How a residential complex in Innsbruck cut its heating costs by two-thirds.
A residential complex with 36 units on Höttinger Auffahrt has replaced its oil-fired heating system with an OVUM air-source heat pump cascade system that includes solar panels and remote monitoring.
Heat pumps and photovoltaic systems were installed in a residential building with 36 units in Innsbruck.
Distributing the heating capacity across multiple units adapts to demand and increases the reliability of the supply.
Reference from MECO GmbH.
From Oil Heating to a Heat Pump Cascade
The building, which dates from the 1980s, has 36 residential units and approximately 2,600 m² of heated living space. Despite renovation measures over the past two decades, annual heating oil consumption most recently stood at around 22,000 liters, which corresponds to a specific energy consumption of approximately 60–65 kWh/m²a. Heat is distributed via radiators, with a maximum supply temperature of 45–48 °C as specified by the operator. Based on a property analysis, the oil-fired heating system was replaced with an OVUM air-source heat pump cascade in combination with a photovoltaic system.
Heat Pump Cascade
5 OVUM outdoor units that operate as a single system and adapt to heating demand.
Photovoltaic System
It generates approximately 10,000 kWh of electricity per year, which is used directly to power the heat pumps.
MIRA Remote Maintenance
Plant operation and monitoring via smartphone, tablet, or PC, as well as remote access for partner companies.
Existing Radiators
The plant operates with the existing radiator system at a flow temperature of 45–48 °C.
Heating Costs: A Before-and-After Comparison
A comparison of energy and cost figures before and after the conversion shows the impact of the new plant on the residential complex’s ongoing heating costs.
| Key Figure | Before (Oil) | After (heat pump + PV) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | approx. 22,000 liters of heating oil/year | Approx. 34,000 kWh grid electricity + 10,000 kWh solar power per year |
| Annual heating costs | approx. 24,000 € | approx. 8,200 € |
* Values from this specific project; depending on the building, energy prices, and usage patterns
, the values may vary for other properties.
Scope of Work for the Transition
- Expansion of the existing fuel tank and oil-fired heating system
- Construction of the foundations for the air-source heat pumps
- Excavation work and installation of utility lines in the utility room, including restoration of the affected areas
- Setup and installation of the 5 heat pump outdoor units
- Electrical Installation and Assembly of the Photovoltaic System
- Connecting a PV Plant and Heat Pumps for Self-Consumption of Electricity
- Commissioning, training, and ongoing support via MIRA
Implemented by an OVUM partner company
A single point of contact handled the site analysis, planning, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the Plant.
