Replacing electric radiators with inverter air conditioners

We would install Mitsubishi systems, which still have a good SCOP value down to minus 15 degrees. Systems from the hardware store would not be sufficient for our conditions. Yes, 4000 kWh is not particularly much, but it currently costs us 6000.00 per year in electricity costs. The current offer for the systems including installation amounts to 9,000.00, so the systems would be amortized in 1.5 years. Even if the electricity price goes down again (which will not be the case in 2024, as the supplier already purchased for 2024 in 2022), it would be energetically the better long-term solution. I have also thought about single split systems, but that requires many more outdoor units. 3 rooms are only used during school holidays (the whole family is with us during the ski holidays) and heated only then, which makes multi-split more efficient and also looks better on the outside. We are considering photovoltaic systems. We would have 80 m2 of roof area. The problem in the mountains is that in winter, due to the mountains and the position of the sun, too little sun shines on the system. Although we have 300 days of sun per year on a 10-year average, photovoltaic systems are not really efficient due to the geographical conditions. In addition, there is the snow. This April alone we had snow 6 times, which stays longer due to the temperatures and lowers the efficiency of a photovoltaic system. In mid-winter (Dec-Feb) it can happen that the snow permanently covers the system. I am currently informing myself about photovoltaic systems that can be heated. Heating capacity: hard to say, washing, cooking, lighting and heating, so I assume that 80% falls on heating.

Especially with Mitsubishi, Single Split often makes sense. However, the expert must calculate it. How can 4000 kWh cost 6000€? Normal prices for end consumers are currently between 25-50 cents/kWh. By heating capacity I meant how many kW. Mitsubishi has the large "normal" indoor unit with 6.x cooling capacity and just under 8 kW heating capacity.

Ahh, I need to check the KW and I will continue to read up on Single-Split. Thank you very much

Costs: I am in Switzerland. That would be a topic for another forum post and could fill volumes.

Anyway: in 2022 it was still manageable but since they already purchased for 2023 and 2024 out of fear that electricity prices could rise further due to global crises, it almost pulled the ground out from under us when we received the last bill

Anyway: in 2022 it was still okay but since they already bought for 2023 and 2024 out of fear that due to the global crises electricity prices could rise further, it almost took the ground out from under our feet when we received the last bill

I would convert immediately and not feed such a shackle landlord with even more money. Summer is coming now, now is the time to convert

Yes, 4000 kWh is not particularly much but it currently costs us 6000.00 per year in electricity costs. The current offer for the systems including installation amounts to 9,000.00, so the systems would be amortized in 1.5 years.

Even in Switzerland, the kWh does not cost 1.50 € or CHF. Your amortization calculation is also wrong because the air conditioning systems also consume electricity. With varying performance requirements, individual systems are better. They are cheaper, easier to plan and install.

Yes, you are right that air conditioners also need electricity, but with a SCOP of >= 6 significantly less. Then the payback period just takes 3 years, which is not so bad. I have to check the kWh again on the last electricity bill as soon as I am back in the country. Individual units: yes, I understand that, but 5-6 outdoor units are not really a nice sight, I would reduce it to 1-2 outdoor units with multisplit.