Financing heat pump
Financing or buying a heat pump?
A heat pump works like a fridge in reverse. A fridge produces cold from external heat, while a heat pump draws energy from its surroundings (air, ground or water) and returns it to the building in the form of heat via a heat exchanger.
The following illustration shows the design of a heat pump and how it works in individual steps:
The type of heat pump varies depending on the medium the energy is being drawn from (ground, water or air):
Below, we will explain how these three different types of heat pump work:
Brine-water heat pumps – often called geothermal probes – provide heating using heat from the earth. There are various ways of using heat from the earth. In addition to geothermal probes, vertical posts, spiral probes or horizontal probes can also be fitted into the ground. However, the geothermal probe is the most commonly used technology by some margin.
Due to the constant temperature underground, geothermal probes are highly efficient, although they have a higher upfront investment cost. Boreholes for geothermal probes cannot be drilled everywhere. Each individual case must be reviewed, especially in areas with groundwater reserves. Municipal approval is required.
In water-to-water heat pumps, there are two possible energy sources:
In the case of groundwater heat pumps, groundwater is supplied via an extraction and absorption well and absorbed by a heat exchanger (the heat is then extracted). Groundwater stays at almost the same temperature all year round, making this type of heat pump highly efficient.
If the groundwater is of a good quality, existing wells can also be used. The groundwater level and its potency are crucial here. As in the case of geothermal probes, municipal approval is also required.
An air-water heat pump uses energy from the surrounding air to heat the building. The air is constantly being heated by the sun’s radiation. The heat pump absorbs this energy at a low temperature level and increases it to a higher level. Air-water heat pumps are relatively easy to install and are also excellent value for money.
Air-water heat pumps can be installed indoors or outdoors. Both options are equally beneficial from an economic perspective.
Use our calculator to configure the appropriate heat pump in minutes and receive a concrete proposal immediately:
An air-water heat pump is easy to install and relatively good value, making it the most widespread type of heat pump in Switzerland.
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In 2016, roughly 67 % of all heat pumps purchased in Switzerland were air-water heat pumps. |
Geothermal probes (brine-water heat pumps) are highly energy efficient – although are more expensive to install than air-water heat pumps.
Water-water heat pumps (groundwater) are extremely efficient, but they are seldom approved or installed for water protection reasons.
The ideal heat pump for your house depends on your specific circumstances.
Air-Water |
Brine-Water (geothermal probe) |
Oil heating | |
Installation cost | medium | high | medium |
Efficiency | medium | high | low |
Purchase cost | high | low | |
Operating and energy costs | medium | low | high |
A heat pump consumes three times less energy than oil heating.
At least 70 to 80 % of the energy generated by a heat pump comes from the environment.
A heat pump is more environmentally friendly than oil heating.
Heat pumps barely require any maintenance and have an average service life of 20 years.