Heat pumps in older buildings - all information at a glance
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There is often talk that a heat pump is only suitable for new construction. But far from it. They can also be used in existing buildings and are worthwhile. Find out here what you should consider if a heat pump is to be installed in an existing building.
Is a heat pump worthwhile in an old building?
Especially when it comes to heat pumps in old buildings or existing buildings, many prejudices have taken root. Many people believe that a heat pump does not work in an old building - especially that it does not run efficiently. This is not true. In principle, the efficiency and effectiveness of a heating system depend on many different factors. This applies to both new buildings and existing ones. Good and detailed planning is therefore the be-all and end-all for successful heating system modernization.
Creating the right conditions for a heat pump in an existing building
A heat pump should always match the building and, above all, the heating habits of the occupants. The consumption of heating energy ultimately determines how the heat pump is to be planned and designed. For this purpose, existing accounts from the past few years can be consulted in advance. When looking at the figures, homeowners can also roughly determine for themselves whether a heat pump is worthwhile. This can reveal how the demand for heating energy can be reduced.
- Is there an opportunity to improve the building's insulation? Can windows, doors, walls and ceilings be insulated?
- Is there an option to replace older radiators with low-temperature radiators or panel heating?
- Can the flow temperature already be lowered with the old system and will the rooms still be adequately heated?
If homeowners can answer these questions in the affirmative, there is almost nothing standing in the way of installing a heat pump in an old building. It should also be ensured that there is sufficient space, especially for the unit outside. You can then plan your new heat pump in consultation with an expert on site.
Are a low flow temperature and underfloor heating mandatory?
No. Modern heat pumps can achieve flow temperatures of 75 degrees Celsius. Even conventional radiators can cope well with this and supply the rooms with heat accordingly. Nevertheless, it pays to replace old radiators. But it doesn't necessarily have to be underfloor heating. Even with low-temperature radiators, the use of a heat pump in existing buildings can make sense. These can handle low system temperatures in the flow of around 35 to 45 degrees Celsius very well. Despite these low flow temperatures, they achieve the same heating effect as the old radiators.
Managing director of Viessmann Deutschland GmbH on the use of heat pumps in old buildings - Klassikradio
Under certain conditions, the use of a heat pump in an old building can also be worthwhile. Which factors play thereby in principle a role and how you can test whether a heat pump for your existing building comes into question, explains Dr. Frank Voßloh, managing director of the Viessmann Germany GmbH, for Klassikradio completely compactly:
Is a heat pump worthwhile in an old building?
Especially when it comes to heat pumps in old buildings or existing buildings, many prejudices have taken root. Many people believe that a heat pump does not work in an old building - especially that it does not run efficiently. This is not true. In principle, the efficiency and effectiveness of a heating system depend on many different factors. This applies to both new buildings and existing ones. Good and detailed planning is therefore the be-all and end-all for successful heating system modernization.
Creating the right conditions for a heat pump in an existing building
A heat pump should always match the building and, above all, the heating habits of the occupants. The consumption of heating energy ultimately determines how the heat pump is to be planned and designed. For this purpose, existing accounts from the past few years can be consulted in advance. When looking at the figures, homeowners can also roughly determine for themselves whether a heat pump is worthwhile. This can reveal how the demand for heating energy can be reduced.
- Is there an opportunity to improve the building's insulation? Can windows, doors, walls and ceilings be insulated?
- Is there an option to replace older radiators with low-temperature radiators or panel heating?
- Can the flow temperature already be lowered with the old system and will the rooms still be adequately heated?
If homeowners can answer these questions in the affirmative, there is almost nothing standing in the way of installing a heat pump in an old building. It should also be ensured that there is sufficient space, especially for the unit outside. You can then plan your new heat pump in consultation with an expert on site.
Combining a heat pump with a solar system
Often homeowners and builders are faced with the question of whether to combine the heat pump with a solar system. There are two variants to distinguish here. A solar thermal system converts solar energy into thermal energy that can be used for hot water piping or heating support. It shows its advantages especially in combination with existing oil or gas heating systems. In connection with a heat pump it is only conditionally enriching. Certainly, it relieves the heat pump in the preparation of hot water, but especially in the summer, when solar thermal is particularly efficient, the heat pump also works without problems. More effective is the combination of a heat pump with photovoltaics.
Operate photovoltaic system together with heat pump
The combination of heat pump, PV system and electricity storage system such as Vitocharge VX3 ensures the greatest possible independence. In this way, homeowners can use their self-generated electricity to operate the heat pump. In this way, they heat almost CO₂-free, which benefits the environment. The heat pump itself has an intelligent PV self-generated electricity optimization function. This makes the best possible use of the self-generated solar power. This is supported by the electricity storage unit, which stores the self-generated electricity from the PV system throughout the day and makes it available to the heat pump for heating in the evening. In combination with a charging station, the solar power can also be used for the electric car.
Are a low flow temperature and underfloor heating mandatory?
No. Modern heat pumps can achieve flow temperatures of 75 degrees Celsius. Even conventional radiators can cope well with this and supply the rooms with heat accordingly. Nevertheless, it pays to replace old radiators. But it doesn't necessarily have to be underfloor heating. Even with low-temperature radiators, the use of a heat pump in existing buildings can make sense. These can handle low system temperatures in the flow of around 35 to 45 degrees Celsius very well. Despite these low flow temperatures, they achieve the same heating effect as the old radiators.
