Having started off producing traditional gas boilers, Vaillant have since branched off into renewable heating. With a 5% market share in air source heat pumps and 10% for ground source in the UK, the German brand has fast become one of the leading providers of efficient renewable heating solutions.

The second-largest producer of heating technology in Europe, Vaillant is present in over 20 countries, including Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and of course Germany.

With a wide range of heat pumps to suit almost any type of residence, you would be hard pressed to find a better heating solution for your home. But what makes Vaillant heat pumps stand out? What specific benefits would you expect to get if you picked them over other solutions?

What Type of Heat Pumps Does Vaillant Produce?

Vaillant provides an array of choices suitable for both flats and houses of any age. The flexibility of Valliant’s designs is one of the main reasons why they are highly recommended by heat pump installers.

Air Source Heat Pumps

When weighing up the pros and cons of heat pumps, installation plays a big factor. In this respect, air source heat pumps have an edge over ground source heat pumps in that they are easier to install. Valliant’s AroTHERM series of air source heat pumps can be installed on anything from a large home to a modest size flat.

AroTHERM Air-to-Water Heat Pump

One of the hallmark characteristics of this model is its anti-vandalism feature and anti-hydro coating. This gives it added protection from both tampering and corrosion. It’s perfectly suited for flats and larger homes coming in four sizes including 5kW, 8kW, 11kW and 15kW.

AroTHERM Plus Air-To-Water Heat Pump

The distinguishing feature of the AroTHERM Plus is that it combines space and water heating. It has a uniTOWER 190 litre storage tank which can provide water for up to five people. The indoor tank stands as tall as a fridge so does not take up too much space.

Equipped with noise reduction features, the AroTHERM Plus comes in four sizes including 3.5kW, 5kW, 7kW and 12kW.

AroTHERM Split Air-To-Water Heat Pump

The AroTHERM Split is divided into an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit can be positioned up to 15 meters away which helps with noise reduction. Adaptable to any size property, the AroTHERM Split is available in five sizes including 3.5kW, 5kW, 7kW, 10kW and 12kW.

AroTHERM Hybrid Heat Pump

The AroTHERM Hybrid is for consumers that might want to have backup heating from a boiler. It can use both renewable and traditional heating automatically switching between them depending on the weather, daytime saving tariffs and demand.

Vaillant Air Source Heat Pump Pros

Flexibility

Vaillant offers heat pumps in sizes to meet different needs. Whether you are in a small flat or a large home, there is a pump size that will adequately cover your space and water heating.

Quiet Mark

Valliant’s AroTHERM series of heat pumps are some of the quietest. They have a low noise imprint and are Quiet Mark rated.

Vaillant Air Source Heat Pump Cons

Installation

Installation can be a little complicated depending on model. Installation can take anywhere from one to five days depending on what conversions may need to be made to the home.

Vaillant Air Source Heat Pump Costs

Valliant air source heat pumps costs vary with the model and size. Other factors that come into play are the size and energy efficiency of the home as well as the heating demands. Make sure to factor in the cost of both the heat pump and installation when you shop for different quotes.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps draw heat from the ground or from a water source. This is why they are also called geothermal pumps.

GeoTHERM Exclusive

The GeoTHERM provides both space and water heating. Available in three sizes, namely 6kW, 8kW and 10kW, the GeoTHERM has very low noise levels and like the AroTHERM has been Quiet Mark accredited.

GeoTHERM

Available in larger sizes of up to 46kW, the GeoTHERM is suitable alternative for larger homes and businesses that want to switch from their existing gas solution.

FlexoTHERM

Vaillant is one of the leading innovators in the renewable heating sector. This is apparent in the design of some of their products. The FlexoTHERM for example has both a ground and air source model providing an output of between 5 to 19 kW.

Vaillant Ground Source Heat Pump Pros

Flexibility

Similar to their air source heat pumps, Vaillant provides ground source heat pumps in different sizes to meet the needs of large or smaller homes.

Noise reduction

You can also expect to get less noise. Both the GeoTHERM and the FlexoTHERM feature noise reduction.

Vaillant Ground Source Heat Pump Cons

Installation

Installation of ground source heat pumps is more difficult. Air source heat pumps are easier to install and typically require less time.

Vaillant Ground Source Heat Pump Costs

As they are more difficult to install, ground source heat pumps are significantly more expensive. The added step of digging into the ground and installing pipes adds to the labor and material costs. You should expect to pay 25 to 75 percent more than the cost of an air source heat pump.

