Heat Pumps: How to Choose and Install for Maximum Efficiency
Heat pumps have become a reliable solution for economical heating and cooling of buildings. They receive energy from the environment - air, soil or water - and then transfer it to the heating system. With the right selection of equipment, you can reduce your heating costs by up to 70%. At the planning stage, it is useful to compare the energy efficiency of different engineering systems and calculate how much, for example, turnkey solar panel installation price may cost if you are considering a combined solution of "heat pump + photovoltaics" for even greater autonomy.
Popular types of heat pumps
Air - water
They take heat from the outside air and transfer it to radiators or underfloor heating. Pros - low installation cost and no excavation work. Cons - reduced productivity in severe frosts.
Ground - water (geothermal)
They use stable soil temperature. They do not lose efficiency in winter, but require drilling wells or laying a horizontal circuit. They are best suited for houses with a plot of 6 acres or more.
Water - water
They draw heat from groundwater or an open reservoir. Provides a high conversion factor, but depends on the quality and availability of the water resource.
Key selection criteria
- Heat load of the building: calculated based on heat losses and the climate of the region.
- Supply temperature: radiator heating requires a higher value than underfloor heating systems.
- Availability of the energy source: free land, stable groundwater level or sufficient air volume.
- Noise level and installation location of outdoor units.
- Quality of the inverter compressor and energy efficiency class (A+++).
Stages of professional installation
1. Thermal audit
Engineers determine the actual heat loss of the building and select the pump capacity with a 10-15% reserve.
2. Design
Hydraulic circuits are created, a buffer tank is selected, antifreeze parameters and circuit length are calculated. At this stage, integration with an existing boiler room or solar panels is agreed upon.
3. Site preparation
For geothermal systems, wells are drilled or trenches are dug. For air models, it is important to ensure a solid foundation and free air flow.
4. Equipment installation
External and internal modules are installed, copper or polyethylene pipes are laid, circulation pumps and automation are mounted.
5. Commissioning
The system is filled with coolant, air is removed, operating pressures are checked and controller settings are set. If necessary, cascade operation with a gas or solid fuel boiler is configured.
Tips for increasing efficiency
For the heat pump to operate as efficiently as possible, it is important:
- Reduce heat loss: insulate the walls, roof and install energy-saving windows.
- Use a low-temperature heating system — heated floors or fan coils.
- Regularly clean heat exchangers and filters, perform maintenance once a year.
- Add solar collectors or photovoltaic panels to compensate for the compressor's energy consumption.
Common mistakes during self-installation
- Underestimating heat loss and choosing a pump with less power.
- Incorrect pipe diameter and lack of a hydraulic separator.
- Installing the outdoor unit in a place closed to free air circulation.
- Saving on thermal insulation of the ground circuit.
Payback calculation
A 12 kW air pump for a 150 m2 house costs about 4,800 €. Taking into account the reduction of heating costs to 700 € per year, it will pay off in 7 years at current rates. The geothermal system is more expensive (≈ 9,000 €), but its efficiency is higher, so the payback period is reduced to 6 years, especially if combined with a green tariff for the sale of excess solar energy.
Heat pumps are a long-term solution for a comfortable microclimate and saving resources. With proper design and installation, they serve for more than 20 years, requiring only minimal maintenance. Cooperation with experienced engineers guarantees that the equipment will operate with the declared efficiency even in frosty weather, and integration with renewable sources will increase the energy independence of your home.