Apartment heat pumps are completely innovative solutions that are suitable for both new construction and energy upgrading of existing buildings by providing space heating or cooling as well as domestic hot water production.
These systems not only provide optimal thermal comfort but also contribute to significant energy savings and reduced environmental impact due to their ability to harness natural resources (such as air) for heat production.
Over the years, there has been a common belief that a heat pump was impossible to install in small houses or apartments because of the heat compartment or the “size” of the system.Today, however, there are solutions available that are specifically designed even for those who do not live in large villas or houses without large square footage.
So let’s see what needs to be considered before considering the purchase of an in-apartment heat pump.
Choosing the ideal heat pump for your apartment: criteria and tips
Choosing the right heat pump for your apartment requires you to consider a number of key factors that affect both the efficiency of the system and future thermal comfort.
Criteria such as insulation of the home or the amount of bathrooms within it compromise the choice of heat pump regarding sizing.
Let’s look in detail at some useful tips.
Tip 1: Assess the energy class of the apartment
The energy class of the building is a key indicator regarding its energy efficiency. An apartment with a good energy class-such as A or B-will naturally be more efficient and reduce the amount of energy needed for heating.
Then check your home’s energy performance by requesting an updated energy performance certificate (APE), which will provide you with efficiency details.
To apply for the certificate, one must contact an accredited professional-we have discussed this here.
Tip 2: Analyze the insulation of the apartment
Good insulation is important to minimize heat loss and make the heating system more efficient. Something well-insulated requires less energy to heat, optimizing the efficiency of the heat pump.
Walls, windows, and roofs will need to be checked to see how much heat they dissipate and consider adding proper insulation, an initial investment that will pay for itself over time through higher energy savings.
Tip 3: Evaluate the current heating system
The type of pre-existing heating system can affect the cost-and efficiency-of a heat pump in an apartment.
If the house, for example, has suitable cast-iron radiators that operate at high temperatures, they may need to be replaced or the system modified to take full advantage of the heat pump, which typically operates at lower temperatures.
Environmental benefits and energy savings with heat pumps
Heat pumps are not only an efficient and convenient choice for heating and cooling your home-they are an environmentally sustainable solution that can generate significant energy savings in the medium and long term.
Here are some of the main reasons that make an apartment heat pump an optimal investment on both the environmental and economic sides:
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions: heat pumps use energy extracted from the air to produce heat or cold, which eliminates dependence on fossil fuels. Unlike traditional systems that run on natural gas, heat pumps produce less carbon dioxide, contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint in the home;
- energy efficiency: heat pumps are very energy efficient and can produce more heat (or cold) than they consume in electricity. This efficiency translates into tangible benefits for you such as a high coefficient of performance (COP) and a good reduction in operating costs;
- tax incentives: the adoption of heat pumps is often incentivized by tax deductions such as the Ecobonus that allow a significant percentage of the purchase and installation costs to be deducted, making this investment even more affordable. For more information on incentives look here.
Maintenance and durability of heat pumps: what you need to know
Heat pumps are renowned for their efficiency and long service life but, as with any mechanical system, proper maintenance is essential to ensure optimal operation over time.
Recommended maintenance includes:
- annual inspection: an annual inspection by qualified technicians is recommended to ensure proper functioning of all components, from the outdoor unit to the indoor air filters.
- cleaning of components: air filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly to prevent clogging that can reduce efficiency. Outdoor units also need to be kept free of debris and foliage.
After looking at the main features to consider when deciding to install a heat pump in apartments, it’s time to figure out how to choose the best heat pump for your apartment.
In fact, very often heat pumps do not fit into small spaces and are recommended for large, spacious homes such as small cottages.
This is because typically the thermal compartment containing the entire system often requires a small room, space that is then taken away from the house.
In addition to this, the size of the outdoor unit, which almost never fits into small apartments, must also be considered.
Templari’s XS apartment heat pump in photo
A few months ago a small but outstanding heat pump was born at Templari: the XS.
As is easy to guess from the name, this heat pump has all the advantages and features of large Templari pumps while remaining compact and suitable for small spaces.
Here are the features of Templari’s new XS heat pump:
- compact size: the XS is designed to fit in limited spaces such as balconies or small yards, making it perfect for apartments or houses with small rooms;
- High energy efficiency: despite its compact size, the XS maintains high energy efficiency, providing heating and cooling as well as domestic hot water production;
- environmental sustainability: the XS heat pump uses refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP), reducing environmental impact compared with systems using conventional refrigerants;
- high quietness: designed to operate with a low noise level, the XS is ideal for residential environments where space is as valuable as acoustic comfort;
- versatility: the XS heat pump can provide year-round heating, cooling and domestic hot water, even in very extreme outdoor climates (operation is guaranteed down to -25°).
The XS heat pump thus looks like the best solution in the apartment given the small size of the outdoor unit and the technical compartment that conveniently closes inside a cabinet.
Would you like more information about the right heat pumps for your apartment? Contact us, we will be happy to help you.
