ᐅ Air Source Heat Pump and Electricity Consumption

f-pNo schrieb:
A brief update from our side on energy consumption – or rather electricity usage.
We heat with a geothermal heat pump.

We were told to expect 8,000-10,000 kWh in the first two years, then around 6,000 kWh annually after that. I’m curious to see if that holds true, but I tend to think these estimates are on the high side.

Our heat pump was started in early September. However, during the initial phase for heating up and drying the screed, we relied entirely on electricity (in my opinion, that accounted for the first 1,500–1,800 kWh).
After we turned the heating down while doing finishing work ourselves (painting), we moved in at the end of November. Until the really cold days hit (end of December), the hot water wasn’t heated using the electric backup heater.

So, after all this background, here is the current status: we have used about 2,850 kWh since the heat pump was started. In December, I checked the meter every morning. Daily consumption on the pump ranges between 20 and 26 kWh, depending on whether the hot water tank needs charging.
This consumption is for the current cold season. I’m curious to see how consumption will look in spring and summer. We’ll see where it ends up.

Oh, and the house is KfW70 standard with a size of over 170 sqm (about 1800 sq ft).

To add our consumption data (geothermal heat pump):

Detached single-family house, KfW 70 according to the application, but actually performing significantly better
250 sqm (about 2,700 sq ft) living space (300 sqm [3,230 sq ft] heated floor area)
5 people, average room temperature around 22°C (71.6°F)
Daily electricity consumption including hot water during recent weeks (weather: around 2°C (36°F) during the day, around 0°C (32°F) at night) = 17–20 kWh
House has been occupied since May
Monthly consumption: November 346 kWh, December 569 kWh, January expected to be slightly better than December

DerBjoern schrieb:
I wouldn’t carve that in stone either...

I need more details.

My father recommends a gas condensing boiler, with the plan to replace it with a more efficient alternative in 10 years.

sirhc schrieb:
I need more details.

My father recommends a gas condensing boiler now, and then installing a more efficient alternative in 10 years.

But that will get really expensive—installing a gas condensing boiler now (including gas connection and chimney) and then facing additional costs for an alternative in 10 years?! I don’t understand.

Not necessarily. A gas connection is fine, but a chimney isn’t required, and a boiler is inexpensive.

It’s better to design the underfloor heating system to be compatible with a heat pump from the start and monitor energy prices over the next 10 years. By then, heat pump costs will likely have decreased, and the units will be even more efficient. The only downside is the excavation work in the garden again—if you opt for a groundwater (brine) heat pump—and core drilling in the basement. Overall, waiting is not a bad idea, especially in the current situation where accurate forecasts about the price development of different energy sources are impossible.

Cascada schrieb:
especially in current times, when no accurate forecasts about the price development of individual energy sources are possible...

I can only agree with this to a limited extent. Because there will probably NEVER be accurate forecasts available for the price development of individual energy sources (for us). A year ago, I would never have dreamed that I could refuel my car with diesel for under 1.00 euro (about 1.10 USD). A few years ago, no one could have imagined a diesel price over 1.40 euro (about 1.55 USD).

The only ones who might have somewhat reliable forecasts on energy prices are the energy companies themselves and possibly (energy) commodity analysts at banks (and even those only to a limited extent, depending on their sources). These parties will likely never reveal their cards. Everyone else relies on their crystal ball and is surprised when, after a few years (depending on how the global economy develops), prices suddenly move in the opposite direction.

PS: Wow – I just realized I’ve written my 500th post. Who would have thought?

I can make one prediction: it will become more expensive. There will always be some level of inflation, as there almost always has been. Oil and therefore fuel will also become more expensive again, or the currently unsustainably low prices will disappear.