In Switzerland, the heat pump (HP) has become an ecological and economical heating solution. One in four Swiss homes is already equipped.
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Heat pumps offer a sustainable and efficient heating alternative compared to traditional systems. Their operation, based on the use of renewable resources such as air, water or soil, considerably reduces the environmental impact of heating. In addition, heat pumps provide excellent thermal comfort and enable significant long-term energy savings. This solution stands out for its efficiency, with a high coefficient of performance (COP): heat output is greater than electrical consumption.
To put it simply, imagine a reversed refrigerator. Instead of cooling the inside, a heat pump extracts heat from outside (air, water, ground) and transfers it inside your home to heat it. This process takes place through a thermodynamic cycle involving four main stages:
The heat pump extracts heat from the environment: air, water or soil.
Operation: this type of heat pump recovers heat from the outside air, even at negative temperatures (down to approximately -20°C), and transfers it to a water circuit that supplies central heating (radiators, underfloor heating) and the production of domestic hot water.
Advantages: relatively simple and less expensive installation than other types, ideal solution for renovations and new builds.
Disadvantages: performance dependent on the outside temperature: output decreases in very cold weather. Requires electrical backup in very cold weather. May generate a certain level of noise due to the outdoor fan.
Variants: monobloc air-to-water heat pump (all components in a single outdoor unit) or bibloc (one outdoor unit and one indoor unit). Reversible models also enable the home to be cooled in summer.
Operation: this model draws heat from an underground water source (aquifer), a river, or a lake. A capture circuit is installed to draw the water, which then passes through a heat exchanger to transfer its heat to the refrigerant fluid.
Advantages: excellent output and stable performance throughout the year, as the temperature of underground water is relatively constant. Very environmentally friendly solution.
Disadvantages: more complex and costly installation than air-to-water heat pumps, requires administrative authorisations for drilling and water capture. Not suitable for all types of ground (requires an exploitable aquifer).
Operation: geothermal energy uses the heat of the ground as an energy source. Horizontal probes (buried at shallow depth) or vertical probes (deep drilling) are installed to capture the heat from the ground.
Advantages: very high output and stable performance throughout the year, independent of outside weather conditions. Very environmentally friendly solution.
Disadvantages: the most complex and costly installation of the three types of heat pumps, requires administrative authorisations for drilling (vertical probes). Large land surface required for horizontal probes.
Although less common for main heating in Switzerland, the air-to-air heat pump is worth mentioning. It works on the same principle as the air-to-water type, but transfers heat directly to the indoor air via indoor units (split system). It is mainly used for reversible air conditioning (heating and cooling).
In Switzerland, various financial aids are available for installing a heat pump: cantonal, municipal and federal subsidies. Check with local authorities to find out about the aids available in your region.
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The heat pump therefore represents a high-performing, economical and environmentally friendly heating solution. By choosing a model suited to your needs and calling on a qualified installer, you can achieve significant energy savings while reducing your environmental impact. EDIREX helps you find the best professionals for your heat pump installation project in Switzerland.
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