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Heat pumps for older buildings

Heat pumps also enhance efficiency in older buildings

The future belongs to CO₂ efficiency. Modern heat pumps play a key role in this environmentally friendly approach. However, many still believe that heat pumps are unsuitable for older buildings – a misconception! In fact, these energy-efficient systems offer significant benefits even here, both in terms of heating costs and environmental impact

To the air-to-water heat pumps from Hargassner

Installing air/water heat pumps in older buildings

By intelligently utilising the thermal energy in the ambient air, modern air-to-water heat pumps generate around three times as much energy as they consume in the form of electricity – a unique level of efficiency in the heating sector. This makes heat pumps a valuable efficiency booster even in older buildings.

For a long time, heat pumps were seen as an attractive heating solution only for new buildings. However, switching to these technological wonders is an excellent way to provide environmentally friendly and cosy living in older properties, particularly as part of a comprehensive renovation.

Due to their lower flow temperature compared to outdated heating systems such as oil and gas systems, heat pumps are particularly energy-efficient. They make the best use of this advantage when combined with panel heating systems, such as wall and underfloor heating. As a result, installing a heat pump as part of a thermal refurbishment programme can be a worthwhile step for older buildings.

Holzwürfel mit Symbolen auf einem liegenden Baum vor einem Waldhintergrund

Renovate, modernise and use heat pumps in old buildings

A tight, well-insulated building envelope, modern multi-glazed windows, effective roof insulation, an efficient heating system for heat distribution – these are the perfect prerequisites for the heat pump to fully fulfil its function in an old building and for the system perform at its best.

However, these are also criteria that do not apply to most old buildings. Therefore, switching to a heat pump in an old building makes sense above all if it is accompanied by a comprehensive thermal renovation of the insulation on the roof and walls and the replacement of old, usually leaky windows. At the same time, it is also advisable to install a panel heating system or suitable radiators for heat pumps.

Paar steht zwischen Leiter und Fenster und stellt sich Sanierung in Altbauwohnung vor

Versatile solutions for maximum efficiency

With large-area wall or floor heating, you can ideally harness the energy benefits of an air/water heat pump in an old building and create a cosy and warm feel-good atmosphere in your home. At the same time, you benefit from noticeable savings on heating costs and also protect the environment and the climate.

Heat pumps can also be used with existing radiator heating systems, such as those found in most older buildings. In principle, Hargassner heat pumps can generate a sufficiently high flow temperature to heat old buildings with conventional radiators. However, in this case, modern, environmentally friendly biomass heating, such as a compact pellet boiler, or hybrid heat pumps are usually the better solution.

More about hybrid heat pumps