Climate Protection Minister Kolmer: “These devices can save costs and CO₂”
Darmstadt. Split air conditioning systems – colloquially known as air conditioners – can do much more than just cool. Technically, they are heat pumps that can both heat and cool. "These systems can save costs and prevent CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, air conditioning systems can be easily retrofitted, making them attractive for energy-efficient renovations in existing buildings," explains Michael Kolmer, Head of the German Climate Protection Department .
According to the German Federal Office for Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation , split air conditioners extract heat from the indoor air during cooling mode and expel it to the outside. In heating mode, the process is reversed: Heat is extracted from the outside air and expelled to the interior – a highly efficient principle that works even at low temperatures.
High efficiency and savings potential
Modern appliances achieve an annual performance factor (APF) of over 4 when heating. This means that one kilowatt-hour of electricity produces over four kilowatt-hours of heating energy. Compared to oil, gas, or night storage heaters, this can significantly reduce energy costs and CO₂ emissions .
especially during the transitional seasons of spring and fall : They can be used flexibly without having to start up the entire heating system. Their rapid response also makes them a useful addition to older heating systems, which are often inefficient in mild temperatures.
Contribution to the energy transition
"Using air conditioning units can both save costs and avoid emissions. They thus contribute to the energy transition in buildings and can increase interest in switching to heat pumps," Kolmer continued. In combination with a photovoltaic system, some of the required electricity can also be generated cost-effectively.
Free heating consultation in Darmstadt
heiner*heizungsoptimierung initiative offers single- and two-family homeowners support in optimizing fossil-fuel heating systems . Volunteer consultants analyze efficiency potential on-site and provide practical tips.
Information and registration are available at www.heinerheizung.de.
