A heat pump for a new build: how to design it correctly

In a new build, an air-to-water heat pump is the most common choice of heating. The house is well insulated, has low heat loss and usually underfloor heating – the conditions in which a heat pump works most efficiently. However, success is decided by an early and accurate design, not just the choice of brand.

When to start the design

Ideally at the project stage, and at the latest before the first-fix pipework. The following need to be determined in time:

• the place for the outdoor unit – with regard to noise, neighbours and defrost water drainage,
• the plant room for the indoor unit and hot water tank,
• pipe routes and the electrical connection,
• the type of heating – underfloor, radiators or a combination,
• whether you also want cooling in summer.

The most common mistake: too much output

New builds have low heat loss, and an oversized heat pump then switches on and off often. Efficiency falls and wear increases. We therefore design the output according to the heat loss calculation from the project or energy performance certificate, not according to the floor area. Read more in the article What heat pump output do I need?.

Underfloor heating as the ideal partner

Underfloor heating heats over a large area with a low water temperature, which helps a heat pump considerably. Read more in the article Underfloor heating and a heat pump: why they complement each other.

Cooling must be decided in advance

If you want cooling in summer, the unit, controls and heating system must all allow for it. Cooling through the floor is gentle; fan coils or air conditioning are used for more significant cooling. Read more in the article Cooling with a heat pump: floor, fan coils or air conditioning.

Hot water

The tank volume is chosen according to the number of people and the habits of the household. See the article Hot water heating with a heat pump: tank, temperature and savings.

Heat recovery ventilation and photovoltaics

In new builds, a heat pump is often combined with heat recovery ventilation and photovoltaics. We explain how they fit together in the articles A heat pump and heat recovery ventilation: how they work together and A heat pump and photovoltaics: why it is worth combining them.

A subsidy for new builds too?

The conditions of state support relate to the specific type of house and unit, and they change. We explain the current situation in the article Heat pump subsidy 2026: the new Zelená domácnostiam II. Climaservice s.r.o. is certified to install heat pumps eligible for the state subsidy.

We will design a system for your new build

You will find the detailed procedure on the Heat pump for a new build page. Send us the project or energy performance certificate. We will propose a Daikin Altherma heat pump with the right output and location. For new builds there is, for example, the Daikin Altherma 3 R F. You will find a comparison of types in the article Air-to-water or ground-to-water heat pump: a comparison. We work in Bratislava and the Bratislava Region. Contact us · Daikin heat pumps