Heat Pump Water Boiler

Accomodation, House and Garden
1
Our water boiler is 30+ years old... finally required some minor pairs a few months back, but in the not-too-distant future we probably ought replace it. (Shame - they don't make things like they used to anymore!)

Our housekeeper insists that we must use a water boiler w/ heat pump, but I can't see any reference online to this being compulsory.

A heat pump water boiler wouldn't be practical for us, as the current location has no external facing wall, and relocating the boiler (from under stairs) means essentially renovating the entire place by digging up the floors and laying pipes. Surely that can't be compulsory....

Anybody know?

Thanks!

2

If you want to change the type of heating then you’d need to apply for planning permission from your commune/gemeinde. You could also check with them if they have any regulations about the types of heating allowed in these more eco friendly days.

3
Don’t understand who your housekeeper is. Could you explain?

AFAIK a housekeeper cleans the house, does a little ironing, etc.

4
Your understanding is correct!

It's a fairly rural property. We live 6,000 miles away, so their family look after our property. Husband is an electrician; though we contract out any actual maintenance work to local contractors.

Also just to reconfirm, I refer to the water boiler only. Not heating (we have individual electric radiators for that). As in for showers & washing dishes.

Currently it's a large (100L?) one under the staircase... easiest would be to replace like for like. What I'm wondering is if it sounds plausible that I can't do as such and must redo the entire chalet just to get a heat pump water boiler installed instead...

5
Call a local plumber and ask them for a quote to repair/replace existing boiler. They can advise on HP options and/or requirements.

6

...large is 500 litres + !

No requirement for heat pump type boiler, they are far more expensive to buy and istall though, not that that benefits you, but for the electrician................laughing all the way to the bank.

A 300 litre electric boiler which is penty big enough for 4 people, including 2 spotty adolecents costs around Chf 1'000.-- in Hornbach, fitting is easy, but count around another Chf 800.-- for modification of pipe work and disposal of old boiler (400 litres)

7
I'm pretty sure you can get self contained electric boilers which use a heatpump instead of electrodes in the water, and they are far more efficient than old standard electric boilers. They also have no additional installation costs.

The only requirements are the minimum size of the room and the temperature in the room. They don't necessarily need a room where you can vent it outside.