Heat Pump

A heat pump is a device that transfers thermal energy from a low-temperature source (outdoor air, ground, or water) to a higher-temperature output for space heating, domestic hot water, or both. The technology works on the same principle as a refrigerator but in reverse — a refrigerant absorbs heat from the cold source, is compressed to raise its temperature, then releases the captured heat inside the building.

Heat pumps are the most energy-efficient heating technology widely available, typically producing 2 to 5 times more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume (expressed as COP). Air-source heat pumps are the most common and affordable type, suitable for supplementary heating in most homes. Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps are more expensive to install but offer higher efficiency and can serve as the sole heating source.

The Finnish market for heat pumps has grown dramatically, with air-source units becoming standard equipment in most detached homes. Modern cold-climate air-source heat pumps can operate effectively down to minus 25 to minus 30 degrees Celsius, though their efficiency decreases as temperatures drop. Hybrid systems that combine a heat pump with an existing oil or electric heating system offer a practical transition path for existing buildings.

Regular maintenance is essential for heat pump longevity and efficiency. For air-source units, this means cleaning or replacing air filters every few months, keeping the outdoor unit free of snow and debris, checking the refrigerant charge annually, and having the system professionally serviced every 2 to 3 years. A well-maintained heat pump typically lasts 15 to 20 years before major component replacement is needed.