You should make double sure to get several quotes before deciding on which heat pump installer to go with.

Why Should You Get A Vaillant Heat Pump?

We’ve considered the pros and cons of Vaillant air source and ground source heat pumps. But what distinguishes Vaillant from other heat pump manufacturers?

Local Manufacturing

Vaillant produces heat pumps locally. This means you never have to worry about customer support or finding parts when it comes time to service your heat pump.

Energy Efficiency

Vaillant heat pumps have an energy efficiency rating of A+ or higher. They are between 300-500% more efficient than traditional gas boilers.

Recognized Brand

Vaillant has been in heating for almost 150 years. With over 17,400 reviews and a 4.6 average rating, you have the peace of mind of knowing you are dealing with an established brand.

The post Vaillant Heat Pump Comparison appeared first on Compare 24 - English.

At a time when many countries are focused on meeting their climate change goals, can heat pumps play a role in building a sustainable future?

Heat pumps have been around for decades. Although historically more popular in temperate climates like Europe and Asia, they are slowly starting to pick up steam in colder climates like North America.

Are Heat Pumps Air Conditioners?

Heat pumps compress a refrigerant to increase the pressure on it. Increasing the pressure on a gas increases its temperature. Decreasing the pressure has the opposite effect in that it decreases the temperature. This is the fundamental principle behind how heat pumps, refrigerators and air conditioners work. 

In a heat pump, the refrigerant is compressed using electricity to raise its temperature. The resulting heat is then moved into your home through the refrigerant. This loss of heat cools the refrigerant, starting the process again and gradually heating your home. This process also works in reverse to cool your home.

This is the primary difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner. It both heats and cools your home.  

There are three main types of heat pumps. These are air source heat pumps (ASHP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP) and absorption heat pumps (ASP). 

Air source heat pumps are the most commonly used. They transfer heat from the air to your home. Ground source heat pumps collect heat from the ground or a water source. This is why they are also called water source heat pumps. Absorption heat pumps are a newer type of heat pump. They source heat from sources including natural gas, air or ground-heated water. 

What makes heat pumps important to the future? There are three main reasons.

Energy efficiency

Heat pumps have several advantages. For one, they work more efficiently than traditional furnaces and air conditioners.

Heat Pump Versus A Furnace

Compared to a furnace, a heat pump has a better coefficient of performance (COP). Heat pumps have a COP of between 3 and 4. This means for every watt of electricity used, a heat pump produces 3 to 4 joules of heat. 

Combustion engines like furnaces and even cars have a maximum efficiency of 85 percent since there is some loss wherever energy is converted from one form to another. In comparison, a furnace’s coefficient of performance is less than 1.

Water Heating

Most people are familiar with using heat pumps for space heating and cooling. But they can also be used to heat the water in your home. Heat pump water heaters are more efficient than traditional water heating. 

The US Department of Energy puts the cost of running a heat pump water heater at between 50 to 75 percent less than conventional water heating.

Cost Savings

It is no secret that heat pumps are expensive to buy and install. On average you can expect to pay more for a heat pump than for either an air conditioner or a furnace. What typically drives up the costs is the complicated process of installing a heat pump. 

Installation typically requires added labor, modifications or more material that will significantly increase the final purchase price.

However, most of the costs invested in a heat pump can be recouped by way of savings. Depending on your climate and the type of system used, a heat pump can save you anywhere from 20 to 80 percent on your electricity bill. Get a quote and find out how much you could save if you switched to a heat pump.

Although it is the most expensive system to install, a ground source heat pump is said to produce the most energy savings. Geothermal systems can reduce energy use by between 30 to 60 percent and cut your bill by up to 80 percent at the same time.

Creating Employment

A frequently overlooked fact is how young technologies like heat pumps and even solar panels are. Currently, they represent only a small fraction of global energy production compared to traditional fossil fuel generation. 

The heat pump market has a lot of room for growth. Driven by increasing demand, policy interventions, and growing consumer awareness around sustainability and renewable energy, the market for heat pumps is expected to grow by 8 percent every year. This market growth is important because it will create massive employment opportunities and economic development. According to environmentalists at Greenpeace, installing 900,000 heat pumps in the UK would directly result in the creation of 138,600 jobs and inject $10 billion into the economy.

The Importance Of Heat Pumps

Increased adoption of heat pumps will create more employment which will help boost economies. On a consumer level, switching to heat pumps will help create more energy efficient homes. 

