Heat pumps for the home

Heat Pumps for Homes and Apartments

A residential heat pump consumes 3 to 5 times less electricity than a traditional electric boiler while delivering the exact same thermal output. It completely eliminates the need for gas lines, fuel burners, and mandatory annual inspections. However, selecting the right model requires careful planning—a task our managers are always ready to assist you with.

Heat Pumps for Homes and Apartments: Are They Really More Economical?

Directly comparing a home heat pump to an electric boiler is technically inaccurate because they operate on completely different principles. An electric boiler simply converts electricity into heat at a restrictive 1:1 ratio. A heat pump, however, does not burn fuel or “create” heat; it captures existing thermal energy from the outside air and transfers it indoors.

Consequently, for every kilowatt of electricity consumed, it delivers roughly 3.5 to 4.5 kW of heat (measured at an outdoor ambient temperature of approximately +7°C). This is not magic or a “400% efficiency rate”—it is basic thermodynamic heat exchange.

The Math in Action:

If a house requires 1,500 kWh of thermal energy per month, an electric boiler will draw a staggering 1,500 kWh of electricity from the grid. A heat pump operating at a conservative COP of 3.5 will require only about 430 kWh to deliver the exact same amount of warmth. At a standard tariff of 5 UAH/kWh, the savings can reach around 5,000 UAH per month on heating alone.

How a Home Heat Pump Works

1. Energy Extraction: The outdoor unit extracts ambient thermal energy from the air, remaining functional even in severe winter conditions down to –15°C…–20°C.
2. Compression & Transfer: The refrigerant evaporates inside the system, and a compressor compresses this vapor, driving its temperature up to 50–65°C. A heavy-duty heat exchanger then channels this heat into your space heating or domestic hot water (DHW) loop.
3. Inverter Control: An inverter compressor continuously adjusts its motor speed to match the real-time heating demand. It operates at maximum capacity during deep freezes and throttles down during milder winter thaws, saving electricity and significantly extending the equipment’s lifespan.

The Perfect Match: The ultimate pairing for any space-heating heat pump is an underfloor heating system. Underfloor heating runs efficiently at low supply temperatures (30–40°C), whereas traditional radiators demand high temperatures (50–60°C). A lower supply temperature yields a higher COP, translating into massive real-world savings.

Advantages of Heat Pumps for Apartments and Houses

• Massive Energy Savings: Power consumption is 3 to 5 times lower than standard electric boilers.
• Gas Grid Independence: For new residential developments lacking gas infrastructure, this stands as the only practical, highly efficient alternative.
• Reversible Climate Control: The system reverses its cycle during summer, acting as a central air conditioner to cool your home or apartment.
• All-in-One Solution: A single integrated unit successfully covers heating, air conditioning, and domestic hot water (DHW).
• Minimal Maintenance: No annual burner safety inspections or specialized gas cleaning required.

For Apartments: When installing a heat pump in an apartment, the noise rating and physical footprint of the outdoor unit are vital. Compact 5–7 kW Altek models are optimized for spaces up to 80–100 m² and fully comply with strict residential noise ordinances.

How to Choose a Heat Pump for a Private House or Apartment

The selection process is straightforward if you break it down into key technical steps:

Determine Heating Capacity:

Well-insulated home: Budget 1 kW per 10–12 m².

Older, uninsulated property: Budget 1.5–2 kW per 10 m².

Example: A 120 m²  insulated home requires a 10–12 kW pump. If winter temperatures regularly drop below –20°C, add a 20% power safety margin.

Select the Distribution System: Running an apartment heat pump alongside fan coils is notably more efficient than using old radiators. Fan coils operate effectively at low supply temperatures (35–45°C), boosting the pump’s overall COP. If an apartment features legacy cast-iron radiators, you will either need a specialized high-temperature heat pump or a complete radiator upgrade.

Address Hot Water Needs (DHW): If domestic hot water is required, opt for a model capable of heating water to 55–60°C. Having a single piece of equipment handle both space heating and hot water makes installation cleaner, faster, and more affordable.

Integrate a Buffer Tank: Installing a 50–100 liter buffer tank buffers thermal loads, prevents the compressor from short-cycling (frequent turning on and off), and protects the compressor motor. A buffer tank is highly recommended—especially for homes relying on radiators, which naturally gain and lose heat rapidly.

Why Buy a Home Heat Pump from Altek?

When you choose Altek, you buy a premium home heat pump backed by an official warranty, comprehensive installation support, and dedicated domestic maintenance services across Ukraine.

With fully stocked logistics hubs in Kyiv and Dnipro, we ensure rapid shipping nationwide. We are committed to competitive, transparent pricing and expert service. To request a free, precise capacity calculation for your property or to find out which model fits your floor plan, leave a request on our website or speak directly with an Altek manager.