How much electricity do our holiday homes consume?

Many people wonder about electricity consumption in a house in the countryside. How should you calculate it and what is good to consider when you are about to build new? We have made a comparison of several different energy systems to see how they affect the annual cost for heating, hot water, property energy and household energy.

We have based our calculations on one of our best-selling house models, Tidlös Sommar 50. In the comparison we have assumed a family uses the house for four weeks in the summer, one week in the winter and ten weekends in spring and autumn. When the house is empty we have chosen a relatively high maintenance temperature of 15 °C.

To report a cost for purchased electricity over one year we have assumed an electricity price of 2 kr per kWh. The average system price on the electricity exchange during 2023 was 64 öre per kWh. Costs are rounded to the nearest hundred and are presented after each example.

Which energy system should I choose?

Air-to-air heat pump

Looking at the numbers you quickly see that an air-to-air heat pump is a very good investment. In our 2022 price list an air-to-air heat pump costs 35.000 kr including installation. This cost is recouped in six years.

Solar panels

Solar panels have a high initial cost. Expect 150.000 – 250.000 kr for a complete system for a 50 sqm house. This gives a payback period of 75-125 years. The possibility to sell surplus energy in the months when you do not use the generated electricity yourself can still make it an interesting option.

Hydronic underfloor heating with boiler

Hydronic underfloor heating has an even higher initial cost, expect 300.000 kr for a 50 sqm house. This gives a payback period of up to 50 years. If the house is primarily used as a holiday home the cost in relation to the energy savings is in most cases too large. However, if you plan to live in the house the cost becomes easier to justify.

Read more about our different heating systems >

Comparison of our different energy systems

Example 1: Electric radiators and electric underfloor heating in bathroom

• Annual consumption: 5,190 kWh.

• Annual cost: 10,400 kr

Example 2: Electric radiators, electric underfloor heating in bathroom and solar panels

• Annual consumption: 4.190 kwh.

• Annual cost: 8.400 kr

Example 3: Air-to-air heat pump and electric underfloor heating in bathroom

• Annual consumption: 2.421 kwh.

• Annual cost: 4.800 kr

Example 4: Air-to-air heat pump, electric underfloor heating in bathroom and solar panels

• Annual consumption: 1955 kwh.

• Annual cost: 3.900 kr

Example 5: Air-to-water heat pump with waterborne underfloor heating

• Annual consumption: 1.926 kwh.

• Annual cost: 3.900 kr

Example 6: Air-to-water heat pump with waterborne underfloor heating and solar panels

• Annual consumption: 1.574 kwh.

• Annual cost: 3.100 kr

Which energy system is most reasonable for a holiday home?

For a holiday home of 50–60 sqm that is used periodically, an air-to-air heat pump is often the best balance between investment and operating cost. The installation is relatively low in relation to the energy savings, and the system provides quick heating when you arrive at the house.

Waterborne underfloor heating and larger heat pump solutions are primarily justified if the house is to be used as a permanent residence.

Solar panels can be an interesting complement, but for smaller houses with limited use the payback time is often long.

What affects electricity consumption the most?

• How often the house is used

• What temperature is maintained when it is unoccupied

• Insulation level and airtightness

• Choice of heating system

Our holiday homes are built with good insulation and high airtightness, which means that even a smaller house of 60 sqm can maintain a low and predictable energy consumption over time.

Do you want to know how much electricity your house would consume?

Electricity consumption is always affected by the plot's location, climate and how the house is used.

Contact us and we will help you calculate energy consumption and heating systems for your specific situation – whether you are planning a holiday home or a 60 kvm house for permanent residence.