Guide to Using the Air-to-Air Heat Pump Calculator
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Calculation Fundamentals
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Understanding Results
- Economics and Environmental Impact
- Tips and Best Practices
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Background Information
Introduction
1.1 What is an Air-to-Air Heat Pump?
An air-to-air heat pump (also called split air conditioning) is a highly efficient heating and cooling system that extracts heat from outdoor air and delivers it directly to indoor air. Unlike air-to-water heat pumps, it operates without a water circuit and can therefore be installed particularly quickly and flexibly.
Structure of a Split System:
- Outdoor unit: Contains compressor and heat exchanger, extracts heat from outdoor air
- Indoor unit(s): Deliver heat to the room (or extract heat in cooling mode)
- Refrigerant lines: Connect outdoor and indoor unit(s)
1.2 Single-Split vs. Multi-Split
| System | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Split | 1 outdoor unit + 1 indoor unit | Single room (living room, office) |
| Multi-Split | 1 outdoor unit + 2-8 indoor units | Multiple rooms with individual control |
Single-Split Advantages:
- Simpler installation
- Lower acquisition cost
- Independent operation
Multi-Split Advantages:
- One outdoor unit for multiple rooms
- Less outdoor space required
- Central control possible
1.3 Comparison with Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
| Feature | Air-to-Air HP | Air-to-Water HP |
|---|---|---|
| Heat delivery | Directly to room air | Via water circuit (radiators, underfloor heating) |
| Hot water | Not possible | Yes, domestic water heating |
| Installation | Quick (1-2 days) | Complex (heating system conversion) |
| Costs | 2,000-8,000 EUR | 15,000-30,000 EUR |
| Cooling | Standard | Optional (additional costs) |
| Best application | Supplementary heating, individual rooms | Full heating, new construction |
1.4 Typical Use Cases
1. Supplement to Existing Heating (Bivalent Operation)
- Air-to-air HP covers base load during transition periods
- Existing heating kicks in at low temperatures
- 30-60% heating cost savings possible
2. Single Room Full Coverage
- Living room, home office, conservatory
- Quick heat without warming entire heating system
- Cooling in summer
3. Summer Cooling
- Primary use as air conditioner
- Heating function as additional benefit
4. PV Self-Consumption Optimization
- Excess solar power for heating/cooling
- Particularly attractive in summer (cooling at PV peak)
1.5 Regulatory Basis
This calculator is based on:
- EN 14825:2022: Calculation of SCOP (heating) and SEER (cooling)
- VDI 4650: Seasonal performance factor for heat pumps
- EN 14511: Performance measurement at rated conditions
Calculation Fundamentals
2.1 SCOP - Seasonal Heating Efficiency
The SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) is the most important metric for heating efficiency. It indicates how much heat is generated per kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed on an annual average.
Formula:
SCOP = Annual heating output [kWh] / Annual electricity consumption [kWh]
Example: SCOP = 4.2 means: 4.2 kWh of heat is generated for 1 kWh of electricity.
Typical SCOP Values:
| Rating | SCOP Range | Energy Efficiency Class |
|---|---|---|
| Very good | > 5.0 | A+++ |
| Good | 4.0 - 5.0 | A++ |
| Satisfactory | 3.5 - 4.0 | A+ |
| Adequate | 3.0 - 3.5 | A |
| Low | < 3.0 | B or worse |
2.2 Climate Data and Location Determination
The calculator uses two data sources for calculations:
1. EN 14825 Climate Zones (for SCOP calculation):
EN 14825 defines three climate zones for Europe with different weighting factors for SCOP calculation:
| Climate Zone | Typical Countries | Heating Hours | Design Temp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | Germany, Austria, Switzerland | 4,910 h | -10°C |
| Warmer | Spain, Italy, Southern France | 3,590 h | +2°C |
| Colder | Sweden, Finland, Norway | 6,446 h | -22°C |
2. PVGIS TMY Data (for load profiles and detailed calculations):
For detailed analysis, the calculator loads real weather data from PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) for your location:
- TMY (Typical Meteorological Year): 8,760 hourly values (one full year)
- Hourly temperatures: Real measurement data from a typical year
- Used for: Load profiles, cooling hour calculations, monthly detailed results
Combination of both data sources: The climate zone determines the EN 14825 weighting factors for SCOP and heating hours for annual heating demand. TMY data enables detailed hourly analysis such as load profiles and monthly breakdowns.