Heat pumps are a more efficient HVAC system because they combine both heating and cooling. Rather than have a furnace for heating and an air conditioner for cooling, you can have one system that performs both functions. 

While a heat pump is more expensive than either of the two, it is much cheaper than the two combined. For homes that require both heating and cooling, it makes more sense financially to get a heat pump than to install air conditioning and a furnace separately. Get an estimate and compare what it would cost to get a heat pump versus the cost of a furnace and air conditioner.

The improved efficiency of a heat pump and the fact that it reduces consumption of natural gas has an important part to play in building a sustainable future.

The Role Of Heat Pumps In A Sustainable Future

Switching to renewable energy sources and electrifying are thought to be the most realistic ways of reducing our carbon footprint and fighting global warming. To that end, countries around the world are adopting cleaner sources of energy like hydrogen, biogas and solar. 

Heat pumps as well can help us transition to a more carbon neutral environment. Heat pumps run off electricity rather than use natural gas like a furnace does

Switching to heat pumps could offset over 8 million tons of carbon emissions by 2050 according to a research report by the Rocky Mountain Institute. Combined with a renewable energy source like solar, having a heat pump in your home would make a huge contribution to a more sustainable future. 

The post 3 Reasons Why Heat Pumps Are The Future appeared first on Compare 24 - English.

According to official figures from the US Department of Energy, a heat pump can save you up to 50% more on your electric bill than either a furnace or baseboard heater. With such a strong incentive, getting a heat pump seems like an easy decision. So why are more people not rushing to install heat pumps?

For most homeowners, the biggest obstacle to buying a heat pump is the cost. Heat pumps are very expensive to buy and install outright. It’s a steep hurdle to overcome. Fortunately, there is an alternative that allows you to have a heat pump without paying the full cost upfront. 

You can lease rather than buy. In some ways, leasing offers all of the advantages of buying without any of the disadvantages. But is leasing really better than buying? What advantages if any does buying have? 

Let’s compare the pros and cons of each option to see which comes out on top.

Why Should You Buy A Heat Pump?

Heat pumps provide the best of both worlds in that they provide both heating and cooling. A heat pump bundles both a furnace and an air conditioner together in one piece of equipment. While the cost of either a furnace or air conditioner is typically less than a heat pump, a heat pump is cheaper than the combined cost of both.  

This is consistent with a report released by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), a sustainability research and consulting organization. According to their report, mixed fuel homes with a gas furnace, water heating and an air conditioner have a higher upfront cost than homes that use a heat pump for heating and cooling.

Generally, a heat pump gives you more efficient heating and cooling. It also has potentially easier installation than traditional air conditioners for homes without air ducts. As it replaces both your air conditioner and furnace, it drastically reduces your carbon footprint.

Given the overall advantages of a heat pump, should you buy or lease?

Pros Of Buying A Heat Pump

Complete ownership

When you buy a heat pump it becomes yours to use and dispose of as you wish. One of the biggest incentives for buying versus leasing is that buying makes you eligible to receive tax rebates on your purchase. 

The Inflation Reduction Act lays provisions for homeowners who switch to energy efficient heating, cooling and water heating. In terms of the federal tax credit, homeowners can offset up to 30% of the total cost of purchasing and installation. 

The federal tax credit applies only to systems installed on and after 1 January 2023. The system also has to meet certain minimum efficiency requirements as laid out by the Department of Energy. 

Aside from the federal tax credits there are other state-administered rebates of up to $8,000 for a space heating and cooling heat pump and $1,750 for water heater heat pump. All of these incentives are applicable only if you own the system. Lease holders, however, are not eligible for rebates.

Financing

There is also financing available for heat pumps. In combination with rebates, financing can drastically reduce the upfront cost of buying a heat pump.

It’s a valuable investment

Heat pumps will raise the property value of your home. Energy efficient homes fitted with solar or heat pumps have a higher resale value and sell faster than homes without either. A study by Nature Energy found that homes with heat pumps sell for between $10,400 to $17,000 more. 

Higher lifetime savings

The cost of buying a heat pump is recouped over its lifespan. This can be up to $670 a year or $10,000 over 15 years. Leasing erodes those savings as leasing can have a higher price in the long run. 

Cons of Buying A Heat Pump

High initial cost

Price is the number one reason why more people have not bought into the idea of heat pumps. The initial outlay for a heat pump is between $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the type. Installation costs between $1,000 to $30,000 also depending on what type of heat pump it is. 

