Heat pump or district heating: A comparison of heating systems

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Choosing the right heating system for your own home is an important decision that must take into account many factors. In addition to costs and convenience, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness also play a role. Two heating systems that stand out in particular in these areas are the heat pump and district heating. But how do these systems work and what are their advantages and disadvantages? This article compares the two heating methods and gives some tips on what to look for when making a decision.

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How heat pumps and district heating work

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A heat pump is a heating system that uses natural heat from ambient air, soil, or groundwater to use it for heating and water heating. For this purpose, a refrigerant circuit is used, which absorbs the heat and brings it to a higher temperature level using electricity. The heat pump can be used both in new buildings and in renovations, provided that the building is well insulated and has a suitable heat source.

District heating is a heating system that is produced in a central heating plant or power plant, for example by burning waste, biomass or gas. The heat is then transported via an insulated pipeline network to consumers, who can use it for heating and hot water heating. District heating is particularly common in urban areas and is particularly suitable for apartment buildings or entire residential areas.

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The benefits of heat pumps and district heating

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Both heat pumps and district heating have several advantages over other heating systems such as oil or gas heating systems. Here are a few of them:

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heat pump

• High energy efficiency: A heat pump can generate up to four times more heat than it consumes in electricity. This means that energy costs can be reduced and CO2 emissions can be reduced.
• Independence from fossil fuels: A heat pump does not require an oil or gas tank and is therefore independent of price fluctuations or supply bottlenecks. When a photovoltaic system is installed, you can even generate your own electricity and save even more.
• Funding from the state: A heat pump is considered a renewable energy source and is therefore supported by the state. Depending on the type of heat pump, up to 35% of the investment costs can be received as a subsidy or low-interest loan.

district heating

• Low space requirement: A district heating system does not require a separate boiler room or fuel storage in the house. It only needs a transfer station and a house control unit, which take up little space.
• Low maintenance costs: A district heating system requires very little maintenance and is resistant to faults. The supplier, who also regularly replaces the heat meter, is responsible for maintenance.
• Use of waste heat: Depending on the provider, a district heating system can use waste heat from industrial plants or power plants that would otherwise be lost unused. This saves resources and reduces CO2 emissions.

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The disadvantages of heat pumps and district heating

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Of course, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered when choosing between heat pump and district heating. Here are a few of them:

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Heat pump

• High purchase costs: A heat pump is more expensive to buy than a conventional heating system. Depending on the type of heat pump, the costs can range between 10,000 and 25,000 euros.
• Dependence on electricity prices: A heat pump requires electricity to function. This means that electricity prices, which have risen in recent years, play a role. In addition, a higher connection load must be requested from the network operator, which may result in additional costs.
• Limited uses: A heat pump is not suitable for every building. It requires good insulation, a low flow temperature and an adequate heat source. There are also heat pump models whose sound emissions are considered annoying by residents.

District heating

• High connection costs: A district heating system requires a connection to the district heating network, which can cost between 5,000 and 15,000 euros, depending on the distance and pipe diameter.
• Dependence on the supplier: A district heating system links to a specific supplier who has a monopoly in the area. This means that the pricing or quality of district heating cannot be influenced. In addition, the supplier's security of supply is important, which can be affected in the event of faults or outages.
• Limited environmental friendliness: A district heating system is only as environmentally friendly as the source from which the district heating comes. When district heating is generated from fossil fuels or waste incineration, it can cause high CO2 emissions and pollutants.

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Conclusion

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There is no general answer to the question of whether a heat pump or a district heating system is better. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, which can vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. It is therefore advisable to seek advice from a specialist company who can make a tailor-made offer.

If you are interested in a heat pump, please feel free to contact us directly. With our software and qualified partner companies, we can provide you with comprehensive and individual advice. We would be happy to record your building heating load, heating surface layout or hydraulic balancing for you. Your personal customer advisor is also available to answer any questions you may have and will assist you with your heat pump project.

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Photo credit: Estatika