The calculator automatically determines the climate zone and loads TMY data based on your location.
2.3 COP vs. SCOP
| Metric | Meaning | Measurement Condition |
|---|---|---|
| COP | Instantaneous efficiency | At a specific outdoor temperature (e.g., A7 = 7°C) |
| SCOP | Seasonal efficiency | Weighted average over heating season |
COP Designations:
- A7/W35: Outdoor air 7°C, supply air 35°C
- A2/W35: Outdoor air 2°C, supply air 35°C
- A-7/W35: Outdoor air -7°C, supply air 35°C
Important: COP decreases at low outdoor temperatures. At -15°C, COP may only be 2.0, while at +10°C it can be 5.5. SCOP accounts for these fluctuations over the entire heating season.
2.4 SEER - Seasonal Cooling Efficiency
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the equivalent of SCOP for cooling operation.
Typical SEER Values:
| Rating | SEER Range | Energy Efficiency Class |
|---|---|---|
| Very good | > 8.5 | A+++ |
| Good | 6.0 - 8.5 | A++ |
| Satisfactory | 5.0 - 6.0 | A+ |
2.5 Bivalent Operation
In bivalent operation, two heat generators work together. The air-to-air heat pump is combined with an existing heating system.
Bivalent Modes:
| Mode | Description | When Useful? |
|---|---|---|
| Monovalent | Air-to-air HP only | Well-insulated buildings, mild winters |
| Bivalent Alternative | Only existing heating below bivalence point | Simplest variant |
| Bivalent Parallel | Both operate simultaneously below bivalence point | High heat demand |
| Bivalent Part-Parallel | Air-to-air base load + existing for peaks | Optimal use of both systems |
Bivalence Point: The bivalence point is the outdoor temperature at which the existing heating kicks in. Typical values:
- -2°C to +2°C: Standard for well-insulated buildings
- +5°C: For older, poorly insulated buildings
- -5°C to -10°C: For very efficient air-to-air systems
2.6 Annual Heating Demand
The calculator determines annual heating demand using a simplified method based on the climate zone:
Qh = Heat load [kW] × Heating hours_climate_zone × 0.4
Parameters:
- Qh: Annual heating demand [kWh/a]
- Heat load: Design heat load [kW]
- Heating hours_climate_zone: From EN 14825 (4,910 h for Average, 3,590 h for Warmer, 6,446 h for Colder)
- Factor 0.4: Accounts for the fact that full heat load is not required for all hours (part-load operation)
Example for "Average" Climate Zone (Germany):
Heat load = 5 kW
Heating hours = 4,910 h
Qh = 5 × 4,910 × 0.4 = 9,820 kWh/year
Note: This is a simplified estimate. The actual monthly values are additionally calculated from TMY temperature data and are detailed in the "Annual Profile" tab.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The calculator guides you through a 6-step wizard. Here we explain each step in detail.
3.1 Step 1: Choose System Type
In the first step, choose between Single-Split and Multi-Split.
Decision Guide:
| Criterion | Single-Split | Multi-Split |
|---|---|---|
| Number of rooms to heat | 1 | 2-8 |
| Independent operation per room | Yes | Yes, but dependent on outdoor unit |
| Number of outdoor units | 1 per room | 1 for all rooms |
| Facade appearance | Multiple outdoor units | One outdoor unit |
| Flexibility | High | Medium |
| Costs | Cheaper per unit | Cheaper from 3+ rooms |
Tip: If you only want to climate control one main room (e.g., living room), Single-Split is the simpler choice. For multiple rooms, Multi-Split becomes economically viable from 3 rooms.
