Heat pumps (PAC) are experiencing increasing adoption in the tertiary sector in France, marked by a significant increase in installations over the last three years. According to data from the Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), the number of heat pumps installed in tertiary buildings increased by 35% between 2020 and 2023. This trend reflects increased awareness energy and environmental benefits of heat pumps.
In a context of renovation of tertiary buildings, whether light or heavier work, the questions and doubts of project owners persist despite recent deployments due to the requirements of the Tertiary Decree (Deet). To decipher the subject and remove doubts about these different solutions, here are statements often heard scrutinized for our TRUE/FALSE.
71% of educational establishments are secondary, which shows an over-representation of departments in the OPERAT database compared to primary schools, which are much more numerous.
For example, there are more schools (31%) than colleges (71%). This underlines that the municipalities, responsible for primary schools of more than 1000 m², must indeed accelerate their procedures.
Heat pumps (PAC) are more economical than other heating systems
TRUE
For tertiary buildings, heat pumps generally offer lower operating costs than traditional heating systems. In fact, they use a renewable energy source – air, water or soil – to transfer heat. Electricity consumption for the operation of heat pumps is often lower, especially when they are well sized and installed correctly, which is crucial for large areas of tertiary buildings.
Heat pumps (PAC) are more economical than other heating systems
TRUE and FALSE
Heat pumps significantly reduce CO₂ emissions compared to systems using fossil fuels. However, their environmental impact depends on the source of electricity used. In regions where electricity is mainly produced from renewable sources, heat pumps are particularly eco-responsible. Furthermore, hybrid solutions, combining heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, can further improve their carbon footprint.
A heat pump requires no maintenance
As with all heating equipment, regular maintenance of heat pumps is essential to guarantee their performance and durability, particularly in large tertiary buildings where the systems are more complex. A maintenance contract makes it possible to detect and prevent possible malfunctions, thus ensuring optimal energy efficiency and increased longevity.
Installation and supervision have no impact on the performance of the heat pump
FAKE
Correct installation, by a qualified professional, is essential to optimize the performance of heat pumps. Improper installation can lead to a significant decrease in efficiency, frequent breakdowns and higher operating costs. Additionally, supervision plays a crucial role. For tertiary buildings, which have specific energy needs, it is essential to respect the installation and sizing guidelines and to put in place adequate supervision.
Centralized technical management (GTC) or technical building management (GTB) makes it possible to control energy consumption and ensure optimal operation of the installation. Without correct installation and supervision possibly carried out by an Energy manager, even the best heat pump cannot operate to its full potential, or can even dangerously drift in its performance.
A connected heat pump is more energy efficient
TRUE
Connected heat pumps, supervised by GTBs and/or equipped with programmable thermostats and remote control systems, allow more precise and efficient temperature management. This reduces energy consumption by adapting heating to the occupancy times of tertiary buildings. In addition, the BACS decrees now require the establishment of an automation and control system for tertiary buildings, which reinforces the importance of centralized technical management (CTM) or technical building management. (GTB) to better control energy consumption and facilitate the operation of the installation. BMS/BMS systems use communication protocols compatible with all equipment, allowing effective interoperability.
For the investment in a GTB to be fully profitable, it is essential to:
• Analyze user expectations from the design stage to define the degree of equipment control.
• Configure the BMS during commissioning so that it is consistent with the use of the premises.
• Use historical operating and consumption data to optimize performance.
• Train users in the operating logic of GTB to avoid misunderstandings and frustrations.
Heat pumps represent a majority of heat production in tertiary buildings
FAKE
To date, heat pump technologies are in the minority in the tertiary sector since they only represent 6% of heated surfaces, or 58.6 million m², and approximately 10% of the final energy consumed in 2020. However, their share is higher in buildings also offering cooling use, covering more than 13% of the tertiary areas concerned.
To date, heat pump technologies are in the minority in the tertiary sector since they only represent 6% of heated surfaces, or 58.6 million m², and approximately 10% of the final energy consumed in 2020. However, their share is higher in buildings also offering cooling use, covering more than 13% of the tertiary areas concerned.
