ᐅ The heating options – air-to-air heat pump, air-to-water heat pump, or gas?

Hello everyone,

I have long understood that heating is a complex topic. However, the fact that different suppliers give such varied recommendations only adds to our confusion.

We quickly decided on the following heating system – an air-to-water heat pump with controlled ventilation, supported by a photovoltaic system. Our reasons for this choice are:

• No dependence on fossil fuels
• Low running costs due to the photovoltaic system
• Future-proof, since with underfloor heating installed, it would be easier to switch to newer technologies in 25-30 years
• Comfortable living space thanks to even heat distribution through the floor

Yesterday, we visited a supplier who was very eager to sell us an air-to-air heat pump, offering substantial discounts. They also claimed that air-to-water heat pumps are basically outdated and that air-to-air heat pumps are practically the best on the market.
Strangely, this supplier also offers air-to-water heat pumps.
What do you think about this statement?
Based on my research so far, I understood the situation quite the opposite and have found more negative feedback concerning air-to-air heat pumps.

We were also informed about the “noise” produced by an air-to-water heat pump. We would prefer not to have a split system but a single unit placed in the basement. At the moment, I can’t imagine there would be a noise issue.
Does anyone have experience heating with an air-to-water heat pump?

Additionally, we have the option of a gas condensing boiler (including underfloor heating). Initially, we dismissed this idea, but the lower initial investment costs are making it more appealing now.
Is there anyone who has built with this and can share some insights?

Ultimately, it probably depends on how well the house is insulated, but some kind of heating system has to be installed, and we want to choose the “right” one...

Thank you very much in advance.

What type of house are you building? For example, if it’s a passive house, an air-to-air heat pump might be a good option. How does the cost compare to gas (including installing the gas connection and chimney) — and possibly taking into account any government incentives for heat pumps? Will gas alone meet your requirements under the energy saving regulations, or will you also need solar thermal systems for controlled ventilation (consider the additional costs)?

Some food for thought for you...
...and there are many more factors you might want to consider!
Most of the answers you receive to your questions will likely be positive regarding air-to-air heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps, and gas systems alike—since the heating system is chosen to suit the building. For example, we don’t use any of the mentioned heating systems but rely on geothermal energy. This works very well for us and our house.

Hi herann,

we have a combined air-to-water heat pump (Tecalor THZ304 eco) installed in the utility room on the ground floor. It is quite noisy during operation, but once you close the door, you only hear a faint humming, which I don’t find disturbing. Upstairs in the bedrooms, you can’t hear anything at all.
If your system will be installed in the basement, it probably won’t bother you at all.

So far, we are very satisfied, although we have only been living in the house for 4 months and therefore have no long-term experience yet.

As others have already mentioned, the heating system must be suitable for the house... so more information would be needed.

Otherwise, in a house in Spain, air-to-air heat pumps work very well, or also in an almost passive house here... otherwise, in a standard house, it is rather semi-optimal... of course, the seller wants to get rid of what yields the most profit for them...

herann schrieb:

In the end, it probably depends on how well the house is insulated, but you still need some kind of heating system, and you want to choose the "right" one...

However, as a layperson, it’s hardly possible for you to decide that yourself.

The forum and its users can certainly offer tips on what choices they made for their construction project, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right decision for you.

Arrange an appointment with an energy agency near you and get informed about how different technologies work onsite. If you leave this consultation with a good feeling, discuss your options with your energy expert and see which technology fits your gut feeling but above all fits your construction project 😉

Best regards, Bauexperte

Hello everyone,

thanks first of all for the replies.
A brief overview of the house: single-family home, about 150sqm (1600 sq ft) plus basement, KfW70 standard in the Stuttgart metropolitan area.

A consultation at the energy advisory center is already scheduled.
I am especially interested in your perspective on the seller’s statements, which made me quite uncertain.

Thanks!