Analysis of the installation process of heat pumps and the craftsman´s needs in the renovation of existing single-family houses
The paper focuses on the examination of the installation processes of heat pumps within the HVAC (Sanitary, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) trades in Germany. Conducted as part of the WESPE research project, this analysis aims to identify ways to optimize the installation of heat pumps in existing residential buildings. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, the researchers carried out a detailed assessment of 30 construction sites, capturing installation times through a time-tracking application onsite and structured interviews with experienced craftsmen. Results indicate that installing a heat pump necessitates approximately three times the labor hours compared to gas boilers, emphasizing the need for efficiency improvements. Furthermore, the shares of work required for different tasks, such as writing quotes, equipment transport, deconstruction, piping, and electrical installation, were identified. It is shown that, on average, only 19 % of labor hours account for office work, while the rest pertains to onsite work and transport. Additionally, 25 % of the installation work is non-familiar to HVAC tradespeople, such as earthwork and electrical installation. Moreover, the study highlights significant issues within the prevailing operational practices based on expert interviews and surveys, such as coordination challenges among different trades and inefficiencies stemming from manual data transfers between digital tools. The findings advocate for enhanced digital integration and better communication to alleviate these bottlenecks. Ultimately, this report provides vital insights through surveys conducted among workshop owners, which could lead to improved installation practices, reducing both costs and waiting times for consumers while bolstering the HVAC sector's capacity to meet rising demands associated with the transition to sustainable heating solutions. By focusing on elements such as standardized workflows, training, and innovative technologies, the competitiveness of traditional craft operations in a rapidly evolving market can be strengthened