In just a few years, heat pumps have become the preferred choice for heating in new home construction, but also in energy renovation projects. The advantages are numerous and well-known. But how do you choose between the different models? Maisons SIC, specialist in house construction in the South West for over 50 years, helps you in your decision.
A heat pump: how does it work?
A heat pump (HP) is a system that converts the energy present in nature into heat for your home. It draws calories from the air, the ground, or water and transforms them into kilowatts for heating or hot water. This technology is increasingly chosen in new constructions: eight out of ten houses are equipped with them.
Its effectiveness is based on a compression cycle which maximizes the use of natural resources. The pump uses a refrigerant that circulates in a closed circuit to capture calories and transmit them to the heating system. In practice, The PAC consumes only 30% of electrical energy to cover 100% of heating needs, with the remaining 70% being drawn from the environment.
The operation of the heat pump is comparable to that of an inverted refrigeratorIt captures external heat to restore it inside via radiators or underfloor heating.
Thanks to Inverter technology, the motor runs continuously, thus limiting electricity consumption and wear on the appliance, while reducing noise. Suitable for all regions, even the coldest, the PAC is an efficient and economical solution for heating your home.
- Also read : 11 reasons to choose a heat pump for your new house in Gironde
Why RE2020 has boosted the installation of heat pumps in new homes
According to a recent study by Pôle Habitat – FFB, in 2023, new homes will have seen the installation of air/water heat pumps at 45% and air/air heat pumps at 22% (compared to 12% for wood and 16% for gas). And RE2020 is not for nothing…
Environmental regulations RE 2020 imposed since 1er January 2022 new standards for new construction. It aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
In this context, heat pumps (HP) have established themselves as a solution of choice. Their ability to use natural resources to produce heat while consuming little electricity, perfectly meets the requirements of RE 2020. They reduce primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions, while offering optimal comfort to residents.
Fully mastering the obligations of RE2020, Maisons SIC can advise you on the Pac model to choose when building your new home.
- Also read : Gas, electric, wood, solar, heat pump: which heating is the most economical in a new house?
Opting for an aerothermal heat pump (air/air and air/water): advantages and disadvantages
Air source heat pumps are the most popular on the market. They use outside air to produce heat or cool air inside homes. There are two types of air source heat pumps: air/air and air/water, each offering specific advantages and disadvantages.
Air/air heat pump: advantages and disadvantages
The air/air heat pump captures calories from the outside air to heat the interior of a home. It works using an outdoor unit, a heat transfer fluid, and an indoor unit. This system also produces fresh air in summer, thus offering a reversible air conditioning solution.
The main advantages of the air/air heat pump are: its flexibility and cost relatively affordable, generally between €5 and €000 including installation. It allows room-by-room temperature control and ensures even, gentle heat.
However, it also has disadvantages, including reduced efficiency when outside temperatures drop below -10°C, and the inability to produce domestic hot water.
The air/air heat pump is ideal for homes located in areas with moderate winterss or those without sufficient ground access for other types of pumps. It can be used alone or in addition to additional heating, particularly useful during periods of intense cold. Furthermore, although it is not eligible for all energy renovation aid, certain subsidies can be obtained under certain conditions.
Air/water heat pump: advantages and disadvantages
The air/water heat pump also uses outside air to produce heat, but this time to heat water. This water can then supply a central heating system (radiators, heated floors) or be used for the production of domestic hot waterThis type of heat pump is often chosen to replace existing boilers because it easily integrates with current heating systems.
The advantages of the air/water heat pump include: its versatility and thermal comfort. It can be used for heating and hot water production and can even be reversible to cool the accommodation in summer.
However, it has some drawbacks, such as the noise of the outdoor unit, the necessity of an annual maintenance contract (between €200 and €400), and reduced efficiency when outside temperatures are very low.
The air/water heat pump is particularly suitable for renovations where it replaces heating systems powered by hot water, but it is also suitable to new constructionsIt can be installed alone or with additional heating to overcome its limitations in very cold weather.
The total cost of an air/water heat pump installation varies between €9 and €000.
Why choose a geothermal heat pump (ground/water and ground/ground)?
The geothermal heat pump uses the natural energy of the soil to heat a home efficiently and sustainably. It captures the calories present in the ground using sensors installed horizontally or vertically. These calories are then transmitted to the heat emitters in the home, such as radiators or heated floors.
Advantages and disadvantages of geothermal heat pump
The geothermal heat pump is recognized for its exceptional performance and its ability to provide a constant source of energy.
Unlike aerothermal systems, the ground temperature remains stable throughout the year, ensuring optimum efficiency. In addition, it can produce domestic hot water in addition to heating, providing complete comfort.
However, geothermal heat pumps require a higher initial investment, often between €20 and €000. This cost is explained by the need to call on two professionals: one for drilling and the other for installing the heat pump. Despite this significant initial investment, profitability is quickly achieved thanks to the energy savings made.
What type of housing is suitable for geothermal heat pump?
The geothermal heat pump is versatile and suitable for new or old houses, small or large. However, it requires sufficient outdoor space to install the heat sensors. Accommodation with a garden or land available is therefore best suited for this type of installation.
Unlike other heating systems, a geothermal heat pump can operate without additional heating. It is particularly effective in regions where temperatures do not regularly drop below -10 °C. A high coefficient of performance (COP) also allows for do without additional heating, even in cold weather.
How to choose a geothermal heat pump?
To choose a geothermal heat pump, it is important to take several criteria into account. The surface area of your home is essential, because it determines the power of the device needed to heat efficiently. A professional will be able to perform a precise sizing calculation to avoid any excess energy consumption.
The type of housing, its insulation, and the climate of the region are also determining factors. A well-insulated house will require less power than an old, unrenovated building. Similarly, in a region with a mild climate, the heat pump will be more efficient and consume less energy.
The number of occupants and their living habits also influence the choice of heat pump. The more regularly the home is occupied, the higher the heating requirements. Finally, the available budget is a key factor, as it includes the cost of the pump, installation, and any work required to optimize the efficiency of the system.
Do you know about hydrothermal (water/water) heat pumps?
Hydrothermal heat pumps, also called water/water heat pumps, use the natural energy of water to heat your home efficiently.
They recover the calories present in the water tables or underground rivers, and transport them to the central heating system via a heat transfer fluid. This system requires a catchment well and a pump to suck up groundwater.
How does a hydrothermal heat pump work?
The water/water heat pump uses the stable heat of groundwater, which remains around 10°C all year round, to heat the interior of your home.
There are two capture modes: water table capture, which draws directly from the water table and discharges the water downstream, and closed capture, where a glycol fluid circulates in a loop to transport heat. This system can distribute heat through different emitters, such as heated floors, radiators or fan coils, and can also produce domestic hot water.
Advantages and disadvantages of a hydrothermal heat pump
The hydrothermal heat pump has many advantages. It is very economical to use, allowing to significantly reduce energy costs compared to traditional heating systems. It also offers high efficiency, with one of the highest coefficients of performance (COP), between 5 and 6, thanks to the stable temperature of the groundwater.
However, installing a water/water heat pump can be expensive, requiring a significant initial investment of between €20 and €000. Drilling and installation work is complex and require specific administrative permits. In addition, this system is not suitable for all types of housing and requires a nearby water point, such as a water table or an underground river.
For what type of accommodation?
The water/water heat pump is ideal for single-family homes with sufficient outdoor space for drilling and collection work. It is particularly suitable for homes located in the immediate vicinity of an underground water source. For apartments or houses without access to a water source, an aerothermal heat pump (air/air or air/water) is generally more appropriate.
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Maisons SIC can help you choose your PAC: contact us!
