He invested 7,000 in a heat pump. He got the bill and grabbed his head

He invested PLN 7,000 in a heat pump. He got the bill and grabbed his head. Is it worth it?

Heat pumps are presently 1 of the most popular heating solutions in Poland. However, not all users are satisfied with the effects of their operation. Marek of Mazovia invested in the heat pump PLN 7,000 as part of the modernization of his heating system. After the first heating season, he received bills for electricity that shocked him. Are heat pumps truly as profitable as manufacturers say?

Purchase and installation costs – what does it look like in Poland?

Currently, the heat pump marketplace in Poland offers a wide scope of equipment. The average cost of air-water heat pump ranges from PLN 20,000 to PLN 50,000, while ground models can cost up to PLN 70,000. In addition, the costs of the installation, which depending on the region and the complexity of the system, can scope from PLN 5 000 to PLN 15,000.

For 150 m2 houses, costs vary depending on the insulation of the building. In the case of well-heated buildings, specified as those complying with WT2021, the energy request is about 40 kWh/m2 per year. In older homes, request can scope up to 120 kWh/m2, which importantly affects the cost of operation.

Energy bills – reality versus expectations

Mr. Marek, who decided to usage an air-water heat pump, expected the heating costs to decrease compared to gas heating. Unfortunately, reality turned out to be different. At current electricity prices in Poland, which are on average 1.27 PLN/kWh (data from 2024), monthly bills in the heating period were on average 1,200 PLN.

In addition, in the case of cold winters, the heat pump must work more intensively, which increases power consumption. On a yearly basis, the heating costs for Mr.Mark's home amounted to PLN 8,400, which was much higher than originally assumed.

Factors affecting operating costs

Several key elements affect the actual costs of utilizing the heat pump:

1. COP (Coefficient of Performance) – Heat pump efficiency indicator. For modern COP devices ranges from 3.5 to 5. This means that the heat pump produces 3,5-5 kWh of heat per kWh of electricity consumed. In low temperatures, COP falls, expanding energy consumption.
2. Building insulation – Houses with adequate thermal insulation reduce energy consumption by up to 40%. In older buildings without modernization, heat losses can make additional costs of PLN 3,000–5,000 per year.
3. Energy tariff – utilizing the night fare (G12) can reduce costs, but requires appropriate planning of the operation of the equipment.
4. Climate conditions – In Poland, where winters are cold, air heat pumps must be supported by electrical heaters at temperatures below -15°C. Heatings can increase energy consumption by up to 30%.

Comparison with another heating sources

By comparison, the yearly costs of heating the home with natural gas are about PLN 6,000 and coal is about PLN 5 500. In the case of heat pumps, costs may scope from PLN 4,500 to PLN 9,000, depending on its efficiency and working conditions.

However, it is worth noting that the heat pump is more ecological than conventional heating sources. The simplification in CO2 emissions for Mr. Mark's home was about 2.5 tonnes per year compared to gas heating.

Is it worth investing in a heat pump?

The decision to install a heat pump should be preceded by a detailed analysis. Worth:

• Run an energy audit on the building.
• Compare acquisition and installation costs with expected savings.
• Consider the anticipation of obtaining co-financing, e.g. from the Clean Air programme, where up to PLN 25,000 can be paid.

Mr. Marek, although initially disappointed with the costs, decided to invest in additional photovoltaic panels, which would reduce his electricity bills by about 60%.