Buying a heat pump: buyer's guide and common mistakes to avoid

Why buy a heat pump?

Let's quickly recap the benefits of a heat pump:

• Energy savings: this system draws calories from the air, water or ground to heat your home, reducing your dependence on fossil fuels.
• Environmental responsibility: because it uses renewable energy, you reduce your carbon footprint.
• Comfort: heat pumps provide gentle and even heating, and some models can also cool your home in summer.
• Financial support: subsidies are often available for heat pump installation.

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10 mistakes to avoid when buying a heat pump

Here are some mistakes to avoid when acquiring a new heat source:

1. Not carrying out a prior energy audit

Before even thinking about buying a heat pump, we recommend carrying out an energy audit of your home (CECB or CECB plus). This step allows you to:

• Assess the energy performance of your single-family home.
• Identify the real needs for heating and domestic hot water.
• Detect any heat losses due to poor insulation.

Without this analysis, you risk choosing a poorly sized heat pump, which can lead to overconsumption of electricity or insufficient heating.

2. A bespoke heat pump: the importance of correct sizing

The sizing of the pump plays a key role in its proper operation. An undersized unit will not heat your home efficiently, while an oversized model risks going through short cycles, which harms its energy performance and accelerates wear. To make the right choice, we strongly recommend calling on a qualified professional, who can accurately assess your home's requirements. As you will understand: not all heat pumps suit every home.

3. Overlooking home insulation

If your home is poorly insulated, even the most efficient heat pump will struggle to produce heat. Before installing a heating unit, make sure your walls, attic and windows are properly insulated to maximise the performance of your heating system. If you are looking for a simple and efficient solution, the monobloc heat pump is an excellent choice, especially for well-insulated homes.

4. Installing a heat pump in an unsuitable location

The location of the outdoor unit of the heat pump is decisive for its efficiency. We recommend that you:

• Avoid shaded areas or spots too exposed to the sun.
• Ensure good ventilation around the unit.
• Minimise noise nuisance by keeping the unit away from bedrooms and living rooms.

Proper installation guarantees not only optimal performance but also a longer service life for your equipment.

5. Neglecting heat pump maintenance

Once installed, the heat pump requires regular maintenance to maintain its efficiency. This includes:

• Cleaning filters and heat exchangers.
• Checking the refrigerant circuit.
• Monitoring the unit's performance.

Neglected maintenance can lead to a 10 to 20% loss in efficiency within a few years.

6. Forgetting about available financial support

Installing a heat pump can benefit from various forms of financial support in Switzerland, which help reduce the cost of the project. These include:

• Federal subsidies: the Buildings Programme encourages the installation of sustainable and energy-efficient heating equipment, with financial support granted according to certain technical criteria.
• Cantonal and communal subsidies: each canton or municipality offers its own support, which varies according to the region and local energy policies. This support often complements federal subsidies.
• Tax deductions: certain expenses related to the installation of a heat pump can be deducted from taxes, depending on cantonal and federal legislation, particularly in the context of energy renovation.

By combining these schemes, you can significantly reduce the initial investment while adopting an environmentally friendly heating system.

7. Choosing an unqualified installer

Heat pump installation requires specific technical skills. Call on a qualified professional to avoid installation errors that could compromise the proper operation of your system.

8. Not comparing quotes

Request quotes from several qualified installers to compare prices and services. Don't hesitate to ask questions and enquire about certifications and warranties offered.

9. Focusing only on heat pump costs

Price remains important, but it should not be the only deciding factor. A cheap heat pump can prove costly in the long term due to frequent breakdowns or poor energy efficiency. We suggest investing in quality equipment, even if the initial cost is higher.

10. Ignoring local climate conditions

The climate of your region influences the performance of the heat pump. In cold areas, we recommend opting for a high-temperature or geothermal heat pump to ensure efficient heating even in very cold weather.

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The different types of heat pump: how to choose the right model?

Before buying a heat pump, we invite you to understand the differences between the main models available on the market. Each type of heat pump meets specific needs and adapts to particular home configurations.

• The air-to-air heat pump: captures calories from the outside air to heat the indoor air. It is ideal for well-insulated homes and can also serve as an air conditioner in summer.
• The air-to-water heat pump: draws heat from the air to transfer it to a hot water circuit, compatible with radiators or underfloor heating. It is one of the most widely used systems in energy renovation.
• The geothermal heat pump: more expensive to install, uses the heat of the ground through buried sensors. Very efficient, it is particularly suitable for cold regions and large houses.
• The monobloc heat pump: a variant of the air-to-water pump, it combines all components in a single outdoor unit. If you are looking for a simple, compact and efficient solution to install, this model is particularly well suited.

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Why trust EDIREX for the installation of your heating system?

EDIREX supports you in your new heating system installation project. Our platform allows you to:

• Find certified and experienced installers near you.
• Compare free quotes with no obligation to choose the best offer tailored to your needs.
• Simplify administrative procedures related to financial support and authorisations.
• Benefit from personalised advice to avoid common mistakes and optimise the choice of your heat pump.