3.2 Step 2: Enter Location
The location determines the climate data for the calculation.
Input Fields:
- Country: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy
- Postal Code: ZIP code
- City: Automatically completed or manually entered
Automatically Determined Values:
- Design Outdoor Temperature: Lowest expected temperature (e.g., -10°C for Berlin)
- Climate Zone: Average, Warmer or Colder according to EN 14825
You can manually override the design outdoor temperature if you want to use different values.
Note: For standard-compliant calculations, consult the BWP Climate Map for official design outdoor temperatures.
3.3 Step 3: Select Equipment
In this step, you select specific devices from our catalog.
Selecting Outdoor Unit
Filter Options:
- Manufacturer: Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG, Samsung, etc.
- Heating Capacity: Range in kW (e.g., 2.5-5.0 kW)
- Cooling Capacity: Range in kW
Important Device Data:
- Rated Heating Capacity: Capacity at standard conditions (A7/W20)
- SCOP: Seasonal efficiency per manufacturer
- SEER: Seasonal cooling efficiency
- Max. Indoor Units: For Multi-Split systems
- Min. Operating Temperature: Down to which outdoor temperature the unit operates
Selecting Indoor Units
Indoor Unit Types:
| Type | Description | Installation Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Unit | Classic wall-mounted AC | Living room, bedroom |
| Floor Console | Floor-standing unit | Under windows, conservatory |
| Cassette Unit | Ceiling-mounted | Offices, commercial |
| Ducted Unit | Hidden in suspended ceiling | Invisible installation |
For Multi-Split: Add indoor units one by one. Pay attention to the capacity ratio:
Capacity Ratio = Sum of Indoor Unit Capacity / Outdoor Unit Capacity
| Ratio | Rating |
|---|---|
| 0.8 - 1.0 | Optimal |
| 1.0 - 1.3 | Acceptable (slight oversizing) |
| < 0.8 | Undersized (warning) |
| > 1.3 | Significantly oversized (warning) |
Important: For Multi-Split systems, outdoor and indoor units must be compatible. The calculator checks this automatically and shows warnings for incompatible combinations.
3.4 Step 4: Enter Rooms / Heat Load
Here you enter the rooms to be heated with their heat load.
Single-Split: One Room
Input Fields:
- Room Name: e.g., "Living Room"
- Floor: Basement, Ground Floor, Upper Floor, Attic
- Floor Area: in m²
- Heat Load: in kW (or use estimation)
- Target Temperature: Desired room temperature (default: 20°C)
Heat Load Estimation: If you don't know the heat load, you can use the estimation function:
- Well insulated (from 2010): 40-50 W/m²
- Medium insulated (1990-2010): 50-70 W/m²
- Poorly insulated (before 1990): 70-100 W/m²
The calculator uses 60 W/m² as the default average.
Tip: For accurate heat load, use our Heat Load Calculator and import the results.
Multi-Split: Multiple Rooms
For Multi-Split, you enter multiple rooms in a table:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Room designation |
| Floor | Story |
| Area | Floor area in m² |
| Heat Load | Heat load in kW |
| Indoor Unit | Assigned indoor unit |
| Active | Heated with air-to-air? |
Import from Heat Load Project: If you have already performed a heat load calculation, you can import the rooms:
- Click "Import Rooms"
- Enter the project key
- Select the rooms to import
Sizing Indicators
The calculator shows color-coded sizing hints:
| Color | Coverage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Green | ≥ 90% | Unit fully covers heat load |
| Yellow | 70-90% | Bivalent operation recommended |
| Red | < 70% | Unit undersized |
3.5 Step 5: Bivalence & Economics
This step configures the operating mode and economic parameters.
