Is an air source heat pump really a viable alternative to a gas boiler? The Jensen’s asked their heating technician this question, when he suggested a heat pump as an alternative to their 20-year-old gas boiler.
They asked because they were renovating their house and hoped to also become independent of fossil fuels and do something about their ever increasing heating bill. The technician’s answer? A clear ‘yes’. And today, the Jensen’s are grateful that they followed his advice.
“The heat pump was installed in May 2011, and until the end of the year, we used 2,257 kWh for utility water and heating of our 135 square meter house. Compared to our old gas boiler, we are saving half of the heating expenses on an annual basis,” says Ingrid Jensen.
Instant hot water and comfortable climate
The family chose a solution with a Danfoss DHP-AQ air source heat pump for outside installation and a Danfoss MAXI kit for the indoor installation. The solution produces heat, hot water, and cooling by absorbing energy from the outside air. And both the installation process and the indoor climate exceed the Jensen’s expectations.
“The heat pump installation caused no issues, not even with integration of the indoor and outdoor units of the heat pump. Hot water is supplied in an instant, the indoor climate is comfortable and it just feels good to use energy with a clear conscience – environmentally and economically,” states Ingrid Jensen.
She adds that noise was a concern for them prior to installation because heat pumps have a reputation for being noisy.
“But ours is only barely audible even if you stand close to it in the garden. The indoor unit is completely silent.”
In September 2011, the Swedish Energy Agency tested the DHP-AQ and 10 other air/water heat pumps available on the market for efficiency. Danfoss’ solutions proved to have one of the highest annual efficiencies.
Facts
A family of four cuts approximately 30 percent off its annual CO2 footprint by changing from a gas boiler to a heat pump.
Pictured to the right: “The installer suggested that we camouflage the outdoor unit, but we liked the design and therefore made a flower bed around it to integrate it into the garden,” says Ingrid Jensen.