A heat pump despite a gas boiler in the roof? With the right technology, the switch can often be achieved without an expensive complete conversion.
Compact gas boilers are often located in the attic, especially in well-insulated houses from around the turn of the millennium. Since these buildings usually do not have extremely high heating costs, offers for a heat pump with extensive renovations in the basement quickly seem disproportionately expensive. However, relocating the heating technology is not always necessary.
If the gas boiler is in the converted and inhabited attic, this position can in principle also be used for the indoor unit Air-water heat pump be used. The outdoor unit can, for example, be installed on the roof and connected via the existing chimney shaft or suitable cable routes. It is important to note the maximum permissible cable lengths and, in particular, the permissible height differences. Many monoblock devices only allow small gradients between the outdoor and indoor units. If the outdoor unit is placed significantly higher or lower, this can be technically problematic or cause additional effort.
Alternatively, one can Split heat pump be used. These systems are often more flexible when it comes to height differences because the outdoor and indoor units are connected via refrigerant lines. However, an appropriately qualified specialist company is required here.
In addition to the air-water heat pump, in certain situations one can also be used Air-to-air heat pump represent an option. The way it works is similar to an air conditioning system: an outdoor unit supplies several indoor units in the rooms. This offers the advantage of additional cooling in summer, especially in the attic. However, this system does not replace a classic water-based heating system with radiators.
Luca Arenz is managing director of ARCenergie GmbH and an expert in sustainable building planning. With his team, he implements holistic new construction and renovation concepts and shares his specialist knowledge YouTube. He is part of us EXPERTS Circles. The content represents his personal opinion based on his individual expertise.
Exhaust air heat pumps use heat from the bathroom and kitchen
If the attic has not been converted, an exhaust air heat pump can also be considered. Warm exhaust air from the kitchen, bathroom or other rooms is used to generate heating energy via a heat exchanger. This system is often used in conjunction with underfloor heating. However, appropriate air ducts must be laid and insulated.
The crucial question is not only whether a heat pump is possible, but also which technology makes sense under the given structural conditions. If cable lengths, height differences, sound insulation, statics and space requirements are taken into account at an early stage, the existing heating position in the attic can often continue to be used and a cost-intensive complete renovation can be avoided.
About the Author