Maintenance and servicing

The initial price is not the only high price you pay when you opt to buy versus lease. As they perform the dual function of heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, heat pumps do double the work of either an air conditioner or furnace. 

This can make them more prone to wear and tear. Maintenance costs of a heat pump are on you as the owner. 

Why Should You Lease A Heat Pump?

There are two types of leasing plans for heat pumps. A standard lease is more conventional while a rent-to-own is a newer type of lease. 

A standard lease is a long-term contract with monthly payments. This is just like any other ordinary lease. A rent-to-own lease on the other hand, is where you are buying the system through a series of payments. 

What advantages and disadvantages does leasing give you?

Pros of Leasing A Heat Pump

Cost savings

The biggest advantage to leasing over buying is you save on costs. Leasing is a zero upfront investment with no deposit. It still comes with all the benefits of owning a heat pump. This is especially so if you opt for a rent-to-own lease.

No maintenance fees

Leasing comes with less responsibility. You are not liable for maintenance or servicing of the equipment. Any servicing is the responsibility of the leasing company.

Cons of Leasing A Heat Pump

Breaking your lease

Leasing a heat pump can present a problem if you need to move to a new home. If your lease is not transferable, that means you have to break your lease which will likely incur penalties depending on your agreement.

Potential higher cost

In the long term it can cost more to lease than buy, especially if you decide to move and have to break your lease or if you need to upgrade your system. Some lease agreements may look cheaper at first sight but turn out more expensive over time. 

Whether you decide to lease or buy, a heat pump will still provide you with good value for money. Take our short quiz to see just how much value you will get either as a homeowner or tenant.

The post Buy Vs Lease Heat Pump: What To Consider appeared first on Compare 24 - English.

The upfront cost of a heat pump also leaves homeowners thinking if it is really worth installing this type of system, and whether or not there other options that are cheaper. In this guide, we will go over each and every advantage and disadvantage of installing a heat pump. So that you can decide if it is worth it to install it in your home.

Heat pump advantages

Requires less maintenance than traditional systems

Heating systems such as gas fireplaces, or furnaces require additional maintenance and attention due to the risks involved. You always want to make sure the system is working well and is safe to use. Heat pumps on the other hand require only annual maintenance. 

While you should always hire a professional to do a yearly check on your heat pump, if you are interested you can learn how to do it yourself.

Low cost to maintain and run

Additionally, the cost of the yearly maintenance and running of a heat pump is far lower than any other heating system, such as fireplaces, and furnaces. This remains another important advantage of heat pumps, and it helps your family’s budget.

Extremely efficient

Perhaps the main reason why homeowners invest in heat pumps is due to their extreme efficiency. Heat pumps are able to use electricity and turn it into 300% as much heat, making it the most efficient heating system available today.

While your electricity bill may be slightly higher if you have a heating pump, heating your home will be a lot more expensive if you compare it with conventional heating systems.

Safer

One of the reasons families opt for heat pumps is due to how safe the system is. While gas-powered heating systems are always a little dangerous, heat pumps on the other hand are the safest option available on the market. The only major risk with heat pumps is if one of your family members has an allergy to a substance that gets into the airway system.

Provides both heating and cooling

Heat pumps also allow you to either heat or cool your home, while other systems are only able to heat. This is why it is far more practical to have just one system that is able to do both the heating and cooling, than having a fireplace, a furnace, and then an air conditioner on top of that. Additionally, having two systems might even be more expensive to buy, maintain and run over the long run.

Improves the air quality of your home 

Since a heat pump is able to remove humidity from the air, it acts as a dehumidifier, improving the quality of the air in your home. This is especially important if one of your family members has asthma, and it can be an important way to improve air quality for them. It has been proven that humidity can affect people suffering from arthritis, allergies, and even eczema.

It lasts a long time

A heat pump is also a very reliable and long-lasting system, with some models and types of heat pumps lasting nearly 30 years. This obviously depends on the model, and how well it is preserved, but overall it is a system that outlasts other conventional options.

Low environmental impact

Finally, one of the reasons why heat pumps have become so popular is that not only are they extremely efficient but they also have a lower carbon footprint and environmental impact. Since the sustainability of planet earth is in our hands, choosing a system that will help you sustain our planet is of the utmost importance.

Heat pump disadvantages

You need a permit and license

Depending on where your house is located, you may need a permit and a license to be able to install your heat pump. This is why you should always contact a reliable and professional company to install your heat pump. They will be able to inform you of all the necessary documents and things you need to have in order before installing your system.