Choose Bivalence Mode
1. Monovalent (Air-to-Air Only)
- Air-to-air HP is sole heat generator
- Suitable for well-insulated buildings and mild winters
- No existing heating required
2. Bivalent Alternative
- Air-to-air switches off below bivalence point
- Existing heating takes over completely
- Simplest control
3. Bivalent Parallel
- Both systems operate simultaneously below bivalence point
- For high heat demand at low temperatures
- More complex control
4. Bivalent Part-Parallel
- Air-to-air provides base load (e.g., 70%)
- Existing heating covers peaks
- Optimal utilization of both systems
5. Cooling/Transition Only
- Air-to-air only for cooling or transition period
- Existing heating is main heat source
Configure Existing Heating
For bivalence modes 2-5, define your existing heating:
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Type of heating | Gas condensing |
| Rated Capacity | Heating capacity in kW | 15 kW |
| Efficiency | Annual utilization rate | 0.94 (94%) |
| Fuel Price | Cost per kWh | 0.10 EUR/kWh |
| CO2 Factor | Emissions per kWh | 0.20 kg/kWh |
Typical Values by Heating Type:
| Heating Type | Efficiency | Fuel Price | CO2 Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Condensing | 0.94 | 0.10 EUR/kWh | 0.20 kg/kWh |
| Gas Low-Temp | 0.85 | 0.10 EUR/kWh | 0.20 kg/kWh |
| Oil Condensing | 0.92 | 0.12 EUR/kWh | 0.27 kg/kWh |
| Pellets | 0.90 | 0.06 EUR/kWh | 0.02 kg/kWh |
| Electric Direct | 1.00 | 0.32 EUR/kWh | 0.38 kg/kWh |
Set Bivalence Point
The bivalence point is the outdoor temperature at which the existing heating kicks in.
- Slider: -20°C to +10°C
- Typical range: -2°C to +5°C
Rules of Thumb:
- Well-insulated house: -5°C to 0°C
- Medium-insulated house: 0°C to +3°C
- Poorly insulated house: +3°C to +5°C
Activate Cooling (Optional)
If you want to use the cooling function:
Temperature Control:
- Absolute Temperature: Fixed target temperature (e.g., 24°C)
- Relative to Outdoor: Maximum reduction below outdoor temperature (e.g., max. 6K difference)
Cooling Threshold: Outdoor temperature at which cooling starts (e.g., 24°C)
Economic Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Default Value |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity Price | Cost per kWh | 0.32 EUR |
| Electricity Price Increase | Annual increase | 3% |
| Analysis Period | Economic horizon | 20 years |
| Discount Rate | For NPV calculation | 3% |
| Installation Costs | Assembly, materials | Auto or manual |
| Maintenance Costs | Annual maintenance | 100-200 EUR |
3.6 Step 6: Start Calculation
After completing all inputs, click "Calculate". The calculator performs the following calculations:
- SCOP calculation according to EN 14825
- Annual heating demand
- Electricity consumption and operating costs
- Bivalence split (if active)
- Economic analysis
- CO2 balance
The results are presented in 7 tabs.
Understanding Results
4.1 Tab 1: Overview
The overview shows the most important metrics at a glance.
Key Metrics:
| Metric | Meaning | Good Value |
|---|---|---|
| SCOP | Seasonal heating efficiency | > 4.0 |
| Total Heat Load | Heat capacity requirement | - |
| Coverage | Portion of heat load by air-to-air | > 90% |
| Electricity Consumption | Annual consumption | - |
Bivalence Summary (for bivalent operation):
- Bar chart: Heat split air-to-air vs. existing
- Annual energy costs breakdown
- Savings compared to existing-only operation
Monovalent Comparison (without bivalence):
- Cost comparison to gas reference
- CO2 savings
4.2 Tab 2: Comparison (Bivalence Only)
Detailed comparison of the two heating systems:
| Category | Air-to-Air | Existing |
|---|---|---|
| Heat share | e.g., 85% | e.g., 15% |
| Operating hours | e.g., 2,500 h | e.g., 500 h |
| Energy consumption | kWh electricity | kWh fuel |
| Energy costs | EUR/year | EUR/year |
| CO2 emissions | kg/year | kg/year |
Key Insights:
- How much does the air-to-air HP cover?
