ᐅ Reversible air-to-water heat pump vs. air conditioning unit with heating function
Created on: 12 Aug 2020 22:42
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hendi1908
Hello everyone,
This is my first post here, and when it comes to house building, I am a complete beginner. I will likely have several questions for you in the future regarding the planning and construction of a solid masonry bungalow.
My first question has been on my mind since the beginning of the planning process:
What are your experiences or opinions about a reversible air-to-water heat pump with active cooling compared to an air conditioning system with heating function for the entire house?
I have read many reports on this topic, but every option has its pros and cons. My main concern is which solution is truly the most effective for cooling indoor temperatures during summer when outside temperatures reach around 40°C (104°F), especially with wall thicknesses of 30 to 36.5 cm (12 to 14.5 inches).
I have read that a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump is generally the most efficient, but it is more expensive to install than a reversible air-to-water heat pump. However, based on my experience in the USA (Florida), I am very impressed with an air conditioning system that also provides heating. So, I am uncertain whether a reversible air-to-water heat pump can cool indoor air just as effectively.
A few days ago, during a planning meeting on a day with 39°C (102°F) outside temperature, the representative from my masonry construction company said right away, “You really notice the air conditioning at these temperatures.” That comment surprised me somewhat because everyone usually wants to sell you the KfW construction standard and the most sustainable solution. In my opinion, it won’t help much if, for example, I end up sitting in the bungalow at 30°C (86°F) room temperature when it’s 35°C (95°F) outside, just because I have an air-to-water heat pump.
I would really appreciate any brief replies or shared experiences because practical experience means more to me than any reports or sales pitches promoting the latest technology.
Best regards
This is my first post here, and when it comes to house building, I am a complete beginner. I will likely have several questions for you in the future regarding the planning and construction of a solid masonry bungalow.
My first question has been on my mind since the beginning of the planning process:
What are your experiences or opinions about a reversible air-to-water heat pump with active cooling compared to an air conditioning system with heating function for the entire house?
I have read many reports on this topic, but every option has its pros and cons. My main concern is which solution is truly the most effective for cooling indoor temperatures during summer when outside temperatures reach around 40°C (104°F), especially with wall thicknesses of 30 to 36.5 cm (12 to 14.5 inches).
I have read that a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump is generally the most efficient, but it is more expensive to install than a reversible air-to-water heat pump. However, based on my experience in the USA (Florida), I am very impressed with an air conditioning system that also provides heating. So, I am uncertain whether a reversible air-to-water heat pump can cool indoor air just as effectively.
A few days ago, during a planning meeting on a day with 39°C (102°F) outside temperature, the representative from my masonry construction company said right away, “You really notice the air conditioning at these temperatures.” That comment surprised me somewhat because everyone usually wants to sell you the KfW construction standard and the most sustainable solution. In my opinion, it won’t help much if, for example, I end up sitting in the bungalow at 30°C (86°F) room temperature when it’s 35°C (95°F) outside, just because I have an air-to-water heat pump.
I would really appreciate any brief replies or shared experiences because practical experience means more to me than any reports or sales pitches promoting the latest technology.
Best regards
H
hendi190817 Aug 2020 23:36Ok, great. Thanks again for all the detailed information and your support on this. I will probably look into getting an air-to-air heat pump or even an air conditioner together with underfloor heating (for the winter). I feel more certain now and I don’t like that everyone keeps trying to convince me to choose an air-to-water heat pump.
@moHouse Thanks for the advice, and I understand what you mean. However, the last two summers we had six weeks straight with temperatures between 30 and 40°C (86 and 104°F). Of course, six weeks is not comparable to six months or so, but I simply find the air from an air-to-air heat pump more comfortable because I don’t set it to frost mode, but if needed I could at least adjust it like that compared to an air-to-water heat pump. Especially when I think about how, with indoor temperatures at 28-29°C (82-84°F) like now, the food (sweets) in the cupboards starts to melt, I believe I prefer an air-to-air heat pump.
@moHouse Thanks for the advice, and I understand what you mean. However, the last two summers we had six weeks straight with temperatures between 30 and 40°C (86 and 104°F). Of course, six weeks is not comparable to six months or so, but I simply find the air from an air-to-air heat pump more comfortable because I don’t set it to frost mode, but if needed I could at least adjust it like that compared to an air-to-water heat pump. Especially when I think about how, with indoor temperatures at 28-29°C (82-84°F) like now, the food (sweets) in the cupboards starts to melt, I believe I prefer an air-to-air heat pump.
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Daniel-Sp18 Aug 2020 00:44How is the water for the underfloor heating supposed to be heated then? The air-to-air heat pump cannot do that.
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T_im_Norden18 Aug 2020 06:32First, take a look at the prices quoted for your planned solution.
I believe after that, a wall-mounted bracket or ceiling cassette of an air conditioning system will no longer bother you.
I believe after that, a wall-mounted bracket or ceiling cassette of an air conditioning system will no longer bother you.
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hendi190821 Aug 2020 23:39@Daniel-Sp: As I mentioned, I’m a complete beginner. Therefore, I’m very grateful for your experience regarding the heating options available to me. Let’s assume I go with an air-to-air heat pump. Would I automatically need radiators, or what would be the best way to combine it?
@T_im_Norden: I just found this information. Do these price ranges seem accurate?:
@T_im_Norden: I just found this information. Do these price ranges seem accurate?:
- Simple centralized exhaust systems: 2,000 to 3,000 euros
- Exhaust systems combined with a heat pump: up to 13,000 euros
- Supply and exhaust ventilation systems including heat recovery: 4,000 to 10,000 euros
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T_im_Norden22 Aug 2020 07:24These are prices for a residential ventilation system, specifically a controlled mechanical ventilation system; this does not allow you to air condition.
If you want to heat and cool with a central air-to-air heat pump, as you have already realized, you will need a system to distribute the warm air throughout the house.
It’s best to search for central air conditioning and ductwork systems.
Also, look into air conditioning with ceiling cassettes or wall-mounted vents.
Keep in mind that these require suspended ceilings and additional ceiling height.
This should give you a basic idea.
However, it is important that your house, or more precisely its heating load, is suitable for this.
An air-to-air heat pump only works efficiently and cost-effectively if the heating demand is low.
If you want to heat and cool with a central air-to-air heat pump, as you have already realized, you will need a system to distribute the warm air throughout the house.
It’s best to search for central air conditioning and ductwork systems.
Also, look into air conditioning with ceiling cassettes or wall-mounted vents.
Keep in mind that these require suspended ceilings and additional ceiling height.
This should give you a basic idea.
However, it is important that your house, or more precisely its heating load, is suitable for this.
An air-to-air heat pump only works efficiently and cost-effectively if the heating demand is low.
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UnfähigerBeamt30 Apr 2025 00:26Hello,
I’m reopening this topic and asking the original poster @hendi1908 how they ultimately resolved the issue and whether they are satisfied with the solution after this time.
I am considering a similar approach but have some concerns that, for example, ceiling panels might cause an uncomfortable draft.
I’m reopening this topic and asking the original poster @hendi1908 how they ultimately resolved the issue and whether they are satisfied with the solution after this time.
I am considering a similar approach but have some concerns that, for example, ceiling panels might cause an uncomfortable draft.
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