It is suggested to standardize the supervision of heat pumps throughout Europe and use data from sensors and smart meters to optimize their configuration.
- Heat pump, key technology In energy transition.
- 41 % badly configured In Switzerland: very high heating curve.
- 1 in 10 units is oversizedWaste energy.
- 17 % do not comply European efficiency standards.
- Configuration errors, main cause low performance.
- Study with 1,023 bombs in 10 European countries.
- Digitization and monitoring, keys To improve performance.
- Great potential to reduce emissions and electrical consumption.
Heat pumps are not optimally configured, reveals European study
Heat pumps have become a Outstanding solution for ecological heatingespecially in countries like Switzerland, where 1 in 5 buildings already use them. However, its real operation reveals configuration failures that affect efficiency and electricity consumption.
A team of researchers from ETH Zurich analyzed 1,023 heat pump data for two years In ten European countries. The objective was to compare its performance in a standardized way, regardless of the type of building. Although the data came from a single manufacturer, the conclusions are considered applicable to the rest of the market, since they are based on objective physical measurements such as flow temperature and energy consumption.
Common mistakes in configuration
The results showed that many heat pumps They work well below their optimal capacity:
- 17 % of air bombs do not meet European efficiency standards.
- 10 % are oversizedwhich generates excessive electricity consumption.
- Only 1 % are subdimensivewhich is less common but potentially harmful.
A simple adjustment like Optimize the heating curve I would solve many of these problems. This curve defines how the water temperature should increase depending on the outer cold. If it is poorly configured, the bomb works more than necessary, spending more energy.
Specific study in Switzerland
In 2023, a complementary study in Switzerland analyzed 410 units using Intelligent meters data y Artificial Intelligence Models. The results were equally revealing:
- 41 % had the tight heating curve too high.
- 36 % used night mode with reduced temperaturecausing unnecessary cooling that required overheating.
- 26 % had an excessive heat thresholdkeeping active more time than necessary.
This suggests that A large part of the problem is not technical, but of configuration and lack of information.
Importance of digitalization
The solution proposed by researchers is to implement Digital tools for real -time monitoring They help detect inefficient configurations. This includes:
- Standardization of monitoring At European level.
- Use of smart sensors and meters connected to the network.
- Algorithms development that detect deviations and offer personalized recommendations.
These tools would allow users better understand your systems, reduce your energy bill and increase satisfaction with this technology. In the long term, this accelerates the adoption of heat pumps and contributes directly to meet the climatic objectives.
Heat pumps represent one of the most promising technologies to decarbonize heating In buildings, which represents a large part of energy consumption in Europe. Its efficient operation can be translated into:
- Significant reduction of co₂ emissions By replacing fossil fuels
- Direct energy savings By avoiding erroneous configurations
- Lower external energy dependence Thanks to the use of local electricity, especially if it comes from renewable sources
But its impact depends on something more than its installation. True potential is achieved only if they work well. And that requires a Combination of engineering, digitalization and user education. With adequate policies, technical standards and intelligent technologies, Heat pumps can be a fundamental pillar in the transition to a cleaner and most sustainable energy future.
Via ethz.ch
More information: Tobias Brudermueller et al, Estimation of energy efficiency of heat pumps in residential buildings using real operation data, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58014-y
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