Air-to-Water Heat Pump in a House, Example
On the heat pump in a semi-detached house, providing both heating and hot water.
In mid-August 2026, the oil heating system in a semi-detached house in the Allgäu region of southern Germany, inhabited by the author, was removed and replaced with an air-to-water heat pump from the company Remko. As part of this heating system upgrade, it was also necessary to replace the old radiators on the ground and first floors, ribbed models dating back to the 1970s, with modern flat-panel radiators. The project received government funding, which significantly helped for the financing.
The old oil heating system was not broken and would likely have continued to operate for a few more years. The decision to switch was driven, on the one hand, by high oil prices and the expectation that they would likely rise further in the coming years. On the other hand, there was a personal desire to stop financially supporting the fossil oil industry, which has a business model that causes the destruction of the very foundations of our collective existence.
The heat pump's outdoor unit. To the right behind it is a much smaller outdoor unit, part of a split-system air conditioner for the attic apartment. In the upper right corner is a small section of a wall-mounted PV system.
The indoor unit of the heat pump, located in the room where the oil tank used to be. In the foreground on the right is the hot water storage tank. Behind and left from it is the buffer tank for the heating circuit. The small white vessel at the bottom left is an expansion vessel. The control unit for operation is mounted on the wall.
Current reports on the use of the heat pump:
• September 10, 2026: In consultation with the installation company, I insulated the hot water pipes myself to minimize energy loss. This applies only to the hot water pipes, not the heating pipes, as the heating season has not yet begun and those pipes are not yet getting hot. Of course, also a company to do the insulation could have been hired. Then it would look better, but it would also cost more.
• August 10–20: Removal of the oil heating system and old radiators, installation of the heat pump and new radiators. A section of the fence and garden had to be removed to make way for the outdoor unit. The small room in the basement where the oil heating system was previously located becomes available.
Last updated on 09/13/2026. Author: Jürgen Kummer
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