- How high are the savings?
- How much CO2 is saved?
4.3 Tab 3: Annual Profile
Monthly breakdown of results.
Monthly Data:
- Heating demand in kWh
- Air-to-air vs. existing share
- Average outdoor temperature
- COP values (average, min, max)
Charts:
- Stacked Bar Chart: Heat split per month
- Line Chart: COP progression over the year
Interpretation: During transition periods (March-April, October-November), the air-to-air HP operates particularly efficiently with high COP values. In winter, COP drops, but the existing heating can support.
4.4 Tab 4: Efficiency
Detailed efficiency analysis.
SPF Values (Seasonal Performance Factor):
- SPF Heating: Real efficiency over heating season
- SPF Cooling: Real efficiency in cooling mode (if active)
- SPF Total: Weighted average
Efficiency Rating: Classification according to EU Energy Label (A+++ to G)
COP Curve: Chart of COP at various outdoor temperatures:
- At -10°C: COP approx. 2.5
- At 0°C: COP approx. 3.5
- At +10°C: COP approx. 5.0
- At +20°C: COP approx. 6.0
Monthly SPF: Table with COP values for each month incl. min/max.
4.5 Tab 5: Economics
Financial analysis of the investment.
| Investment Costs: | Item | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Unit | EUR | |
| Indoor Unit(s) | EUR | |
| Installation | EUR | |
| Total Investment | EUR |
Operating Costs:
- Annual electricity costs
- Annual maintenance costs
- Fuel costs (for bivalence)
Metrics:
| Metric | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Payback Period | Years until refinancing |
| Net Present Value (NPV) | Present value of savings |
| Annuity | Equivalent annual costs |
| CO2 Avoidance Costs | EUR per tonne CO2 |
Cash Flow Table: Year-by-year presentation with:
- Investment
- Operating costs
- Savings
- Cumulative cash flow
- ROI in percent
4.6 Tab 6: Environment
CO2 balance and environmental impact.
CO2 Emissions:
- Annual emissions (kg/year)
- Savings compared to reference (kg/year)
- Percentage savings
- Savings over lifetime (tonnes)
Electricity Mix Scenarios: Comparison of different power sources:
- Current Mix: National average (380 g/kWh)
- Green Mix: 100% green electricity (50 g/kWh)
- Coal Mix: Reference (900 g/kWh)
Primary Energy:
- Consumption in kWh/year
- Savings compared to reference
Illustrative Equivalents:
- Trees planted
- Car kilometers avoided
- Flight kilometers avoided
4.7 Tab 7: Rooms (Multi-Split Only)
Room-by-room result overview.
| Table per Room: | Field | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Room name | Designation | |
| Heat load | Demand in kW | |
| Indoor unit | Assigned unit | |
| Unit capacity | Indoor unit capacity | |
| Coverage | Percentage coverage | |
| Annual heat demand | kWh/year | |
| Electricity consumption | kWh/year | |
| Status | OK / Warning / Error |
Status Indicators:
- Green (OK): Unit matches heat load
- Yellow (Warning): Marginally sized
- Red (Error): Significantly undersized
Economics and Environmental Impact
5.1 Understanding Payback Calculation
The payback period indicates how many years it takes for the investment to be recovered through savings.
Calculation:
Payback Period = Investment Costs / Annual Savings
Example Calculation:
- Investment: 5,000 EUR
- Savings: 300 EUR/year
- Payback: 5,000 / 300 = 16.7 years
Note: Simple payback calculation doesn't account for interest or price increases. The Net Present Value (NPV) in the "Economics" tab provides a more accurate analysis.
