From energy label F to D thanks to the heat pump: “The type doesn’t matter much” | My guide

Being in Flanders Three types of heat pumps usual.

“The first is an air-to-air heat pump, which extracts energy from the ambient air and then blows hot air into the house,” Brooks explains. “Secondly, an air-water heat pump transfers energy from the ambient air to a water circuit, such as radiators, convectors or underfloor heating. Finally, a ground-water heat pump extracts energy from the ground via depth probes or a collector network and transfers the generated heat to a water circuit .

In addition, there are also heat pumps that extract energy from water sources, but this requires an additional permit and they are rarely used in the residential sector in Flanders.

One heat pump is more efficient than the other. “The efficiency of an air-to-air heat pump and an air-water heat pump depends on the outside temperature and therefore fluctuates,” says Brooks. “The more stable ground temperature makes a groundwater heat pump the most energy efficient heating system.”

Heat pumps seem to have a pretty big impact on your home’s energy label. “I myself simulated a semi-detached building with an energy rating of F. This house had an energy rating of 750, which is very poor, it had single glazing and was heated with an oil boiler,” says Brooks. “Installing a heat pump has improved the home’s energy score by up to 50 percent.”

The type of heat pump turns out to be less important. “The type of heat pump doesn’t matter much. They all have roughly the same effect on EPC. What applies: The more efficient the heat pump, the better the energy score. So a geothermal heat pump will improve the score by another five percent compared to an air-water pump.”

Underfloor heating + heat pump: The perfect combination for efficient heating.

If you buy a house with an energy label of E or F and therefore need to renovate it, the heat pump is not a priority. “You can only install a heat pump after you reduce the overall heat requirements of the home,” explains Broekx. “It is first important to do the insulation properly so that the heat does not escape. This way, the heat pump needs less electricity to reach the required internal temperature. Craftsmen usually start with Roof insulationBecause this is where the greatest savings can be made.

Broekx does commentary. “Anyone who insulates heavily should keep in mind airtightness and ventilation,” warns an energy expert. “Ventilation and air insulation are important to prevent internal condensation problems, ensure good air quality and get maximum efficiency from the insulation and heat pump.”

good news: The reduced VAT on heat pumps will continue to apply in 2024.

The electricity consumption of the heat pump can be partially covered by solar panels. “Combining solar panels and a heat pump is certainly interesting, but we generate the most solar energy in the summer, while the heat pump consumes the most electricity during the dark winter months.”

“Of course, that doesn’t mean solar panels aren’t interesting. They improve your home’s energy score by about ten percent, depending on the size and efficiency of the installation.

Financial picture: What is the price of a heat pump and what incentives are there?

A heat pump comes with a hefty price tag, but you’ll recoup the installation costs after ten to fifteen years. “The payback period depends on many factors, such as the premium you receive and future energy prices,” Brooks explains.

“It is especially important to know that by using a heat pump you are separating your home from fossil fuels, increasing the value of your home, and no longer dependent on fluctuating fuel oil and gas prices.”

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