ᐅ Air-to-Water Heat Pump – Experiences

Created on: 6 Nov 2015 10:26
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Watcher78
Hello everyone,

We are currently facing the question of heating systems. Just recently, on Monday or Tuesday, there was a program where someone ended up paying a fortune for an air-to-water heat pump, which served more as a cautionary example ;(

Personally, I would prefer a geothermal heating system using probes, but this costs us 7,500 € more plus the drilling cannot be guaranteed at a fixed price due to the Kaarst rock formation. So either it works with the first drilling, or if we’re unlucky, we might have to pay even more.

Therefore, we are also considering an air-source heat pump, but unfortunately, you mostly hear negative things about this type of heating system. Are there any users who have this system and are satisfied with it, where the costs are reasonable or at least where they should be? I know it all depends on location, temperatures, etc., but there must be some practical experiences.

I think, first and foremost, one should have a reliable heating contractor who is knowledgeable about the type of heating system. I have a meeting on Tuesday with our heating installer who has already installed many air-source heat pumps.

He had already mentioned the Stiebel Eltron 16 Trend, which is said to be very good and also qualifies for subsidies.

It would be great to hear your opinions and experiences, even if this is yet another thread on the topic.
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Watcher78
8 Nov 2015 12:52
Ok thanks, I only started following the post a bit late.
Nevertheless, I have not yet found any supporters of the air source heat pump.
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b54_de
8 Nov 2015 12:56
With the current gas prices, in my opinion, a gas boiler combined with solar thermal is still the most cost-effective option in an emergency. Just the additional costs of an air-to-water heat pump would take me years to recover. If anything, I would prefer geothermal energy combined with underfloor heating. This way, I can still switch to other systems later on. You can also install a horizontal ground collector or geothermal probes. Additionally, the pumps are subsidized by BAFA with €4,500 (about $4,900), provided the correct annual performance factor / COP is met.
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Bauexperte
9 Nov 2015 11:18
Watcher78 schrieb:

Nevertheless, I have yet to find any supporters of air source heat pumps.

Air-to-water heat pump – air/water heat pump

I’m sure they will speak up eventually; as far as I remember, there are many users here who have installed this type of heating system.

An air-to-air heat pump – air/air heat pump is generally only advisable in a detached house built to at least KfW 40 efficiency standard; otherwise, operating costs will consume the owner.

Regards, Bauexperte
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Watcher78
9 Nov 2015 11:59
How satisfied are your customers with air-to-water heat pumps? I’m a bit concerned about having to rely mostly on electricity for heating. However, I found an article online yesterday saying that the electric heating element should only activate at temperatures below -20°C (-4°F). But I’ve heard different figures elsewhere, suggesting it starts working between -2°C (28°F) and -15°C (5°F). Which information is correct?
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Bauexperte
9 Nov 2015 12:17
Hello,
Watcher78 schrieb:

How satisfied are your customers with the air-to-water heat pump? I’m a bit worried about having to rely mostly on electricity for heating.
We have been installing this type of heat generator for over 10 years now. Since people tend to express negative opinions more often, I think it’s safe to say that everyone who has purchased an air-to-water heat pump is satisfied.

I understand your concern well; the internet is full of reports about various pros and cons. You might consider visiting an energy agency near you; they can address your concerns and are generally unbiased.
Watcher78 schrieb:

But yesterday I found an article online that said the electric heating element should only activate at minus 20 degrees. I’ve also heard other values ranging from minus 2 to minus 15 degrees. So what is correct?
Regarding operating costs—which is ultimately what matters—the Association of Private Homeowners states on their website:

“The payback period of the heat pump depends on individual circumstances, a comparison: ‘For a heating load of 10 kilowatts, an air-to-water heat pump costs around 13,000 euros, with operating costs of about 1,100 euros. By comparison, a gas condensing boiler costs about 4,500 euros with annual operating costs of 1,800 euros. The difference in heating costs of 700 euros per year needs to cover the higher initial investment. This means the system pays for itself after about twelve years, not taking into account the interest on the additional investment.’”

A brine-to-water or water-to-water heat pump has lower operating costs but requires a higher initial investment. So if electricity prices become very high, choosing a heat pump might not have been the best decision.

Regards, Bauexperte
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Watcher78
9 Nov 2015 12:25
Yes, you’re right that you mostly find negative examples online, unfortunately.
Well, I have a meeting with our heating engineer tomorrow, and I'll see what comes out of that discussion.
We would like to install a ground source heat pump, but the problem is that our general contractor cannot guarantee a fixed price for the drilling, nor can the drilling company. So, on top of the current additional cost of 7,500 € (ground source heat pump + drilling – subsidy), there could be further expenses that we cannot predict.
That is a bit too risky for us, unfortunately...

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