Heat pumps on the rise: Bad Schmiedeberg relies on modern heating technology!
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly important in Saxony-Anhalt, especially in old buildings. Find out more about their benefits and efficiency.

Heat pumps on the rise: Bad Schmiedeberg relies on modern heating technology!
The use of heat pumps is gaining momentum in Saxony-Anhalt. These modern heating systems are now particularly popular in new buildings. Over 80% of new residential buildings in the region rely on heat pump technology, as MDR reports. A particularly interesting example comes from Bad Schmiedeberg: Matthias Glasses not only completely renovated a house built in 1925, but also equipped it with a heat pump. The old oil heating system from 1993 had to go and the new technology now takes care of the heating.
Glasses is satisfied with his decision and emphasizes that the heat pump works just as efficiently as the previous oil heater. For a living area of 150 square meters, the heat pump has an output of 14 kW. In the first year, electricity consumption was around 10,000 kWh, and Brille is already talking about cost savings compared to the old heating system. For the future, he plans to further reduce electricity consumption through optimized use.
Warmth from the garden
But how exactly do these systems work? According to the results of Test.de, heat pumps are not only emission-free, but also use natural energy from the air to heat an entire single-family home. In the 2025 test, various air-water heat pumps were evaluated, all of which are suitable for old buildings. The acquisition costs are in the five-figure range, but government funding can relieve financial pressure.
The efficiency of these systems depends heavily on the insulation values of a house. Marcel Kunert, energy consultant, emphasizes that the use of a heat pump in old buildings depends on the individual requirements. The type of radiator also plays a role here - underfloor heating or sufficiently large radiators can optimize the performance of the heat pumps. The annual performance factor (JAZ), which describes the ratio of heat gained to energy used, should not be neglected. A JAZ of 4, for example, means that 4 kilowatt hours of heat are generated per kilowatt hour of electricity.
Future prospects for heat pumps
An important aspect that consumers should be aware of is the ever-increasing amount of renewable energy available in the electricity supply. This not only increases efficiency, but also makes heat pumps more climate-friendly. As the consumer advice center explains, heat pumps can even function as air conditioning as long as they have a reversible function.
However, potential installation challenges should also be considered. For example, air source heat pumps do not require a permit, while ground or groundwater heat pumps may require one. The operation must also be registered with the local electricity network operator.
Overall, it shows that heat pumps offer an interesting option for both new buildings and old buildings in order to reduce heating costs and at the same time live in a more environmentally friendly way. With the right planning and sophisticated technology, they are a sustainable solution for modern living requirements.