A smart home upgrade — when the air‑to‑water heat pump is properly sized

An air‑to‑water heat pump is one of the most popular ways to reduce heating costs in homes with water‑based systems (radiators and/or underfloor heating). It extracts energy from outdoor air and turns it into heat and hot water — often delivering clear savings compared with electric boilers, direct electric heating or older solutions. But to make it truly good in practice you need to do it right from the start: correct capacity, correct settings and an installation built for stable operation for many years.

We help homeowners and businesses in the Falkenberg municipality with advice, installation and service of air‑to‑water heat pumps. We review your existing heating system, how the house is built and how you use hot water — and deliver a solution that fits reality, not just a standard template. The details often make the biggest difference: the right supply temperature, correct flow rates, good outdoor unit placement and a setup that minimizes noise, vibration and ice issues.

A well‑done installation should be safe and “invisible” in daily life. Heat should be even, hot water should cover the household and the system should be service‑friendly. If you have underfloor heating, we can also review mixing groups and balancing so the whole house gets the right comfort. And if you want to combine with other energy sources (e.g., stove, solar or an existing boiler) we help you choose a setup that works smoothly.

In short: air‑to‑water is a major investment — but also one of the upgrades that can pay off most. With the right planning and professional execution you get a system that delivers both savings and comfort, year after year.

Contact us about air-to-water heat pumps

Want an air‑to‑water heat pump installed or serviced in Falkenberg municipality? Get in touch.

Planeterra Installation AB
Org. no.: 559459-7543
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Common questions about air‑to‑water heat pumps

What’s the difference between air‑to‑water and air‑to‑air heat pumps?

The key difference is what they heat. An air‑to‑water heat pump heats your water‑based system (radiators/underfloor heating) and produces hot water. An air‑to‑air heat pump heats (and cools) air in one or more rooms, but typically does not make hot water.

If you have water‑based heating, air‑to‑water is often the “real” whole‑home solution and can cover a large share of the home’s energy demand. It works in the background and affects all rooms via the system.

Air‑to‑air is usually simpler and cheaper to install, but best as a supplement or in homes without water‑based heating.

We help you compare options based on your home, budget and goals.

Does an air‑to‑water heat pump work with old radiators?

Often yes — but it depends on how high a supply temperature the home needs during cold weather. Older radiators may require higher temperatures, especially in poorly insulated houses, which lowers heat‑pump efficiency.

That doesn’t mean it’s “wrong”, but it makes sizing and settings more important. Sometimes it’s smart to add larger radiators or improve insulation and air‑tightness to reduce heat demand.

We usually start by understanding your system: how it behaves on a cold day, which boiler you have today and the temperatures you run.

The goal is a solution that gives good economy without sacrificing comfort.

What size air‑to‑water heat pump do I need?

It depends on the home’s energy demand, hot‑water usage, insulation, layout and the temperature your system requires. A common trap is to look only at floor area — two homes of the same size can have very different needs.

A pump that’s too small will rely on electric backup more often, reducing savings. A pump that’s too large can cause more start/stop cycles and sometimes poorer operating patterns if not controlled correctly.

We look at your conditions and recommend a level that delivers stable operation and good economy over time — and we explain why we land on that recommendation.

It should feel safe, not “a guess.”

Do I need to replace the whole system, or can the pump connect to what I have?

In many cases an air‑to‑water heat pump can be connected to an existing water‑based system, but the setup depends on what you have today (electric boiler, oil, wood, district heating, buffer tank, etc.).

Sometimes parts are kept and supplemented, sometimes more is replaced for a cleaner and more efficient solution. The key is getting the whole system right: controls, safety valves, expansion vessel, bleeding and correct flows.

We review the current setup and propose a solution that is cost‑effective and service‑friendly.

And we explain the differences — what’s the “quickest path” vs. the “best long‑term”.

How much electricity can you save with an air‑to‑water heat pump?

Savings depend on your current heating and how the home is used. Switching from an electric boiler or direct electric usually makes a big difference, because the heat pump can deliver several kWh of heat per kWh of electricity — especially through much of the year.

But results also depend on system temperatures, balancing, hot‑water habits and how much the electric backup needs to assist during cold periods.

That’s why we focus so much on sizing and settings — this is where the “real savings” are often won.

We can also advise on how to run the system smartly in daily life to keep comfort while controlling costs.

Will the house be warm enough when it’s really cold?

A correctly sized air‑to‑water heat pump can provide a lot of heat even in winter, but during very cold spells it may need backup (often an electric heater) depending on the home’s needs and required system temperatures.

The point isn’t that backup never runs, but that it’s used smartly and sparingly. Proper sizing ensures the pump covers most of the year and backup only handles the peaks.

We look at how your home behaves in cold weather and choose a solution that delivers stable comfort without unnecessary power use.

It should feel reliable even in the coldest periods.

How long does an air‑to‑water heat pump installation take?

Time depends on the conditions: how easy it is to place the outdoor unit, what the pipe runs look like, whether changes are needed in the existing system, and whether extra work is required for electrical, drainage or technical room adjustments.

Some installations are quick when everything is prepared, while others require more planning and steps to get right.

The most important thing is not rushing the installation. Proper balancing and commissioning often determine how well the system works in daily life.

We explain clearly what needs to be done and which approach fits your home.

Where should the outdoor unit be placed and how to avoid ice/noise?

The outdoor unit needs a placement with good airflow while also considering noise and defrosting. Poor placement can cause wall vibration, disturbing noise, or ice buildup that affects drainage and performance.

We plan the mounting and base, use proper dampening where needed and ensure condensate water is handled safely.

It’s also important to consider snow drifts, roof runoff and avoiding “corners” where air recirculates.

A neat, thought‑through placement makes the pump quieter and more reliable.

How often does an air‑to‑water heat pump need service?

To maintain efficiency and reliability, regular checkups are a good idea. This includes checking operating values, defrosting, filters (if applicable), safety components and that pressure/bleeding in the heating system is correct.

Many issues start small: slightly weaker heat, more noise, more defrost cycles or reduced hot‑water capacity. With timely service, larger issues can often be avoided.

We can also help with balancing — often improving comfort and economy without replacing anything.

The key is stable operation and early detection of deviations.

What are the most common mistakes when installing air‑to‑water?

A common mistake is incorrect sizing — choosing too small or too large a pump without considering the home’s real heat demand and system temperatures. That can lead to more electric backup or poorer operating patterns.

Another mistake is ignoring the whole heating system: flows, mixing groups, expansion vessel, bleeding and settings. Then the pump may be “right” but the system still runs inefficiently or gives uneven heat.

You also see sloppy outdoor unit placement and condensate handling, which can lead to noise issues and ice buildup that disrupts operation.

We work methodically: proper planning, neat execution and careful commissioning/balancing — so you get a system that works well in real life, not just on paper.