FAQ
TL;DR: 150 m² home owners report “about PLN 800 a year” for heating after switching to a ground-source heat pump [Elektroda, eidur, post #12149002] “Noise can rival an old Minsk fridge” [Elektroda, piotr_boncza, post #12150937] Correct design and soil match cut bills by 50-65 % (EHPA 2022).
Why it matters: Picking the right pump, loop and installer decides if you save or overpay for the next 20 years.
Quick Facts
• Seasonal COP: ground 3.5–5.0; air 2.5–4.0 (EHPA 2022).
• Horizontal loop needs 1.5–2.5 × heated floor area (Fraunhofer 2021).
• Borehole drilling West Pomerania: PLN 80–120 per m for 80–120 m depths [Elektroda, piotr_boncza, post #12163257]
• Reported running cost: PLN 800 / year for 150 m² floor heating [Elektroda, eidur, post #12149002]
• Typical indoor sound level: 45–55 dB(A) at 1 m (Daikin spec 2023).
Are homeowners in West Pomerania satisfied with heat pumps?
Yes. After seven seasons, one user near Gdańsk said he is “very happy” and pays far less than neighbours [Elektroda, eidur, post #12149002] Others praise low effort and stable comfort [Elektroda, mauri_b, post #15481095]
How much can a ground-source pump cut annual bills?
Forum data show PLN 800 for 150 m² versus PLN 2 400–4 800 for gas or direct electric, a 60-80 % saving [Elektroda, eidur, post #12149002] EHPA field studies confirm 55 % average savings across Europe (EHPA 2022).
What installation mistakes should I avoid?
- Undersized ground loop; it freezes and slashes efficiency [Elektroda, piotr_boncza, post #12150937]
- Ignoring noise; some units reach 55 dB(A).
- Skipping backup heat; initial moisture in new builds hikes demand [Elektroda, piotr_boncza, post #12150937]
Ground or air source—what suits clay soil?
Clay conducts heat well but is hard to trench. If plot area is small or digging tough, choose vertical boreholes or an air-to-water unit placed outside [Elektroda, piotr_boncza, post #12163257] Boreholes cost more up-front yet give stable COP in frost.
Can I hook a pump to my existing radiators?
Possible, but expect lower COP. Radiators need 55–70 °C water; pumps deliver 30–45 °C efficiently. A user with radiators and cheap gas was advised the switch would never pay back despite PLN 3 500 Chinese unit cost [Elektroda, William Bonawentura, #13065589].
Does noise really matter?
Yes. Basement mounting plus acoustic mats can cut emitted noise to 35 dB in living areas. One installer warns some pumps “make noise like old Minsk” if placed badly [Elektroda, piotr_boncza, post #12163257]
Is a pump still economical when gas is available?
When natural gas exists, a condensing boiler often wins after adding the pump’s PLN 30 000 investment [Elektroda, piotr_boncza, post #12163257] LPG users, however, may pay 50 % less by switching, since bottled gas sat at PLN 1.25 / L in 2015 [Elektroda, andrzej lukaszewicz, #15497866].
What emitter system works best?
Low-temperature floor or wall heating maximises COP. Forum experts repeat: “Not radiators” [Elektroda, wnoto, post #12947137] Aim for ≤35 °C supply water per EU heat-pump design guide (EHPA 2022).
How do I size the pump correctly?
Follow this three-step check:
- Order a heat-loss audit at −20 °C design outdoor temperature.
- Select pump capacity at 90-100 % of that loss.
- Match loop length to 25–35 W per metre for horizontal, 50–60 W per metre for boreholes. Oversizing wastes money, undersizing triggers electric backup [Elektroda, piotr_boncza, post #12163257]
Are Polish subsidies available?
Yes. The “Czyste Powietrze” program reimburses up to 45 % of eligible pump costs for households under set income caps (NFOŚiGW 2023). Submit audit, invoice and proof of disposal of old boiler.
What’s an edge-case failure to watch for?
If the loop hits 0 °C for weeks, ground moisture freezes, stops circulation and forces the electric heater on, tripling costs [Elektroda, piotr_boncza, post #12150937]
Who can inspect or install near Czaplinek?
Forum users recommend Mr Marek (tel. 509 764 561) hailed as “the best PC specialist in Pomerania” [Elektroda, eidur, post #12153989]
What routine maintenance is needed?
Check brine pressure and strainer yearly, rinse evaporator fins for air units, and update controller firmware. Typical visit costs PLN 300–500 (Installer quotes 2023).