Heat pump as an alternative to night storage heaters
Updating the heating system with Ecodan Zubadan technology
Essen, GermanyHigh energy consumption and comparatively poor heat output: Due to their high electricity consumption, night storage heaters not only have a large ecological footprint – operating costs are sky-rocketing as well. The Hildebrandts therefore opted for a refurbishment of their heating system: The night storage heaters had to scram, and a more efficient, more sustainable heating solution had to be found. Which solution is the right one for the old existing building?
AIR-TO-WATER HEAT PUMP INSTEAD OF GEOTHERMAL HEAT FOR THE EXISTING BUILDING
The Hildebrandts turned to master craftsman Heinrich Behring of Team Wärmeservice GmbH for help with their decision. After extensive consultation, the decision was made: An air-to-water heat pump is the perfect solution for the detached house located in Essen, Germany. Compared to a geothermal heat pump, the air-to-water heat pump does not require expensive drilling or extensive geothermal collectors all over the place – an advantage that proved to be decisive for the existing building from the 1950s.
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- Upgrading a detached house from the 1950s: Refurbishment of the heating system with Ecodan Zubadan heat pump
- The ideal solution for the Hildebrandt family: From night storage heaters to climate-efficient air-to-water heat pumps
- Savings: A total of 2/3 of the heating costs
What needs to be considered when replacing the old heating system?
Flow temperatureThe flow temperature refers to the temperature of the water after it has been heated by the heat source (that is, the heat pump). The higher the flow temperature, the more energy is required to heat the water.
It may be useful to take further measures to reduce the flow temperature when updating the heating system: The Hildebrandt family, for example, decided to install eleven state-of-the-art flat radiators, which contribute to significantly better heat distribution in the house.
The air-conditioning specialist also had to consider other factors that influenced the decision in favour of the right heat pump:
“Inaddition to the size of the building, the insulation and the flow temperature were taken into consideration. It is particularly important to heed the technical specifications and requirements when higher flow temperatures are needed.”– Mr Behring, master craftsman and air-conditioning specialist
Zubadan technology: Perfect for refurbishment
The selected Ecodan heat pump fulfils all the requirements, making it ideal for refurbishing existing buildings thanks to its patented Zubadan technology. What exactly are the advantages of the technology? One major advantage is its efficiency: At an outside temperature of -15 °C, the Zubadan heat pump still achieves its full heating output without the need to use an electric heating rod or other devices. Mitsubishi Electric guarantees operation at temperatures as low as -28 °C.
Several other advantages of the Zubadan Ecodan heat pump relate to its ease of installation and efficiency: On one hand, installation is simple and straightforward, especially for existing buildings. On the other, the heat pump works extremely efficiently even at temperatures far below zero. This brings us to a further key advantage of the new heating solution: The new heat pump saves enormous costs.
Less operating costs, more comfort.
Bidding farewell to uncomfortable and expensive heating: For the Hildebrandts, the old night storage heaters are history. The new Ecodan heat pump system with patented Zubadan technology serves the family well:
“We expect to save two thirds of our heating costs”,says Mr Hildebrandt.
Heat pump installation: Easier than expected
InstallationThe air-to-water heat pump draws the required energy from the ambient air – hence, no boreholes are required. The Hildebrandts’ heat pump essentially consists of two basic elements: One outdoor unit and one indoor module. The two modules are connected by pipework carrying the refrigerant .
It was clear for the Hildebrandts where to place both elements: The outdoor unit stands on a small base in front of the detached house, facing the street. The indoor module is placed in the cellar with the 200-litre buffer tank located right next to it. The buffer tank is not necessary for installing the heat pump – it serves to improve system efficiency. The family opted for the buffer to optimise the compressor running times, which ensures even better efficiency.
The Ecodan split type system
Ecodan
Customised solutions for your requirements
A heat pump can be used for heating, DHW production, and cooling in summer – decisive advantages over a conventional boiler. Thanks to different types of indoor and outdoor modules, Ecodan split type air-conditioning systems (split type: with separate indoor and outdoor units) can be customised to your individual needs.
The new heating solution
Summary- Efficient heating: For the Hildebrandts, the alternative to storage heaters was an Ecodan air-to-water heat pump.
- Key factors were carefully considered before installation: the insulation and size of the house, the installation location of the indoor and outdoor element and the flow temperatures.
- In addition, the existing building from the 1950s was fitted with new radiators – for better heat distribution and efficiency
