Heat pumps Prague
The simplest way to get a heat pump in an apartment or house is via air conditioning, which you may already be considering. Air conditioning with a heating function is an air-to-air heat pump. It heats in winter, cools in summer and is installed just like a standard split system.
What is an air-to-air heat pump
The principle is the same as with air conditioning, only reversed: the unit extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it indoors. In summer, it does the opposite and cools the space. The result is one device, one installation and one investment that covers both heating and cooling, which is why this is the cheapest and most accessible entry into the world of heat pumps. Unlike an air-to-water heat pump, you do not need to modify the heating system or radiators; the unit heats directly via the room's air.
When does heating with air conditioning make sense?
Most commonly in flats and smaller family houses where existing heating is either absent or needs supplementing. An air-to-air heat pump is suitable as:
- main heat source in an apartment or smaller premises where one or a few units suffice
- supplement to existing heating (electric direct heaters, old boilers), reduces their load during transitional months
- Solutions for spring and autumn when central heating is not yet or no longer running but the flat is cold.
- Rapid supplementary heating for rooms furthest from the main heat source.
For a detached house where the heat pump is to replace the boiler and supply the entire heating system, including underfloor heating or radiators, an air-to-water heat pump is the more suitable solution.
Vzduch-vzduch vs. Vzduch-voda
An air-to-air heat pump heats the room air directly. This is a system we install as an air conditioner with a heating function. An air-to-water heat pump, on the other hand, heats the heating water, which then goes to radiators or underfloor heating, thus replacing the entire home's heat source. This involves more significant changes to the heating system and requires a more complex design and installation; therefore, we do not offer it as a standard product from our price list. Upon request, we prepare a custom design based on the specific house and its heating system.
Operating efficiency: what are COP and SCOP
Heat pumps are assessed by their heating factor, which indicates how much heat the unit produces from one unit of electricity. COP is this value under specific conditions, while SCOP is the average over the entire heating season and better reflects real-world operation because it includes colder days with lower efficiency. The higher the SCOP, the less electricity the pump consumes per season for the same amount of heat. Specific values vary by model and unit capacity. We will provide the parameters of the selected device upon request for a subsidy application or simply for your information.
Subsidy for heat pump
For air-to-air heat pumps (air conditioning with heating function), subsidies can be drawn from the Čistá energie Praha programme in Prague, including retroactively for installations commissioned from August 2025. Conditions, amounts and other programmes including air-to-water heat pumps are on the page Subsidies for air conditioning and heat pumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an air-to-air heat pump provide heating even in freezing conditions?
Yes. As the outdoor temperature drops, so does the output, but modern units heat reliably down to -15 to -25 °C depending on the specific model. For the coldest days, it is therefore sensible to have a backup heat source.
Is an air-to-air heat pump noisy?
The indoor unit is quiet during normal operation, comparable to an air conditioner. The outdoor unit is more audible because in winter it runs at higher capacity than in summer for cooling, therefore, when designing the system, we also consider the placement of the outdoor unit relative to windows and neighbours.
Do I need a building permit or consent from the building's owners' association?
For most installations in flats and detached houses, no permit is required. If you live in a panel building or an SVJ where consent is needed, we will assist with communication and documentation. We have many years of experience installing air conditioners.
How long does the installation of an air-to-air heat pump take?
Roughly the same as with air conditioning, one unit for an apartment or smaller house is usually installed within a single day. More units or more complex routing may extend the installation time.
How much does an air-to-air heat pump cost?
The price depends on the number of units, capacity and installation complexity. We provide a specific quote after a free survey, once we know exactly what the space requires.
Want a heat pump for your flat or house?
The survey is free and without obligation. We will tell you whether air-to-air makes sense for you or whether a custom air-to-water system is the better fit.