First the surface heating, then the heat pump __

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17. June 2024 4 min.

The key factor for decarbonisation and energy transition, is to renovate buildings to be more energy efficient. A key component in this process is the choice of heating system. Here, the main focus is on the public to switch to the use of a heat pump. But this view is too short-sighted. In this blog, we will discuss why a surface heating system should be installed first and what advantages this brings to the environment and it’s end customers.

What are the characteristics of surface heating?

The way that surface heaters distribute heat means that instead of coming from a single radiator in the corner of the room, heat is evenly distributed from the ceiling, wall or floor – depending on where it is installed. The uniform distribution and lower flow temperatures required for surface heating are a perfect match for the operating conditions of a heat pump. Surface heating not only increases energy efficiency, but also improves the quality of life and comfort of the residents. In addition, there is the freedom of design, as surface heating is invisibly integrated into the structure of the building.

Low flow temperatures

Ideal for operation with heat pumps and therefore a future-proof heating system.

Energy efficiency

By making optimal use of the heat generated, energy costs can be significantly reduced.

Uniform heat distribution

Due to the large-scale radiation of heat, there are no cold zones in the room.

Quality of life and comfort

A warm home without gurgling or rustling radiators.

Freedom

Radiators are no longer necessary, meaning that walls and floors can be freely designed.

 

How do you proceed strategically with the restructuring?

As an installer, planner, architect or investor, you must communicate with your customers in order to carry out an energy-efficient renovation as economically and with as few restrictions, as possible. When renovating a building, it is more advantageous for the customer to install surface heating first and then replace the conventional heating system with a heat pump.

Why surface heating first?

The main advantage of this sequence is the increase in efficiency. Surface heating systems work optimally with low flow temperatures, just like heat pumps. By installing the surface heating system at the beginning, the premises are already optimised for low temperatures. This means that when a heat pump is installed at a later date, the system is already geared towards efficient operation and can directly deliver high efficiency.

Cost savings right from the start

Another advantage is the cost savings. Due to the previous installation of the surface heating system and the associated reduction in energy requirements, it may be possible to choose a smaller and more cost-effective model that meets the requirements of the now more efficient heating system when purchasing the heat pump at a later date.

Greater flexibility when replacing heating systems

For the end customer, a surface heating system also means greater flexibility. You are not forced to invest in a completely new heating system immediately, but can tackle the changeover in steps when it is financially and time-feasible. This way, they can initially benefit from the advantages of surface heating and switch to the environmentally friendly and cost-saving technology of the heat pump at a later stage, which is convenient for them.

Feel-good atmosphere at lower temperatures

In addition, surface heating immediately improves comfort in the building, regardless of the subsequent choice of heating system.

In studies on individual heat perception, the vast majority stated that the room with surface heating and with a room temperature that was 2°C lower was perceived as just as warm as a room with conventional radiators and a higher temperature. By reducing heating costs by two degrees Celsius, heating costs can be reduced by up to 12%.

 

Source: Denkmal und Energie 2021, Alexandra Schmitt, Springer Fachmedien

 

The even heat distribution and radiant heat increase the well-being of the residents. Temperature reductions are possible and there is no need for an immediate large investment in a heat pump.

 

One of the most versatile surface heating systems for ceilings, walls and floors: AQUATHERM BLACK

aquatherm black represents a future-oriented solution in the field of surface heating and cooling systems. The system is not only easy and versatile to install on ceilings, walls and floors with plug-in or welded connections, it also impresses with its compatibility with all heating sources. aquatherm black surface heating systems can be seamlessly integrated into existing heating systems, whether it be a gas boiler, an oil heating system or renewable energy sources such as heat pumps or solar thermal energy.

A major advantage of aquatherm black is the possibility of temporarily continuing to use an existing gas boiler and therefore completing the conversion to a more energy-efficient system in stages. This relieves the homeowner of any immediate pressure to act and allows flexible planning for switching to an alternative and more sustainable heating system, such as a heat pump, when it seems more financially or practically advantageous for them.

 

We invite you to take the path to a more efficient, environmentally friendly future with aquatherm black. Discover your possibilities with aquatherm black in our video:

 

 

Sustainability in the construction sector: AQUATHERM BLACK and EPD

Sustainability is a key concern in the modern construction industry. aquatherm black is a product that embodies this value to a great extent. Especially in regard to the Environmental Product Declaration, or EPD for short. An EPD is a standardised report that documents the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. This includes aspects such as energy consumption, materials, chemical properties and recyclability.

aquatherm black has such an EPD, which means that its ecological impact is transparent and traceable. For planners, architects and investors who value sustainable construction, this is a decisive factor. The use of products with EPD, supports the goal of creating holistically environmentally friendly buildings and can contribute to the achievement of sustainability certificates for buildings.

 

Result

It is not only the choice of the right systems that is important for sustainable and energy-efficient renovation, but also the sequence of the measures. The most sensible approach, both economically and energetically, would be to start with the installation of a surface heating system such as aquatherm black, followed by the insulation of the building envelope, and finally the replacement of the heating system. In this context, aquatherm black not only enables an efficient and comfortable heat supply, but also creates design freedom and long-term investment security.

Would you like to learn more about the potential, technologies and efficient application solutions of surface heating and cooling systems? Then download our article here:

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