Living the Heat Pump Life: A 20-Year Adventure by Homeowner Werner Breitling
After two decades of relying on a heat pump, he now expresses opposition to its use. - Utilizing a heat pump for two decades straight.
By Leon Berent* Approx. 3 min read
Meet Werner Breitling, labeled as an "early adopter" by the market research industry. This forward-thinking homeowner took a greener approach when constructing his house two decades ago, opting for a heat pump to keep his home cozy.
"I wasn't an eco-warrior, if you will, but I was thinking about the future and wanted to be free from fossil fuels," Breitling candidly shares in an interview with stern.
In 2001, Breitling bought a slice of paradise in a quaint North Rhine-Westphalia town. He built the residence he still calls home on that land. A geothermal heat pump was installed in the basement, a then-novel technology that would soon change the game for home heating.
A Look Back: Weighing the Pros and Cons
"Back then, there were only a handful of companies in my area offering heat pump installation," Breitling reminisces. "Considering today's prices, I paid a reasonable amount for the system—around €28,000 with underfloor heating."
Heat PumpRenewable Energy PoliciesGermany's Energy Transition (Energiewende)
Werner Breitling's long-term experience with geothermal heat pumps might prove invaluable, given the technology's efficiency and environmental advantages. These systems leverage the Earth's consistent temperature to both heat and cool homes, potentially leading to energy savings over time. However, without Breitling's firsthand account, it's challenging to offer a detailed appraisal.
Heat ActRobert HabeckGreen Party
- Upon reflecting on his experience, Werner Breitling shares that two decades ago, when he decided to install a geothermal heat pump in his home, the cost was around €28,000, including underfloor heating – a reasonable price compared to today's costs.
- Breitling's long-term use of a geothermal heat pump, despite being a then-novel technology, could provide valuable insights into the technology's efficiency and potential energy savings over time, aligning with the goals of community policy focused on renewable energy and Germany's Energy Transition (Energiewende).
- As an "early adopter" of geothermal heat pump technology, Breitling's lifestyle choice aligns with the Green Party's Heat Act, promoting the use of renewable and efficient heating solutions for homes in the community, benefiting home-and-garden as well as technological advancements.
- In light of Breitling's experience, vocational training programs could consider incorporating lessons on the installation and maintenance of geothermal heat pumps, empowering future workers with skills they can apply in vocational careers within the growing renewable energy sector.
