A heat pump for your green property

A heat pump is a system that extracts the energy in the air or soil (even in a pond if you have one on your land) and uses it to heat your French property. The main difference that exists between a heat pump and for example a normal air conditioner is that a heat pump can be used to provide heating or cooling. Not only does the pump heat air, it also heats water. More efficient than a conventional oil fired boiler and importantly, cheaper (due to the rising price of oil), a heat pump usually allows you to cut your fuel bills in half. Having a heat pump also means the property has a better rating on its energy performance certificate, which is better for the environment. A typical heat pump is about the same size as a large fridge. There are other sorts of heat pumps for big companies that come in larger sizes, depending on need.

But are there limits?

– Outside temperature:

The colder the air is, the harder it becomes to extract the energy. And below a certain temperature it becomes more or less impossible. For example, if you intend to buy a property or if you already own a property in French regions such as the Nord Pas-de-Calais, or in Auvergne know that winters are harsher than on the Cote d’Azur for example, so  it may not be the best solution for you. Inform yourself as much as possible beforehand.

– If I have land with a river, pond or lake?

Don’t worry if this is the case, it won’t prevent you heating your house: on the contrary, water is better at conducting heat.

– Is there any maintenance to carry out?

Hardly any maintenance! There is no need for regular servicing or annual safety checks and maintenance is thus very low.

What about heat pumps in France?

-> Today, models on the market can typically produce up to about 20kw of heat. Not too bad, but not entirely sufficient for a larger or poorly insulated house either (avoid it if you own a French chateau), especially when we remember that efficiency falls with the temperature of the air outside.

-> There is no carbon dioxide or other emissions or pollutants, except those generated to create the electricity that drives the pump (often nuclear in France).

-> Because this system is limited when the temperature drops below 5c, it is essential to have an alternative system in place as well. If the system is used to heat air in the property, rather than the water in a central heating system, a method for enabling the air to circulate around the building will also be needed.

This system of heating is popular in France. Between 80 and 90% of new-build French properties have some form of heat pump system fitted. This is not only on account of new national legal norms, but also because more and more people are actively looking for more environmental methods of heating  their homes as they become aware of their own carbon footprint.