PACs are a major asset for building certification labels
TRUE
Environmental certification labels for buildings, such as HQE, BREEAM and LEED, strongly promote the energy performance of buildings. Heat pumps, through their energy efficiency, contribute significantly to obtaining these certifications. Their use in the design of buildings, both new and renovated, has become a preferred choice to meet the requirements of these labels, thus promoting increased recognition of environmental performance in the tertiary sector.
Light renovation heat pumps require technical feasibility criteria
TRUE
In the context of a light renovation, certain technical criteria linked to heat pumps must be considered to validate the feasibility of the project. Among these criteria, the available electrical power must be sufficient to cover the needs of the heat pump replacing a gas boiler. Integration into buildings, particularly for aerothermal heat pumps, requires an analysis of the acoustic impact, the capacity of the structure to support the weight of the equipment on the roof, and local restrictions in the city center concerning the visibility of the equipment techniques.
Boiler room hybridization: a reassuring solution for building managers
TRUE
The hybrid heat pump combines an electric heat pump and a gas boiler, controlled by an intelligent regulation system allowing you to switch from one generator to another or to operate them simultaneously. This operating mode optimizes energy efficiency in real time based on external conditions and energy costs. In tertiary buildings, where boiler rooms often rely on fossil fuels, boiler room hybridization ensures optimal distribution of the power necessary for heating and the production of domestic hot water. The main advantages of this solution include:
- Energy mix, ideal in the event of peak winter electricity consumption.
- Competitive investment cost by avoiding oversizing of the heat pump.
- Optimization of overall yield throughout the year thanks to intelligent regulation.
- Maintaining comfort at low outside temperatures.
- Safety in the event of equipment failure
- Compact solution and easy integration.
- Compact solution and easy integration.
DRV or AIR/AIR PAC: the most used solution in the tertiary sector
TRUE
The DRV (Variable Refrigerant Flow), or VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow), is one of the most common air/air heat pumps in tertiary buildings. Frequently used in offices, shops and the hotel and catering industry, this solution is popular for its ability to heat and cool in an efficient and flexible manner. DRV systems allow precise temperature management thanks to Inverter technology, which constantly adjusts the power absorbed to the real needs of the building. They also offer the possibility of producing heat and cold simultaneously, transferring calories from one zone to another depending on the building's exposures. The main advantages of the DRV include:
- High energy performance in heating and cooling.
- Responsiveness and rapid adaptation to the needs of the building.
- Comfort all year round thanks to the simultaneous production of heating and cooling.
- High modularity during implementation.
- Installation possible in a technical room subject to compliance with ventilation and acoustics recommendations.
- Installation possible in a technical room subject to compliance with ventilation and acoustics recommendations.
WATER/WATER heat pumps offer the best energy efficiency for large tertiary buildings
TRUE
Water/water heat pumps use water as a heat source, capturing energy from groundwater, rivers or lakes, to heat or cool a building. They are particularly suitable for large tertiary buildings due to their high energy efficiency and their ability to manage significant thermal loads. The operating principle of water/water heat pumps is based on heat exchange with a water source, which allows them to provide high efficiency throughout the year, regardless of variations in outside temperature.
The main advantages of water/water heat pumps include:
• High energy efficiency: Water/water heat pumps offer a higher COP (coefficient of performance), which means that they produce more heat or cold per unit of energy consumed.
• Performance stability: Drawing on a water source whose temperature remains relatively constant all year round, water/water heat pumps maintain stable and high performance, unlike air/air and air/water heat pumps which can be affected by fluctuations in outside temperature.
• Adaptability: They can be used for heating and cooling, as well as for the production of domestic hot water, offering a versatile solution for various energy needs in large tertiary buildings.
You would like to know if heat pumps are a suitable action for your tertiary building, contact one of our experts.
Sources:
- Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME)
- October 2023 Report - Heat pumps in tertiary buildings: Performance levers and decarbonization issues: AFPAC - French Association for Heat Pumps