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Hardly any other heating technology is currently the subject of such intense debate as the heat pump. Between political guidelines, rising sales figures, media hype and tangible questions from owners, an area of tension is emerging that is difficult for many to grasp. It is precisely in this environment that classification plays a decisive role: what is technically possible, what is politically desirable and what makes economic sense? Heat pumps are a prime example of the fundamental transformation of heat supply in Germany.
In recent years, the technology has clearly moved out of its niche. The period from 2021 onwards in particular was marked by strong growth in installation figures. With the reform of the Building Energy Act, the topic became the subject of widespread discussion outside the expert community. However, the growing attention was accompanied not only by clarity, but also by uncertainty. Many end consumers were suddenly confronted with contradictory statements, ranging from unrestricted future technology to allegedly unsuitable solutions.
This is where the work of the German Heat Pump Association (BWP) comes in. For a quarter of a century, the association has been trying to anchor the technology in the public consciousness in an objective manner. Based in Berlin, the association sees itself as an interface between manufacturers, tradespeople, politicians and end customers. Its aim is to provide reliable information and make technical contexts understandable. The political debate surrounding new legal requirements has highlighted how quickly technical details can become emotionally charged. Questions about costs, eligibility for subsidies, efficiency or suitability for existing buildings can rarely be answered in general terms. The association therefore sees its task not in disparaging other heating systems, but in placing heat pumps in a realistic context. Fossil fuel heating systems have a long tradition and are technically mature, but their prospects are limited. Heat pumps, on the other hand, address future requirements for climate protection and energy efficiency.
The introduction of clear political guidelines has provided orientation for the market on the one hand, but has also created uncertainty on the other. Many owners are wondering what concrete consequences the new regulations will have for their buildings. This clearly shows that technical solutions and political communication are not always in sync. While the market is producing increasingly powerful systems, public perception often lags behind this development. The German Heat Pump Association (Bundesverband Wärmepumpe e.V.) therefore sees itself as a corrective to simplistic or false representations. Numerous myths circulate in the public debate, for example about the alleged lack of efficiency or fundamental unsuitability in existing buildings. Such statements often do not stand up to technical scrutiny. Nevertheless, they shape opinion if they remain unchallenged. The association is therefore active in media relations and direct dialogue, even in areas where discussions are emotionally charged.
Parallel to the political debate, technical development is progressing rapidly. A key issue in recent years has been the switch from synthetic to natural refrigerants. Propane, often referred to as R290, has proven to be particularly promising. The changeover is being driven not only by regulatory requirements such as the F-Gas Regulation, but also by technical conviction. Natural refrigerants offer advantages in terms of environmental compatibility and efficiency and are now available in numerous market-ready systems. Manufacturers are responding to these conditions with a wide range of new solutions. The systems are becoming quieter, more powerful and easier to integrate, even into more complex building structures. This is also changing the requirements for use in existing buildings, which has long been considered the biggest hurdle. Technological development is thus making a significant contribution to overcoming reservations, provided that it is communicated in a comprehensible manner.
Another key aspect is skilled trades. Without qualified planning and professional installation, even the best technology will be ineffective. That is why the association's work is aimed not only at end consumers, but also at companies that are confronted with specific projects on a daily basis. Training courses, exchange formats and practical information are designed to facilitate implementation on site. The typical tasks of the association's work can be summarised as follows:
Regardless of short-term political discussions, one fundamental development can hardly be disputed: heat pumps are designed for long-term use. While fossil fuel heating systems are based on finite resources, heat pumps use environmental energy and thus fit into an energy system that increasingly relies on electricity from renewable sources. This is precisely where their strategic advantage lies. The German Heat Pump Association (Bundesverband Wärmepumpe e.V.) deliberately formulates this idea in a sober manner. It is not about promises of salvation, but about a realistic assessment. Heat pumps will not be the optimal solution for every building right away, but they offer a perspective that is compatible with long-term climate goals. The better these connections are understood, the more objective the debate can be. In the end, it is not only the technology that matters, but also the quality of the information. In a market that is developing so dynamically, guidance is a crucial factor. This is precisely where the real relevance of the association's work lies: in building an objective bridge between technology, politics and public perception.
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