Heating a house is often the largest energy consumer in a household. According to the Swedish Energy Agency, the cost of a heat pump or other electric heating system accounts on average for 80% of the electricity bill.
- There are about 1.2 million heat pumps in Sweden. If we can control them smarter, it would be equivalent to the output of a couple of nuclear power plants," says Erik Wilson from Öresundskraft.
The solution: Heat Smart
To meet this need, Öresundskraft has developed the Värm Smart service. The service allows customers to optimize their heating by connecting their heat pump to a small device that controls the heating based on the price of electricity or the desired comfort level in the home.
- We see heating as one of the most important pieces of the puzzle to help our customers save money and at the same time relieve the electricity grid, says Erik Wilson, Product Manager at Öresundskraft.
Although district heating is the most climate-smart and resource-efficient form of heating, not all households can use it. That is why Öresundskraft is investing in helping customers with heat pumps to become more energy-smart.
How does it work?
With Värm Smart, those who have the Timpris electricity contract can control their heat pump according to the spot prices on the electricity market. This means that the heat pump works at its best when electricity prices are at their lowest. For customers with a variable monthly price, the service helps to relieve the electricity grid during periods of high load, which also has a sustainability perspective.
- "Those who benefit most financially from hourly price contracts are those who live in older or larger houses with high heating needs," explains Erik Wilson. For those on variable monthly tariffs, a one-degree reduction in indoor temperature can mean savings of around 5%.
Lessons learned from tests
Katja Sjögren, Head of Development and Management at Öresundskraft, has been testing Värm Smart since January. She says that during the coldest months she saved up to SEK 300 per month without noticing any deterioration in the indoor climate.
- The best thing is that I haven't experienced any negative difference. When it's been the coldest, I've still been able to save money," she says.
Erik Wilson explains further:
- Houses have different conditions, but all have thermal inertia. This means that houses act as thermal batteries and can retain heat for several hours after heating is paused, depending on insulation and outdoor temperature.
For example, houses with concrete slabs or underfloor heating can be heated during the night when electricity is cheaper, and then keep warm for several hours during the day.
Save and follow up
With Värm Smart, customers can use Öresundskraft's My Pages platform to monitor how their heat pump adapts to electricity prices and how much money they save.
Katja Sjögren summarizes:
- By testing the service, we have seen how much heating affects electricity costs and how customers can help relieve the electricity grid. This is good for both your wallet and the environment. As a regional energy company, we feel a responsibility to offer solutions that both save money and promote a sustainable future. It's a win-win for everyone.