10 practical top ten tips for homeowners: What do you have to consider when installing a heat pump in existing buildings?

Future-proof heat: How heat pumps save costs and protect the environment

Heat pumps are an environmentally friendly, efficient and future-proof alternative to conventional heating systems. They use the energy stored in the environment and convert it into usable heat for the home. Correctly sized and professionally installed, they offer a sustainable and economically viable solution for heating buildings. However, many homeowners hesitate to switch to heat pumps because they fear high costs or find the technical requirements too complex. Early advice from experts can eliminate these concerns and pave the way to a successful installation.

Installing a heat pump may seem complex at first glance - but it is actually no more difficult than other heating systems, as long as you are well informed and involve qualified specialists. “Many homeowners shy away from installing a heat pump,” explains Dr. Jochen Theloke from VDI (Association of German Engineers), “because they feel overwhelmed by the technical requirements.” But if you seek advice early on and involve experts such as VDI-certified experts in the planning , you can be sure: the decision in favor of a heat pump is Not only environmentally friendly and sustainable – it also pays off in the long term.

In order to optimally install a heat pump and benefit from the advantages of this system in the long term, homeowners should consider a few important points. Ten practical tips are presented below that serve as a guide for the successful use of a heat pump in existing buildings.

Before deciding on a heat pump

1. Check compatibility with existing systems

Before you decide on a heat pump, you should make sure that the existing heating system and hot water tank are compatible. Many older buildings have radiators installed that are designed for high flow temperatures. However, heat pumps work more efficiently at lower temperatures. It may therefore be necessary to replace old radiators with modern, low-temperature models. It may also be necessary to install a buffer storage tank or a hydraulic switch to optimize the operation of the heat pump.

For homeowners who have already invested in smart home technologies, it is important to check whether the heat pump is compatible with the existing system. If necessary, additional control and regulation technology must be installed.

2. Check the existing building and insulation

The efficiency of a heat pump depends largely on the energy condition of the building. The better insulated a house is, the more efficiently the heat pump can work. Before installation, the condition of the insulation of walls, roof and windows should be checked. Inadequate insulation means that more energy is required to bring the building to the desired temperature. Possible renovation measures should therefore be considered before installing the heat pump.

3. Carry out heating load calculation

A precise heating load calculation is essential to ensure that the heat pump delivers the required performance. This calculation takes into account factors such as living space, year of construction of the building and its energy condition. This is the only way to ensure that the selected system is sufficiently dimensioned and works neither over- nor under-dimensioned.

4. Calculate costs and amortization and research funding

Installing a heat pump involves higher purchase costs than conventional heating systems - usually between 15,000 and 30,000 euros. However, there are numerous government funding programs that can provide financial support for switching to environmentally friendly heating. In Germany, up to 35% of the costs can be covered by subsidies; With additional bonuses, up to 70% is possible.

In addition to the purchase costs, possible additional costs such as replacing radiators or adapting the electrical infrastructure should also be taken into account. A professional can help calculate the payback period, taking into account operating costs and energy savings.

5. Ensure power supply

Heat pumps require electricity to operate. Therefore, it must be checked whether the house's existing electrical infrastructure is sufficient to cover the additional electricity requirements. In some cases it may be necessary to install a separate electricity meter for the discounted heat pump electricity.

After deciding on a heat pump

6. Select type of heat pump

There are different types of heat pumps: air/water, water/water and brine/water (geothermal) heat pumps. Choosing the right system depends on the conditions of the location and the energy requirements of the building. For example, an air-to-water heat pump is easier to install and does not require drilling or water source access like other systems.

Space also plays a role: While air/water heat pumps require an outdoor unit, brine/water heat pumps require space for geothermal probes or geothermal collectors.

7. Plan the placement of the heat pump

The outdoor unit of an air/water heat pump should be placed carefully - ideally in a location with sufficient distance from the neighboring house to avoid noise pollution. There must also be enough space in the interior for the indoor unit and a possible buffer storage.

Particularly in densely built-up residential areas, care should be taken to minimize the noise generated by the outdoor unit - however, modern devices are already significantly quieter than older models.

8. Coordinate installation work

You should only hire qualified specialists to install a heat pump - ideally those with VDI certification (Association of German Engineers). These experts have the necessary know-how and ensure that all components are installed correctly.

In close consultation with the installer, it should also be ensured that all required parts are available on time and that there are no delays.

9. Observe noise protection and neighborhood laws

Air/water heat pumps can cause noise during operation - especially in older models, this can reach up to 50 dB (comparable to a refrigerator). However, modern devices have become significantly quieter; There is also special sound insulation to further reduce noise.

It is advisable to inform neighbors early about the planned installation - especially in densely populated areas or if neighbors are known to be sensitive to noise.

10. Ensure smooth operation and maintenance

After installation, it should be checked whether all systems are functioning properly and are optimally set. In order to ensure high efficiency and a long service life of the system in the long term, it is also advisable to conclude a maintenance contract with a specialist company.

Regular maintenance ensures that potential problems can be identified and resolved at an early stage - this not only increases the service life of the system, but also helps it to always work efficiently.

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