Surface Heating with Heat Pump - The Sustainable Way to Heat

Heat pumps operate on a simple principle. They extract heat from the environment and transfer this energy to a system to be heated. The heat can come from the ground, groundwater, or air and is absorbed via special probes, collectors, or outdoor units. This way, a heat pump can use this free environmental heat for personal purposes, such as heating or hot water preparation.

With the help of a refrigeration cycle, the heat extracted from the environment is brought to a higher temperature. For this purpose, a refrigerant circulates in the heat pump, extracting heat from the earth, water, or air and evaporating. This refrigeration cycle is driven by a compressor, in which the refrigerant is compressed. This allows the temperature to increase, and the heat can be transferred to the heating system via a heat exchanger. Through this heat transfer, the refrigerant becomes liquid again, and the cycle can start over.

The operation of a heat pump can thus be compared to that of a refrigerator. While a refrigerator transfers heat from the inside to the outside, the heat pump works exactly the opposite. It extracts heat from the surroundings to use it for heating living and working spaces.

Depending on the type of heat source, there are ground heat pumps, water heat pumps, and air heat pumps. Mixed forms are also possible – such as an air-water heat pump, ground-water heat pump, or even a water-water heat pump. However, a heat pump can not only heat but also cool. In this case, the principle of a heat pump works exactly the opposite. There are heat pumps that actively cool and heat pumps that are reversible, i.e., passive, cool. With both systems, you can cool, even if active cooling works much more efficiently.

Since a heat pump can both heat and cool, they are perfectly suited to be used in combination with a surface heating and cooling system.

Advantage: Water heat pumps use the heat of groundwater, whose temperature usually does not drop below 10 degrees even in winter. Therefore, water heat pumps can ensure very efficient heat generation.

Disadvantage: For water heat pumps to function, two wells are required. The necessary drilling cannot be carried out everywhere and requires approval. The chemical composition of the groundwater could also prevent its use.

Advantage: Water heat pumps use the heat of groundwater, the temperature of which usually does not fall below 10 degrees even in winter. Therefore, water heat pumps can ensure very efficient heat generation.

Disadvantage: For water heat pumps to function, two wells are required. The necessary drilling cannot be carried out everywhere and requires approval. The chemical composition of the groundwater could also prevent its use. 

Advantage: Air heat pumps extract their heat from the air. Heat can be obtained even from cold air. Additionally, air heat pumps do not require drilling, making them a popular variant of heat pumps.

Disadvantage: Unlike the ground and groundwater, the temperature of the air drops more significantly in winter, affecting efficiency. Furthermore, air heat pumps generate noise. Therefore, attention should be paid to the location and any noise protection measures during installation. 

Surface heating systems are heating systems that emit heat through various surfaces of a building. This usually occurs through floors, walls, or ceilings. Pipes are laid either in the screed or in prefabricated panels, through which heated water flows in winter. With lower flow temperatures, surface heating systems are more energy efficient than conventional heating systems. Surface heating systems are considered to provide the greatest possible comfort, as they operate on the principle of radiant heat, which resembles the pleasant warmth of sunlight.

Water-based surface heating systems can be used in two ways – on the one hand as surface heating and on the other hand as surface cooling. Regardless of the season, surface heating and cooling systems ensure optimal room temperatures. The system operates with a simple functionality. During the cold season, heated water is circulated through the pipes to optimally temper the rooms. In summer, however, cold water can flow through the same system, cooling the surfaces. For heating in winter and cooling in summer, no longer are two systems needed, such as convection heaters and air conditioners, but only one system. This is where the great advantage of surface heating – and even surface cooling – lies, alongside the lower energy costs.

More about surface heating

So, is the combined use of heat pump and surface heating the solution for more energy efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings? In the following paragraph, we explain why surface heating and heat pumps can be ideally linked together.

Thanks to the low temperature system of a surface heating, which can also be used as surface cooling, additional energy is saved. Since a water-based surface heating requires much lower flow temperatures compared to a conventional heating system, this offers an ideal working level for heat pumps. The resulting side effect: The compressor of the heat pump has to work less due to the low flow temperatures and therefore consumes less electricity.

Heat pumps and surface heating can be used in both new and old buildings. More and more new buildings are already equipped with these two innovative technologies. But even in old buildings, it is possible to heat sustainably with this combination. If new and old buildings are equipped with good insulation, this ensures additional efficiency. Surface heating in combination with a heat pump is thus the perfect combination for more efficiency, ecology, but also for more comfort.

A sustainable heating is therefore also possible for old buildings and existing buildings. Contrary to the widespread opinion so far that heat pumps cannot be optimally used for old buildings, there are now well-combinable models on the market. All types of heat pumps can basically also be used for old buildings. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult with an expert about the respective individual advantages and disadvantages so that the solution can be found for you that is best suited in terms of efficiency, costs, and feasibility. So, inform yourself in advance about your options for installing a heat pump in an old building.

The practical thing about heat pumps and surface heating is that they work hand in hand, and you as a user practically don't have to worry about anything. Unlike conventional radiators or air conditioning systems, surface heating does not work with strong heating or cooling of the air, but with pleasant and constant radiant heat, which ensures maximum comfort.

More on the topic of comfort

If you are interested in a combination solution with surface heating and heat pump, there are providers of surface heating systems that are perfectly suited for the renovation of old buildings. 

Do you want to renovate?

The innovative surface heating and cooling systems from Variotherm can be easily and simply installed even in old buildings. Whether you are building new or renovating your old building and making it future-proof – there will be a suitable solution for you for a combined use of heat pump and surface heating.

Surface heating systems with heat pumps are true energy-saving wonders and thus the optimal answer to constantly rising energy costs. This is partly due to the heat pump, which provides efficient and sustainable heat. However, only in combination with a surface heating system can the heat pump fully realize its potential. Therefore, surface heating is the essential factor when it comes to significantly reducing heating costs.

This is because they require lower flow temperatures, and at the same time, thanks to the principle of radiant heat, the room temperature can be lowered by a few degrees. This way, you save energy and thus costs—without having to sacrifice comfort.

It is important to choose products from high-quality providers. It pays off to focus on maximum efficiency already in the planning process. This helps you save further costs during operation while making your heating system even more climate-friendly.

Both the costs incurred and the installation effort depend on which heat pump and which surface heating system you choose: Whether a ground source heat pump, water source heat pump, or air source heat pump is suitable for your new construction or renovation project, and which version of a surface heating system – in the floor, on the walls, or on the ceiling – is best suited for you.

Choose from the abundance of providers the one that not only promises high quality and sustainability but can also deliver on it. Because in addition to the purchase costs for a heat pump and a surface heating system, you should also consider the ongoing costs. The initially somewhat higher investment costs quickly pay off due to the low costs for ongoing operation. You clearly save on heating and thus energy costs. While surface heating systems are practically maintenance-free, you should have your heat pump checked regularly. However, these checks are far less frequent than with conventional heating systems.

It is also advisable to choose a good partner for the entire planning and installation process. This applies to both the heat pump and the surface heating system. Depending on the design of the heat pump, the total costs and the duration of the installation can vary. Find out in advance what the planning, implementation, and installation will cost and how long they will take. Innovative surface heating and cooling systems, such as those from Variotherm, are designed to be laid quickly and easily.

A good and reliable partner for your project will also point out any permits that need to be obtained in advance as well as any subsidies you may be eligible for. Especially in the area of sustainable energy generation as well as heating and cooling, there are a number of subsidies in Austria, which, however, are handled differently from state to state. Good advice therefore pays off twice.