Heating and cooling with one unit? This is what you need to know about the air-to-air heat pump
GreenHome
Buying guide
More and more people are opting for an air-to-air heat pump, also known as air conditioning with heating function. And it makes sense, because this clever system provides a pleasant indoor climate all year round: cooling in summer and warmth in winter. But how exactly does it work? And is it suitable for your home? We list the 8 most frequently asked questions about air-to-air heat pumps.
1. What is an air-to-air heat pump?
An air-to-air heat pump is actually an air conditioning and heating system in one. It extracts energy from the outside air and uses it to cool or heat your home. The cold or hot air is blown into the room via fans, so you don't need a heat delivery system. The system usually consists of an outdoor unit (which absorbs the heat) and one or more indoor units (which blows hot or cold air into your space).
2. Can an air-to-air heat pump heat my entire house?
Yes, although this depends on a number of factors. If you want to heat your entire home, for example, you will need multiple indoor units. In addition, the degree of insulation also plays an important role. An air-to-air heat pump can basically work in any home, but the better insulated your home is, the more efficient the heat pump will work. In poorly insulated homes, heat dissipates faster and there is a risk of cold zones. Finally, the outdoor unit must also be powerful enough to provide heat to all the indoor units. So it is always best to get the assistance of a certified installer.3. Does an air-to-air heat pump work in freezing temperatures?
Yes, good heat pumps continue to work efficiently down to around -15°C. So it will definitely get warm enough inside the house. However, your heat pump has to work harder when it gets colder outside. Your device will therefore consume more energy and its efficiency will be lower. Fortunately, Belgium no longer experiences extremely cold winters, so you don't have to worry too much about this.
4. Doesn't an air-to-air heat pump consume a lot of energy?
When we think of air conditioning, we automatically think of high consumption costs. But this is not the case for an air-to-air heat pump, quite the contrary. An air-to-air heat pump operates mainly on renewable energy (outside air). Of course, electricity is also needed to run the heat pump, but much less than, say, a gas boiler. If you combine your unit with solar panels, you can use self-generated electricity for cooling and heating. So at the end of the day, your energy consumption will just go down.
5. Does the installation of an air-to-air heat pump require extensive work?
No, an air-to-air heat pump requires no major breaking and is actually very easy and quick to install. When you work with a professional, the installation is usually done in 1 day. An indoor and outdoor unit are installed, they are connected to the electrical grid and connected via cooling pipes through the wall. So at most a few holes are drilled in the wall and possibly cable ducts are installed.6. Does an air-to-air heat pump make a lot of noise?
This is another persistent misconception, because the latest heat pumps are getting quieter. The noise a heat pump produces varies by type and model, but the maximum noise a heat pump can make is set by law. In addition, this must also be stated on the energy label. Manufacturers are therefore obliged to put increasingly silent appliances on the market. And you as a consumer know perfectly well in advance, thanks to the energy label, what you are buying.
7. How much does an air-to-air heat pump cost on average?
The air-to-air heat pump is the least expensive device among heat pumps. This is mainly because no major renovations are required to install one. The cost actually depends mainly on the capacity of the system, which in turn depends on the degree of insulation of your home and the surface area of the rooms to be heated/cooled. So you notice that this is different for every home. If you want an accurate price for your situation, it is best to ask for a quote from a certified installer. Contact us if you are still looking for an installer in your area.
8. Can I get grants or subsidies for an air-to-air heat pump?
In some cases, you are still eligible for a premium when installing an air-to-air heat pump. How much this amounts to depends on where you live and your income. Different rules apply in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia. We recommend always checking the current regulations via premiezoeker.be (Flanders), energie.wallonie.be (Wallonia) and renolution.brussels (Brussels).
Please note that due to the new government, new rules for Mijn VerbouwPremie will go into effect in Flanders from July 1, 2025. In Brussels, for the same reason, you can temporarily not apply for premiums for works for which the final invoice is issued in 2025. In Wallonia, there are temporary measures in force until October 1, 2026, which means that you currently can no longer get a premium for an air/air heat pump.
Please note that due to the new government, new rules for Mijn VerbouwPremie will go into effect in Flanders from July 1, 2025. In Brussels, for the same reason, you can temporarily not apply for premiums for works for which the final invoice is issued in 2025. In Wallonia, there are temporary measures in force until October 1, 2026, which means that you currently can no longer get a premium for an air/air heat pump.
Conclusion
An air-to-air heat pump is always an interesting investment. It represents a smart choice for those who want to combine comfort and energy efficiency. Because thanks to its dual function - cooling and heating - a single installation provides a pleasant indoor climate all year round.
Future-oriented solution
An air-to-air heat pump runs on renewable energy, making it a future-oriented investment.
Cooling and heating
The device combines two functions in one: cooling in summer and heating in winter.
Economical
Compared to a gas boiler, an air-to-air heat pump requires on average 5 times less energy to provide the same heat.
Easy installation
The installation requires no major works or modifications and can also be done in less well-insulated homes.
Premiums possible
In Flanders and Brussels, air-to-air heat pumps are still eligible for a premium, provided you meet a number of conditions. It is best to look at premiezoeker.be (Flanders) or renolution.brussels (Brussels) for an up-to-date overview.
Future-oriented solution
An air-to-air heat pump runs on renewable energy, making it a future-oriented investment.
Cooling and heating
The device combines two functions in one: cooling in summer and heating in winter.
Economical
Compared to a gas boiler, an air-to-air heat pump requires on average 5 times less energy to provide the same heat.
Easy installation
The installation requires no major works or modifications and can also be done in less well-insulated homes.
Premiums possible
In Flanders and Brussels, air-to-air heat pumps are still eligible for a premium, provided you meet a number of conditions. It is best to look at premiezoeker.be (Flanders) or renolution.brussels (Brussels) for an up-to-date overview.
Need advice?
Are you unsure if an air-to-air heat pump is for you? Or would you like to know which type best suits your home and needs? Our experts will be happy to help you get started with personal advice. Make an appointment today at one of our EXPOcenters.
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