The installation of a heat pump could be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to rising energy costs. But how much money has to be invested?
With the rising cost of living, the shortage of fossil fuels, and the growing threat of global warming — there's no question that the energy transition is undoubtedly the most discussed topic of our generation. While experts around the world are concerned with the political and social consequences of the climate crisis, among other things, completely different points are at the center of the discussion for private individuals. What are the costs of the inevitable switch to renewable energies?
Because if the federal government has its way, oil and gas heating systems will soon no longer be allowed to be installed in new buildings. An attractive alternative, for example, is the installation of a heat pump. This is a form of heating that draws heat from the surrounding environment and brings it to a pleasant living temperature through electricity. In addition to the environmentally friendly aspect, however, the costs of such an investment are of particular interest to consumers. How expensive is the purchase of a heat pump and how much money does it require in terms of consumption? We have compiled the most important facts about the costs of a heat pump for you.
Heat pumps: This is how heat generation works
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For some time now, the heat pump has been the most widely used heating system in new buildings in Germany. Since it offers an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels such as oil or gas, the installation of heat pumps will certainly become even more widespread in the future. How a heat pump works is relatively easy to explain: heat from the environment is pumped into the house and brought to a pleasant temperature for heating with the help of electricity. Things get a little more complicated when you look at the different types of heat pumps in detail.
In general, a distinction is made between air source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps. According to its name, the air source heat pump heats with heat from the outside air, whereas the geothermal heat pump draws its heat from the ground or groundwater. In both cases, electricity is used to bring the refrigerant contained in the pump to a comfortable heating temperature. This is one of the reasons why a heat pump is particularly suitable in combination with a solar system that supplies the required electricity with the help of solar energy.
+An installer installs a new heating system
© photography33/Imago
Heat pump: cost of purchase
Unfortunately, it is not possible to give a general answer to the costs of purchasing a heat pump in individual cases. But the fact is that the installation of such a heating system is fundamentally more expensive than installing a gas boiler or oil heating system. However, since the cost of fossil fuels will only continue to rise in the future and the federal government may ban these heating methods in the near future, the purchase of a heat pump is almost certainly a sensible investment for the future.
Basically, according to co2online, you should expect at least a sum of between 8,000 euros and 20,000 euros for the pure installation. The decisive factor is which type of heat pump you choose. An air source heat pump is usually cheaper to purchase, as no drilling has to be made. Ultimately, however, a geothermal heat pump is more cost-efficient to maintain. Of course, the prices also differ depending on the manufacturer and model. Fortunately, however, consumers do not have to pay for switching to a heat pump completely on their own. In order to advance the energy transition, the legislator offers state subsidies amounting to 35 percent of the costs incurred. When replacing an oil heating system, as much as 40 percent is covered.
11 myths about saving energy that many still fall for – do you?
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Heat pumps: What they cost in terms of consumption
If you have been deterred by the purchase price of a heat pump, you should definitely look at the cost of its consumption. In principle, a heat pump is much cheaper than natural gas or oil in the long run, as no emissions have to be paid and the prices for fossil fuels will continue to rise in the foreseeable future. According to Heizspiegel2021, heating with a heat pump costs an average of around 1,280 euros per year. According to the findings, the required operating current is between 230 and 1,400 euros, although these costs can be reduced by using solar technology. Of course, the final consumption depends on numerous factors: How well is your house insulated, what type of heat pump do you use and what about your individual heating behaviour? To get an approximate estimate of the actual costs, you can use the heat load calculator of the German Heat Pump Association.
With a few tips, however, heating costs can already be saved, namely "several hundred euros per year".
Category list image: © photography33/Imago
