Heat pump boilers

Broadly speaking, a heat pump boiler and a heat pump have the same operating principle. They both use the "thermodynamic cycle. A schematic representation of this can be found on our page on heat pumps(https://energyking.be/warmtepompen/). While a heat pump is connected to the home's central heating system, a heat pump boiler will only be connected to the domestic hot water circuit.

As a combination of an electric water heater and an air-water heat pump, it is an excellent alternative for the portion of domestic water otherwise heated by your boiler.

The advantage over a solar water heater is that the house can be supplied with hot water year-round with a heat pump boiler. If you already have a solar boiler, you can have it checked to see if it can be connected to the heat pump boiler system.

We will return to the advantages over an electric water heater below when we discuss cost.

If you live in a new home and have a ventilation system C or D, this extract air can be used. Often a supply of outside air is also provided to ensure that sufficient heat can be extracted from the air at any time.

If your home does not yet have such a system, there is another solution. Some types can also extract heat from indoor air.
In this case, it is not recommended to install the heat pump boiler in a heated room. By extracting heat from the air in this room to heat the water, you will have to heat the room additionally to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

• If you have a large family or roommates who like to take nice long showers or stretch out in a hot bath. Depending on the size of the family, boiler vessels of up to 300l are available.
• If you have solar panels that can provide the electricity for the heat pump boiler. That way you take another step toward Energy Neutral. Make sure that the device you choose is equipped for this.

Heat pump boilers can be installed in both new and existing homes. The following must be taken into account:

• A drain (with water trap) must be present or provided.
• The room where the heat pump boiler is installed must be of sufficient height. It must be possible to replace air filters, etc. during maintenance.
• The setup space from which indoor air will be extracted must be large enough. One speaks of a volume of 15-20m³.
• If strict noise standards apply, additional measures may be required.

The cost of a heat pump boiler will depend on a number of factors:

• Brand and type
• Boiler tank content
• E-performance of the device

In purchase, heat pump boilers are slightly more expensive than e.g. an electric boiler. The purchase price (excluding VAT and installation) is around €1500 - 2700.
On the other hand, the consumption is much lower. For every kWh of electricity supplied to an electric water heater, 1 kWh of heat is produced. In the case of a heat pump boiler, 1kWh of electricity produces up to 3kWh of heat. This therefore results in 3 times lower consumption. As a result, the payback period for an average family is estimated to be around 5 years.

The more hot water you consume through a heat pump water heater, the more economical it becomes compared to an electric water heater.

Additionally, you can apply for a premium. Since 2019, there has been a "premium from the grid operator for a heat pump boiler. This amounts to €400 per home or up to 40% of the bill. This premium would remain valid until 2024. More information and the conditions for this can be found at https://www.vlaanderen.be/premies-voor-een-warmtepomp-of-warmtepompboiler.