Renowned for its exceptional efficiency, a heat pump is not always the best choice. That's why, in some cases, alternatives such as thermal heating may be recommended as part of an overall energy renovation.
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Why heat pumps are not always recommended for renovations
La heat pump is one of the most subsidised forms of heating in Luxembourg. Why is that? It's the most environmentally-friendly way of producing hot water or air, and has excellent efficiency: up to 400% compared with an average of 90% for modern thermal heating methods (gas, oil).
However, this method of heating :
- Offers excellent performance only when temperatures are above 0°C (returns are also measured)
- Is relatively limited in terms of power. This is why it is generally recommended to add a thermodynamic balloon dedicated to domestic hot water. The heat pump will therefore concentrate on heating only.
Given these limitations, heating engineers generally consider that this type of heating alone is sufficient...
- When the home is well insulated
- When the volumes to be heated are reasonable (not too much surface area or ceiling height - ideally under 2m35)
- When radiators are modern or optimised to operate at temperatures below 50°C (beyond that, a heat pump will require too much power and will be less profitable).
In other cases, heating engineers may recommend that homeowners turn to alternatives such as thermal heating, or a method of heating that complements the heat pump.
How can I avoid paying too much for electricity with a heat pump?
As you'll have gathered, it's in winter that the heat pump really comes into its own. Especially for homes with a lot of space to heat, poor insulation and old cast-iron radiators.
Some homeowners who had not previously insulated their homes received electricity bills in excess of €500 per month in winter!
To avoid this, you have two solutions:
- Or you can opt for a comprehensive energy renovation of your home (and benefit from Luxembourg government grants). For example, you can install a heat pump with a very high output (or Coefficient of Performance) and can heat your home in all seasons.
- Or, if your home is poorly insulated, you will have to consider another means of heating. This doesn't mean that you have to do without a heat pump altogether, but you will need a complementary method of heating.
Heating options if you can't have a heat pump
So here are the 3 solutions if you can't install a heat pump as your main heating system:
- Combine your current heating system with a heat pump: You can install a small heat pump in combination with your gas or oil heating system. It will work almost all the time. Except when it's too cold. In that case, your thermal boiler will take over.
- Use a complementary and economical heating method : You can install a heat pump but use a fireplace or wood-burning stove in winter when it's very cold. You'll have the efficiency of a heat pump and the comfort of wood heating all year round.
- Switch to another main heating method : There are interesting alternatives, such as condensing gas boilers (which are more energy-efficient) or pellet boilers. These can be considered in place of a heat pump if you are not planning to insulate your home or if the volumes to be heated are too large. However, these heating methods will not necessarily be subsidised.
There are also many other possible combinations, depending on your home and your situation. The best thing to do is to ask for a quote from a professional heating engineer.
Alternatively, you can consult our comparison of the most economical heating methods in Luxembourg.