5.2 Economic Factors
Positive Factors:
- High gas prices (currently > 0.10 EUR/kWh)
- Low electricity price (e.g., with PV self-consumption)
- High bivalence share (many operating hours air-to-air)
- High SCOP of the unit
- Cooling as additional benefit
Negative Factors:
- Low gas prices
- High electricity price (> 0.35 EUR/kWh)
- Short usage time (only few rooms)
- Very cold winters (low bivalence share)
5.3 CO2 Savings Potential
The CO2 balance depends on the electricity mix:
| Scenario | CO2 per kWh Electricity | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Green electricity | 0-50 g/kWh | Very good |
| Current DE mix | 380 g/kWh | Good |
| Night/Coal electricity | 500-900 g/kWh | Critical |
Comparison with Gas:
- Gas: approx. 200 g CO2 per kWh heat
- Air-to-air with SCOP 4.0 and current mix: 380 / 4.0 = 95 g CO2 per kWh heat
- Savings: over 50%
With green electricity:
- 50 / 4.0 = 12.5 g CO2 per kWh heat
- Savings: over 93%
Tips and Best Practices
6.1 Sizing
Don't oversize:
- An oversized unit cycles frequently (on/off)
- Reduces lifespan and efficiency
- Better: Size appropriately or slightly smaller with bivalence
Rule of Thumb for Heating Capacity:
- Well insulated: 30-50 W/m²
- Medium insulated: 50-70 W/m²
- Poorly insulated: 70-100 W/m²
For 30 m² living room, medium insulated: 30 m² × 60 W/m² = 1,800 W = 1.8 kW heat load
6.2 Optimizing Bivalence
Bivalence Point Selection:
- Too high (+5°C): Air-to-air runs rarely, little savings
- Too low (-10°C): Air-to-air runs even at poor COP
- Optimal: Switch at COP 2.5-3.0 (approx. -2°C to +2°C)
Activate PV Priority: If you have a PV system, activate PV priority. The air-to-air HP will then preferentially use solar power.
6.3 Noise Protection
Outdoor Unit Position:
- At least 3 m from neighbor's bedroom
- Not under your own bedroom window
- Consider sound reflections from walls
Daytime Operation Option: For critical locations, you can disable night operation (only 6am-10pm).
| Typical Sound Levels: | Unit | Sound Power | Sound Level at 3 m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor unit | 55-65 dB(A) | 35-45 dB(A) | |
| Indoor unit | 20-35 dB(A) | Directly at unit |
6.4 Maintenance
Annual Maintenance Recommended:
- Clean filters (every 2-4 weeks yourself)
- Check condensate drain
- Check refrigerant pressure (professional)
- Clear outdoor unit of leaves/snow
Costs: approx. 100-150 EUR/year for professional maintenance
6.5 PV Integration
Ideal Combination:
- In summer: Cooling with PV surplus
- In winter: Heating with daytime power
- Self-consumption rate increases significantly
Load Profile Export: The calculator can export an hourly load profile. You can use this in the Solar Calculator for PV system design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a split air conditioner fully heat my house?
Yes, under certain conditions:
- Well-insulated house (new construction, renovated)
- Open room layout (heat distribution)
- Mild winter region
- Multi-split for multiple rooms
Limitations:
- No hot water preparation
- COP drops at very low temperatures
- Each room needs an indoor unit
What's the difference between SCOP and COP?
| COP | SCOP | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Instantaneous efficiency | Seasonal efficiency |
| Measurement | At one temperature | Weighted average |
| Relevance | Laboratory value | More practical |
| Typical Value | 2.5 - 6.0 | 3.5 - 5.0 |
SCOP is more meaningful as it accounts for varying outdoor temperatures over the heating season.
How do I choose the right bivalence point?
Rules of Thumb:
- Switch at COP = 2.5: When COP falls below 2.5, existing heating is often cheaper
- Economic comparison: At electricity price 0.32 EUR and gas 0.10 EUR → Gas cheaper from COP < 3.2
- Comfort aspect: Gas/oil works more reliably in frost
Formula for Economic Bivalence Point:
COP_threshold = Electricity Price / Gas Price
COP_threshold = 0.32 / 0.10 = 3.2
At the outdoor temperature where COP = 3.2, switching should occur (typically approx. +2°C).
