ᐅ Comparison of Geothermal Heat Pump and Air-to-Water Heat Pump
Created on: 8 Aug 2020 22:33
M
mjammjammjam
Starting point: In the builder’s cost estimate, an air-to-water heat pump Nibe F2040 with a 180-liter (48-gallon) hot water tank is listed. Additionally, there are electric towel radiators and appropriate insulation to meet KfW-40 house standards. This package is supposed to cost us €13,900.
After some research, I found out that ground source heat pumps have a higher annual performance factor. According to the builder’s catalog, the air-to-water heat pump has a COP of 3.6, while the ground source heat pump has at least 4.5. In this case, it is a Nibe 1255.
Even though I don’t yet know the potential price for the 1255 from the builder, I would like to ask,
I look forward to your answers, as a non-expert I feel a bit lost here (at least I do right now)...
After some research, I found out that ground source heat pumps have a higher annual performance factor. According to the builder’s catalog, the air-to-water heat pump has a COP of 3.6, while the ground source heat pump has at least 4.5. In this case, it is a Nibe 1255.
Even though I don’t yet know the potential price for the 1255 from the builder, I would like to ask,
- what you paid for any borehole drilling for the ground loops?
- how the running costs compare between air-to-water and ground source heat pumps
- what you had to pay for your eligible Nibe units
I look forward to your answers, as a non-expert I feel a bit lost here (at least I do right now)...
Ybias78 schrieb:
If it’s not feasible, there will be a gas boiler with solar thermal. An air-to-water heat pump is basically not an option. I find it somewhat pointless.A properly designed air-to-water heat pump in a “warm” region can make complete sense. However, I would try to meet the requirements of the energy-saving regulations with a gas heating system and controlled residential ventilation.
Joedreck schrieb:
A properly designed air-to-water heat pump can make complete sense in a "warm" climate.
However, I would try to meet the requirements of the energy saving regulations with a gas heating system and a controlled mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. When do I need the air-to-water heat pump the most? Exactly, when it's really cold. But then the air is cold too, which means lower efficiency. So yes, if ground source is not an option, then a gas boiler.
Ybias78 schrieb:
When do I need the air-to-water heat pump the most? Right, when it’s really cold. But then the air is cold too, so it’s less efficient. But yes, if a ground-source heat pump isn’t an option, then a gas boiler.And when does it actually get truly cold in most parts of Germany? For years now, hardly ever. Even my moderately insulated house only requires a maximum heating load of about 7.5 kW in the deep winter at -12°C (10°F). If I had underfloor heating, I would have switched to an air-to-water heat pump. For 98% of the days (and nights), temperatures are above freezing. In those conditions, an air-to-water heat pump is still efficient enough.
It’s obviously different on the Zugspitze mountain.
Ybias78 schrieb:
When do I need the air-to-water heat pump the most? Right, when it’s really cold. But then the air is cold too, so it’s less efficient. But yes, if geothermal isn’t an option, then a gas boiler.Well, you have a heating limit temperature of about 12°C (54°F). A good air-to-water heat pump can operate with a coefficient of performance (COP) around 5 at that temperature. The problem arises when temperatures drop below -10°C (14°F), depending on the heat pump. The COP decreases then, but you can check how many days per year it actually happens. If you consider a few parameters, it can definitely make sense. But I’m not trying to convince anyone.
With good arguments, I would not be opposed to an air-to-water heat pump. One thing is a must, though: no outdoor unit. We find those completely unattractive. And such a unit is not going in the garden. Solutions with an indoor unit should be looked into, especially regarding noise levels.
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