Heat pumps are the most popular heating system in new buildings. Even so, only 3.4% of private residential buildings have this heating system. Use in existing buildings also makes sense, primarily due to the increasing relevance of renewable energies. But not every heat pump is suitable for every building. Because of this, it is worth taking a look at the advantages and disadvantages of different types of heat pumps.
An air-to-water heat pump, also called an air source heat pump, uses the outside air as an energy source. The air is subject to large temperature fluctuations, and unfortunately, the outside temperature is usually lowest when you need the most heating energy – namely in winter.
As a result, air source heat pumps require a higher compressor output. However, the ambient air can be drawn in without any problems, making this type of heat pump relatively cheap to buy and install.
A brine-to-water heat pump, also known as a geothermal or ground source heat pump, draws most of its energy from the ground. This can be done in one of two ways.
To use the groundwater as a heat source, you need to drill two wells. The water rises through the suction well, and it is returned through the drainage well. You need a permit for this in most areas. The groundwater has a temperature between 8 and 12 °C all year round.
This heat pump is only suitable for buildings that have a ventilation system and a low heat requirement. It uses the waste heat from the ventilation system to heat the building.
While you have all options in a new building, in an existing building you must, for example, take into account the condition of the building and the type of radiator.
The excavation work can be troublesome as well, which is why the air source heat pump has therefore established itself as the ideal solution to supplement an existing heating system.