Is Multi-Split better than multiple Single-Splits?
| Criterion | Multi-Split | Multiple Single-Splits |
|---|---|---|
| Costs | Cheaper from 3 rooms | Cheaper for 1-2 rooms |
| Flexibility | All dependent on one outdoor unit | Independent operation |
| Failure Safety | One defect affects all | Only one system affected |
| Facade | One outdoor unit | Multiple outdoor units |
| Installation | More complex | Simpler |
Recommendation:
- 1-2 rooms: Single-Split
- 3+ rooms, aesthetic requirements: Multi-Split
- Critical application: Multiple Single-Splits for redundancy
How loud is a split air conditioner?
Typical Values:
| Operating State | Indoor Unit | Outdoor Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Night mode | 19-22 dB(A) | 40-45 dB(A) |
| Normal operation | 25-35 dB(A) | 45-55 dB(A) |
| Maximum load | 35-45 dB(A) | 55-65 dB(A) |
For Comparison:
- Whispering: 30 dB(A)
- Refrigerator: 35-40 dB(A)
- Normal conversation: 60 dB(A)
Can I completely replace my gas heating?
Complete replacement is possible with:
- Building with low heating demand (< 50 kWh/m²a)
- Multi-split for all rooms
- Hot water via separate instantaneous heater or heat pump boiler
Bivalent operation is more sensible with:
- Old building with high heating demand
- Only partial climate control planned
- Hot water via existing heating
Background Information
8.1 How an Air-to-Air Heat Pump Works
Heating Principle (Simplified):
- Outdoor unit extracts heat from outdoor air (even in frost!)
- Refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat
- Compressor compresses the gas (temperature rises)
- Indoor unit releases heat to room air
- Refrigerant condenses and the cycle starts again
Cooling Principle: The process is reversed: The indoor unit extracts heat from the room, the outdoor unit releases it.
8.2 Typical COP Values at Different Temperatures
| Outdoor Temperature | Heating COP | Note |
|---|---|---|
| +15°C | 5.5 - 6.5 | Transition, very efficient |
| +7°C | 4.5 - 5.5 | Rated condition |
| +2°C | 3.5 - 4.5 | Typical winter |
| -7°C | 2.5 - 3.5 | Cold winter |
| -15°C | 1.8 - 2.5 | Very cold, efficiency drops |
| -20°C | 1.5 - 2.0 | Limit for many devices |
8.3 Indoor Unit Types in Detail
Wall Unit (Most Common):
- Installation: On wall, typically 2.2 m height
- Airflow: Downward and sideways
- Advantages: Simple installation, affordable
- Disadvantages: Visible, possible drafts
Floor Console:
- Installation: On floor, under window
- Airflow: Upward
- Advantages: Heat rises naturally, ideal under window
- Disadvantages: Requires floor space
Cassette Unit:
- Installation: In suspended ceiling
- Airflow: 360° downward
- Advantages: Unobtrusive, even distribution
- Disadvantages: Ceiling height required, more expensive
Ducted Unit:
- Installation: In suspended ceiling or attic
- Airflow: Via ducts to outlets
- Advantages: Completely invisible
- Disadvantages: Complex installation, pressure losses
8.4 Refrigerants and Environment
Current Refrigerants:
| Refrigerant | GWP | Status |
|---|---|---|
| R410A | 2,088 | Being phased out (F-Gas Regulation) |
| R32 | 675 | Current standard |
| R290 (Propane) | 3 | Future, but flammable |
GWP (Global Warming Potential): GWP indicates how much a refrigerant contributes to the greenhouse effect (CO2 = 1).
Note: Modern units usually use R32 with lower GWP. When purchasing new equipment, look for R32 or R290.
8.5 Standards and Regulations
- EN 14825:2022: SCOP/SEER calculation for air conditioners
- EN 14511:2022: Performance measurement at rated conditions
- VDI 4650: Seasonal performance factor for heat pumps
- TA Lärm: Noise protection requirements for outdoor units
- F-Gas Regulation (EU) 517/2014: Refrigerant regulations
9. Further Links
Last updated: January 2026