5 Knowledge gaps about heat pumps

"Every year, we ask what the population thinks about the energy transition with our Energy Trend Monitor," says Patrick Drack, Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron Switzerland. "With the results of our latest survey, we have identified the five most important gaps in the knowledge of the Swiss when it comes to climate-friendly heating and the technology of the future that can be used for this."

Knowledge gap 1: Heat pump heating systems do not cause CO2 emissions on site

The Energy Trend Monitor Switzerland revealed that around one in two respondents is not yet aware of how climate-friendly heat pump heating systems are: Heat pump technology works in homes without fossil fuels or combustion processes. It uses natural energy from the ground, groundwater or ambient air and converts it into space heating and hot water according to the principle of a "reverse refrigerator". To drive it, the heat pump heating system requires electricity that is produced in Switzerland with a very good CO2 balance. The systems are 100 percent emission-free and run on green electricity generated, for example, by a photovoltaic system on the roof. 

Knowledge gap 2: Heat pumps use the self-generated solar power

However, 44 percent of the Swiss are not yet aware that heat pump heating can be directly linked to their own photovoltaic system. Yet this variant is particularly cost-effective and environmentally friendly. 

Knowledge gap 3: A heat pump cools in summer 

What is new for just under one in two (47 percent) is that the heat pump can be used to cool the room temperature in summer. The system is used like an air conditioner and the temperature of the water circulating in the heating system is lowered on hot days - without any drafts or background noise. 

Knowledge gap 4: Heat pumps can be used in any house - even during renovation 

44 percent of consumers are still unaware: Heat pumps can be used as a heating system in any house - even in old buildings that are not perfectly insulated. In this way, they make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in buildings. Of course, "the less energy lost through the building envelope, the more efficiently climate-friendly heating technology works," says Drack. "That's why, in individual cases, it pays to consult an energy advisor before renovating."

Knowledge gap 5: Heat pumps also work in conjunction with normal radiators 

Heat pumps can often be operated with existing radiators and do not necessarily require underfloor heating. According to the Energy Trend Monitor, this is news to 39 percent of respondents. This makes the green technology very practical when renovating old buildings, because it can be coupled to the existing radiators, radiators and underfloor heating. 

"In any case, good planning and careful installation pay off in the long run," says Drack. Financially, the federal and cantonal building program promotes the use of renewable energy: https://www.dasgebaeudeprogramm.ch/de/

Information on current funding programs for heat pumps is available here: http://www.stiebel-eltron.ch/foerderung