It may require construction work

Since heat pumps require air to flow outside and inside the house, you may have to drill some holes in the facade of your home. This may not be ideal, especially because the location of these pipes is fundamental to increasing the efficiency of your heat pump. This may also increase the installation cost.

Large investment upfront

Perhaps the single biggest disadvantage of heat pumps is the fact that it requires a large investment upfront. Depending on the type of heat pump, the costs can be as high as $40,000 for geothermal heat pumps. 

This is a price that not every homeowner is able to afford, and therefore prices some people out of this efficient system. Due to the high cost, some homeowners also question whether or not investing in a heat pump can actually help them save money.

Requires professional installation

Installing a heat pump is not as easy as installing a furnace, an aircon, or a fireplace. Everything needs to be considered, from the location of the heat pump to the orientation, and whether or not it is level. 

These aspects directly influence the efficiency and electricity consumption of a heat pump, and therefore installing a heat pump should be done by a professional company with years of experience. They will know exactly where to place the heat pump so that it can be as efficient as possible while lasting a long time.

Avoid thinking that installing a heat pump is a simple DIY project because it is not, and if you install a heat pump without any previous experience, you may run into future problems, it might not be as efficient as it can be, and it can last fewer years.

Snow can damage the system

In extreme weather conditions, heat pumps are prone to failure, and end up being damaged. For instance, snow can damage your heat pump system, especially if the unit is completely covered in snow. This is why if you live in colder weather you should consider having a heat pump cover because it protects the system from snow being in direct contact with it. Additionally, you also need to place your heat pump in a location where snow will not fall near it.

It will increase your electricity bill

While one of the biggest advantages of heat pumps is their efficiency, the truth is that after installing and running this type of system you may notice an increase in your electricity bill. This is normal because a heat pump requires energy to be able to operate, and whether you use an air conditioner or a fireplace they will have costs just like a heat pump.

However, you should be aware of the added electricity cost of running a heat pump.

Power outages render it useless

While some heating systems do not require electricity and can be used pretty much in any condition like a fireplace, a heat pump without electricity is useless. Since the system requires power to be able to function, you should consider that your heating and cooling will not work during power outages.

If you happen to live in a very remote location where power outages are more common, you should consider this before getting a heat pump, or you can always invest in a generator to make sure your heat pump works whether there is power from the grid or not.

Installing a heat pump can drastically change your outdoor space

One of the few aspects that are often overlooked about heat pumps, is how drastically they can change your outdoor space. Choosing the most optimal location for your heat pump means that it can be an area of your yard, that you didn’t want to see used by this bulky unit. However, you need to understand that you may have to sacrifice the layout of your outdoor space, to have a heat pump that lasts longer and is more efficient.

Heat pumps can be noisy

While most heat pump systems are relatively noiseless, depending on the type of heat pump and size it can be rather noisy. This can be a problem, especially if you have neighbors. Always check the local laws to make sure you are placing your heat pump at the correct distance from your neighbor’s house.

Maintenance needs to be done by professionals

While you can certainly learn how to maintain a heat pump, it is always wiser to hire a professional company specialized in this type of service. A heat pump is fairly costly, and you want to hire professionals to maintain and care for your system. 

Is a heat pump worth the investment?

After reading all of the advantages and disadvantages of heat pumps, you may be wondering whether or not you should invest in it. The truth is that a heat pump is one of the best solutions for your home, because it is highly efficient, allows you to heat and cool your home, and saves you money over the long term while being safer than all the other available options.

Heat pump pros and cons FAQ

What is the biggest advantage of a heat pump?

The biggest advantage of a heat pump is its efficiency, and how the system is able to convert electricity into heat and cool, with an efficiency of up to 300%. No other system is able to be as efficient, and environment friendly while lasting a long time.

What is the biggest disadvantage of a heat pump?

The biggest disadvantage and the number one reason why homeowners shy away from heat pumps is the large upfront investment required to buy and install such a system. This remains the main reason why these systems are still not as popular as furnaces, fireplaces, and air conditioners.

Can you save money on electricity with heat pumps?

No, a heat pump will usually increase your electricity bill, because it requires electricity to run. However, compared with other conventional heating and cooling systems, a heat pump will be the most efficient, and while it might not save you money on the electricity bill, it will be cheaper than other electric or gas-powered systems, and even conventional wooden fireplaces.

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