A NIBE Fighter that has delivered comfort for 36 years
When Ingemar Nilsson built his home in Markaryd – also the home of NIBE – he installed NIBE's very first exhaust air heat pump. It lasted for 36 years. Now, he has upgraded to a modern successor and is looking forward to lower energy consumption, cooling functionality, and app-based control.
Football brought Ingemar Nilsson to Markaryd in 1982 and he went on to make 673 first-team appearances for Markaryds IF, a club record. Through the club, Ingemar was already familiar with NIBE: the company had sponsored Markaryds IF for many years, and he often wore its slogan, “NIBE – best on the pitch,” on his shirt.
When Ingemar and his family decided to buy a house in the late 1980's, Ingemar designed his own 174 m² home. One important decision was which heating system to install. At the time, direct electric heating and pellet heating were the most common options.
After asking around, he learned about exhaust air heat pumps and contacted NIBE. He was introduced to the NIBE Fighter Twin, the first exhaust air heat pump manufactured at the Markaryd factory. When the house was completed in March 1989, he switched on the heat pump for the very first time.
I heard about something called an exhaust air heat pump. It sounded very exciting, as it provides both heating and good ventilation. So, I contacted NIBE.
Summary
Home: Two-storey house, 174 m², in Markaryd, Sweden. Built in 1989.
Previous system: NIBE Fighter Twin, maximum output 2 kW, installed in 1989.
New system: Exhaust air heat pump S735C, with heating, hot water, ventilation and cooling.
Result: Energy costs reduced by one third, with savings up to €1,000 per year, and smart control with myUplink.
36 years: An exceptional lifespan for an exhaust air heat pump
Over the 36 years with his NIBE Fighter Twin, Ingemar made a point of regularly cleaning the ventilation ducts and filters. Apart from replacing the rubber diaphragm in the expansion vessel, the safety valve and the contact relay, the heat pump more or less took care of itself. One day however, the day finally came when Ingemar Nilsson's Figther Twin no longer wanted to keep fighting. The compressor failed, and the heat pump could not be repaired. It was then clear that the time had come for the next chapter.
"It's really only been minor things, and they haven't cost much. If you compare it to a 36-year-old car, it hasn't required much servicing at all."
Replacing the old heat pump with a NIBE S735C
At the beginning of the autumn, a new exhaust air heat pump was installed in Ingemar Nilsson's home. Once again, he chose NIBE. The new heat pump is the NIBE S735C, an inverter-controlled exhaust air heat pump that efficiently provides heating, cooling, hot water and ventilation in one integrated system. Unlike the old Fighter Twin, which had a maximum output of 2 kW, the S735C can deliver up to 7 kW.
"It was an obvious choice. When you've had something that works that well, you stick with the same manufacturer. NIBE is also a local company and a major employer here in Markaryd."
More comfort and control for the years ahead
For Ingemar, the NIBE S735C brings several new features. For the first time, he has access to cooling in his home, and through the myUplink app he can control the heat pump remotely and pre-heat the house before returning from his summer cottage. At the same time, he expects lower energy costs and estimates savings of up to SEK 10,000 per year, approximately €1,000.
"I told the installers who were here, 'It was great having you here, and if we don't meet any sooner, you're welcome back in at least 36 years.' I've truly experienced the quality of NIBE's products," he concludes.