Installing a heat pump system in a detached house: complete guide (without any technical jargon)
Everything you need to know before installing a heat pump system in your detached home: the steps involved, required space, system types, and energy savings.
Are you thinking about switching to a heat pump system, but feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. More and more people are seeking efficient, sustainable alternatives to regulate their home climate, but with so much technical information available, it’s easy to become more confused than convinced.
Today we’re going to explain in clear, straightforward language what’s involved in installing a heat pump system in a detached house. In this article, we'll tell you what you need to consider, the available options, and the revolutionary impact of this solution on heating, air conditioning, and hot water.
But first… what exactly is a heat pump system?
Heat pump technology works by extracting energy from the outside air to heat or cool your home and supply domestic hot water (DHW). Although it runs on electricity, a heat pump can produce up to four times the energy it consumes. In other words, for every kWh you pay for on your bill, you can generate 3 or 4 kWh of heat for your home.
It’s not magic, it’s physics. And yes, even in winter when the air is cold, there is still energy to be harnessed.
How to install a heat pump system in a detached house?
Imagine that you’re renovating your home or have just purchased a new property. You want a climate control system that’s efficient, convenient, and, ideally, saves you from any headaches down the line. A heat pump system ticks all those boxes, but first let’s take it step by step and see how it’s installed:
1. Initially assess the space
Before anything is installed, a specialist technician needs to assess your property. This includes:
Total surface area
Thermal insulation
Orientation
Climate zones
Demand for heating and DHW
The system is then designed to meet those needs: an 80 m² home in Seville doesn’t require the same solution as a 200 m² house in Burgos.
2. Installing the outdoor unit
This is where the visible part begins: installing the outdoor unit, which is responsible for extracting energy from the air. This unit is usually placed in a well-ventilated area such as a garden, patio, or balcony.
It doesn’t take up much space and operates quietly, although it's advisable to avoid positioning it near bedrooms, just in case.
3. Installing the indoor unit (hydrokit)
Another unit is installed inside the house, typically in the plant room, garage, or a utility cupboard. This is where the energy drawn in is “converted” into heat (or cooling) for heating, cooling, or hot water.
In some cases, the indoor unit is combined with the DHW tank. In other words, an all-in-one solution.
4. Heat or cooling distribution system
Here we have several options. The heat pump can supply:
Underfloor heating/cooling: the most efficient and comfortable option.
Fan coils or low-temperature radiators: a quicker alternative to install.
Traditional radiators: less efficient, but you can continue to use them if they’re right for your system.
The best choice will always depend on whether you are undertaking a complete renovation, installing new systems, or using your existing setup.
5. DHW (domestic hot water) tank
If you want your heat pump system to also supply hot water, then you’ll need a storage tank. This is installed indoors and varies in size according to the number of occupants.
What is required to install a heat pump system in a detached house?
While all homes are different, the good news is that most detached houses are well suited for installation, particularly if the property is undergoing work or is a new build.
You need:
Outdoor space for the unit (at least 1 sqm).
Indoor space for the unit and the DHW tank, if applicable (between 1 and 2 sqm).
Good thermal insulation: the better insulated your home, the more efficiently the system will run.
A suitable distribution system: underfloor heating, fan coils, or low-temperature radiators.
Adequate electrical installation: the system runs on electricity, so you may need to check if your supply needs upgrading.
What types of installation are there?
Although the basic setup is always quite similar (outdoor unit + indoor unit), types of installation vary depending on use and level of integration:
1. Heat pump system for heating and cooling only
The simplest option. The heat pump is used for heating in winter and cooling in summer, but hot water still comes from a separate system (boiler, electric water heater, etc).
Ideal if you prefer not to make a full investment right away. Discover Daikin's options for split units.
2. Heat pump system for heating, cooling, and DHW
The most complete system. With a single system, you get climate control and hot water for your home. In the long run, this saves the most and is the best value.
Our recommendation? Daikin Altherma.
3. A hybrid heat pump system
Hybrid heat pump systems combine a Daikin Altherma heat pump with a (gas) boiler and smart control, alternating between these heat sources to balance cost and environmental performance.
4. Ground source heat pump systems
Ground source heat pump systems extract energy from the ground via vertical pipes or horizontal ground loops. Installing ground source heat pump systems is more complex than other types.
Benefits of installing a heat pump system in a detached home
Let's get to the important stuff: Why are so many people opting for heat pump systems? Is it merely a trend, or is there a solid reason behind it?
1. Energy (and financial) savings
Yes, a heat pump system can reduce your energy bill by 30% to 70%, depending on how it’s installed and your usage.
Plus, if you combine the system with solar panels, you can cover part or all of the electricity needed to run it. Then your savings can really soar.
2. Comfort all year round
A single system for winter, summer, and hot water. No changes, no complications. You set the temperature, and it takes care of the rest.
3. Clean, combustion-free technology
There’s no gas, no boiler, and no risk of leaks. A heat pump system doesn’t burn anything, it simply transforms energy from the air. That’s why it’s classed as a renewable energy.
4. Less maintenance
A heat pump system requires less maintenance than a gas or oil boiler. Just a regular checkup and little else.
5. Available grants and subsidies
Many local authorities and regional governments offer grants for installing a heat pump system, especially if it’s part of an energy retrofit. You might also be eligible for tax deductions or support under the European Recovery Plan.
6. Increased value of your home
An energy-efficient home is worth more. Looking ahead, your initial investment in a heat pump system isn't just recouped through bills, it also increases your property's value.
Are there any drawbacks?
No system is perfect, so it’s important to be realistic. A heat pump system has two main downsides:
Initial investment: it isn’t cheap. A complete installation might cost between €8,000 and €15,000 (although the price depends on size and complexity).
It needs space: both outdoors and indoors. It’s not feasible if you don’t have the space or if you live in a block of flats with no outside access.
But, as always, context matters. The initial outlay is recouped in a matter of years through energy savings, while the level of comfort is considerable.
Fitting a heat pump system in a detached house isn’t as complex as it seems. With good planning, this process can be completed in just a few days and produces spectacular results in both the medium and long term. It’s efficient, sustainable, versatile, and comfortable.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your heating system or building your home from scratch, a heat pump system is one of the best decisions you can make today for your future.
So now you know, are you ready to take the plunge?