and Cooling

A heat pump for a house can be suitable for a new build or for upgrading an existing heating system. With underfloor heating, the system generally operates at a lower water temperature, which is beneficial for efficiency. With radiator heating, it is important to check the required supply water temperature and the capacity of the selected unit under those conditions. If the existing radiators require a higher temperature, check whether the chosen model is suitable for this operating regime.

If you also want space cooling, check whether the heat pump supports reversible operation and whether the cooling distribution system is designed appropriately. In addition to suitable surface systems, Fan Coil Units can also be used for active cooling. For domestic hot water production, it is also important to choose a suitable storage tank according to the number of users and household requirements.

Split, Monoblock and Inverter Heat Pumps

Air-to-water heat pumps are available as split and monoblock systems. In a split system, the indoor and outdoor units are separate, while in a monoblock system the refrigerant circuit is generally integrated into the outdoor unit. The choice affects the installation method, hydraulic connections and the amount of indoor space required for the equipment.

With inverter heat pumps, compressor operation adapts to the building’s current demand, allowing the output to adjust more effectively to different loads throughout the heating season. When comparing different configurations, it is also important to check the operating range at low outdoor temperatures and the unit’s capacity under temperature conditions that correspond to the actual building.

How to Choose the Right Heat Pump Capacity

A heat pump should not be selected solely according to the floor area of the house or apartment. Correct sizing depends on heat loss, insulation quality, windows, building location, ventilation method and desired indoor temperature. Two houses with the same floor area can therefore require different heating capacities.

Before purchasing, compare the heating capacity at relevant outdoor temperatures, maximum supply water temperature, energy efficiency, operating range and noise level. When renovating, it is especially important to check compatibility with existing radiators or underfloor heating. An undersized unit may require an additional heat source during peak demand, while an oversized unit does not automatically guarantee more efficient operation.

Heat Pump Price and Practical Costs

The price of a heat pump depends on its capacity, configuration, functions and the equipment required for the complete system. When comparing offers, it is therefore not enough to consider only the price of the unit itself. The total cost may also include installation, hydraulic and electrical connections, controls, a domestic hot water storage tank and any required modifications to the existing heating system.

Before making a decision, also check the available space for the outdoor and indoor units, service access, condensate drainage and the position of the outdoor unit in relation to noise and airflow. A properly selected and sized heat pump provides stable heating throughout the heating season and, with a suitably designed system, can also provide cooling during the warmer part of the year and domestic hot water.