After two decades of using a heat pump, he now expresses a negative sentiment towards it. - Using a heat pump for two decades of home heating.
By Leon Berent+- 3 Min
Meet Werner Breitling, a pioneer in home heating technology. As an "early adopter" - a term used by market researchers to describe individuals who buy new innovative products early on, Breitling was ahead of his time when he decided to heat his 20-year-old house with a ground-source heat pump (GSHP).
"I wanted to be eco-friendly and independent of fossil fuels," he recalls, clarifying that while he's not an avid environmentalist, he still wanted to make a difference.
Building a Green Future, 20 Years Ago
Back in 2001, Breitling bought a plot of land in a small North Rhine-Westphalia town and constructed the house where he lives now. The unusual feature under the house was the GSHP installed in the basement. A tech that was still relatively new at the time.
"There was only one company in the area that installed heat pumps. I paid less compared to todays' prices," Breitling reminisces.
Rediscovering the Past, Assessing the Future
Looking back on his 20-year experience with GSHPs, Breitling shares some thoughts on whether he would make the same decision today.
"Today I wouldn’t have a heat pump installed anymore," he candidly admits, citing the high upfront costs and complexity of modern systems.
Ground-Source Heat Pumps: A 2021 Overview
GSHPs have evolved since Werner Breitling's installation, but knowing the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision for your home heating needs.
Pros:
- Exceptional Energy Efficiency: can achieve up to 400% efficiency, performing better in cold weather compared to air-source heat pumps.
- Low Running Costs: significant savings due to lower electricity consumption.
- Environmentally Friendly: renewable energy systems that reduce carbon footprints.
- Dual Functionality: both heating and cooling capabilities.
- Government Incentives: potential financial assistance to offset costs.
- Virtually Silent Operation: quieter than combustion boilers and traditional air conditioners.
- Increased Property Value: potential property desirability boost.
Cons:
- High Upfront Installation Costs: can range from £11,500 to £35,000.
- Complex and Disruptive Installation: burial of pipework requires ground works, assessments, and possible modifications to existing radiators.
- Suitability Limitations: not suitable for all properties, particularly those with poor insulation or unsuitable soil types.
- Electricity Usage: concerns regarding energy costs, especially in regions where electricity prices exceed gas costs.
- Bulky Indoor Components: larger, intrusive indoor units compared to conventional boilers.
Ultimately, the decision to install a GSHP will depend on your individual circumstances, including the cost of electricity, property suitability, and your environmental priorities. Consider consulting experts and weighing the pros and cons to determine if a ground-source heat pump is the right choice for your home.
[1] Official Government Website for Heating and Energy Efficiency Savings, 2021. [2] Energy Saving Trust, Ground Source Heat Pumps, 2021. [3] YouGen, Ground Source Heat Pumps, 2021. [4] Which?, Ground Source Heat Pump Buying Guide, 2021. [5] Houseplans, Pros and Cons of Ground Source Heat Pumps, 2021.
- In reflecting on his two-decade journey with heat pumps, Werner Breitling, a community member who adopted a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) in his home back in 2001, reveals that he wouldn't opt for the same system today due to high upfront costs and complexities of modern systems.
- Additionally, Breitling expresses that a different approach for health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, such as participating in a vocational training program in science, would have been an intriguing alternative to his heat pump venture.
- Furthermore, considering the advancements in GSHPs since Breitling's installation, a homeowner in Westphalia mulling over heat pump options should take into account that while GSHPs are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, they come with high upfront costs and potentially complex installations.
- If a homeowner weighs the pros and cons, such as high energy savings, renewable energy production, dual functionality, government incentives, and reduced noise levels against high installation costs, installation complexities, utility concerns, and intrusive indoor components, they can make an informed decision on whether a GSHP aligns with their home-and-garden lifestyle.
- And for those passionate about eco-friendly lifestyles, adopting newer technologies like solar panels or wind turbines for their home-and-garden needs could be a worthwhile vocational pursuit for continued independence from fossil fuels and contribution to a more sustainable life.
