A heat pump is a central part of many Swedish homes, helping to reduce heating costs and maintain a comfortable indoor climate. But what are your rights if the system breaks down or doesn’t perform as expected? In this article, we explain your rights under Swedish consumer law, common heat pump issues, and how to take action if problems arise.
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What Is a Heat Pump and How Is It Used?
Heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another and are commonly used in Sweden to:
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Heat homes through underfloor heating or radiators
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Produce hot water for domestic use
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Cool indoor spaces (some models offer cooling during summer)
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Types of heat pumps include:
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Air-to-air heat pumps
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Air-to-water heat pumps
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Ground source (geothermal) heat pumps
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Exhaust air heat pumps
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When Is a Heat Pump Considered Faulty?
According to the Swedish Consumer Sales Act (konsumentköplagen), a heat pump is considered faulty if:
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It does not function as promised in the agreement
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It is unsuitable for normal household use
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It fails to meet reasonable expectations based on price and marketing
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It was installed incorrectly by the seller or installer
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Common Heat Pump Problems in Sweden
Some frequent complaints from Swedish consumers include:
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Inadequate heating performance
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Unusual noises or vibrations
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Broken compressor
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Refrigerant leaks
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Faulty thermostat or control systems
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Electronics malfunctioning after power outages
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Poor installation or lack of system balancing
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Inability to cope with low outdoor temperatures
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Your Consumer Rights Under Swedish Law
If you bought the heat pump from a business as a private person, you are covered by the Consumer Sales Act. You have the right to:
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Repair or replacement at no cost
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Price reduction if the fault is not fixed
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Cancellation of the contract in serious cases
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Compensation for additional costs (e.g., extra electricity, alternative heating)
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You must file a complaint (reklamation) within three years, but always within two months of discovering the problem.
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What If the Problem Is Due to Installation?
If the same company performed the installation, the Swedish Consumer Services Act (konsumenttjänstlagen) also applies. The work must be performed professionally. If not, you may demand a redo of the work, a price reduction, or even compensation.
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What Should You Do If Your Heat Pump Is Faulty?
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Contact the seller in writing as soon as possible
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Describe the problem clearly and include evidence (e.g., photos or service reports)
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Request a remedy, such as repair, replacement, or compensation
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If unresolved, file a complaint with the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN)
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In larger disputes, consult a lawyer or consider legal action
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Summary
A heat pump is a complex energy product that must function reliably, especially in Sweden’s cold climate. If your heat pump is not working correctly, you are entitled to protection under Swedish consumer law. Acting quickly and documenting the problem increases your chances of getting it resolved.
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Need help with a dispute involving a heat pump or other energy product? Contact us – we have experience in Swedish energy and consumer law cases.
