Heat Pumps
Heat Pump Technology Explained
A heat pump heating system consists of 3 components: the heat source, the heat pump itself and a heat distribution and storage system.
Heat pumps are able to produce more energy than they consume by using the conventional refrigeration cycle to absorb heat from the environment and raise it to a suitable level for heating.
- 75% of the energy is taken from the environment i.e the air or ground and transfered to the heat pump.
- 25% of the energy is sourced from the national grid in the normal way of supplying your electricity. This is used to operate the heat pump but with very low consumption
- The energy from the air or ground is transfered to the refrigerant inside the heat pumps evaporator. This causes the temperature of the refrigerant to rise and change state from liquid to gas.
- The refrigerant gas is then compressed, using an electrically driven compressor, reducing its volume but causing its temperature to rise significantly.
- A heat exchanger (condenser) then extracts the heat energy from the hot refrigerant to heat water for central heating, underfloor heating or domestic hot water.
- After giving up its heat energy the refrigerant turns back into a liquid and is able to absorb energy from the environment, allowing the cycle to begin again.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps are an exciting technology providing heat to domestic hot water and heating systems, without the need for groundwork or external pumps. They are suitable for both new build properties and retrofit installations. A Heat pump is between three and four times more efficient than a standard boiler. For every kilowatt of energy you put in, you get three kilowatts of heat out. It means that fuel bills are reduced dramatically.
This technology has the potential to greatly reduce CO2 emissions in the home and, in some cases, by up to 50%.
The noise levels in new heat pumps are minimal and with the UK’s ambient temperatures the heat pumps are perfectly designed to operate at optimum performance throughout the year.
They are a great, low carbon, alternative to traditional boilers in modern buildings and are suitable for use with under floor heating or low temperature radiators.
The benefits
- Proven technology
- Fits your current heating system
- Saves between 30% and 70% on existing bills
- 25 year lifespan, low maintenance
- 400% efficient
- Reduces carbon emissions
- Enhances property value
- Generous grants available
- Will heat swimming pools
Air to water heat pumps for outdoor installation
Air to water heat pumps for indoor installation
Air Source Heat Pump Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
The government has outlined a new incentive scheme for heat generating renewables, this is a world first for this type of technology. Previously supplementary tariffs were reserved only for electricity generating technologies.
The new incentive is currently in consultation and is planned to come into law in April 2011. The scheme outlines a payment of 7.5p/kwh. For a typical home this will equate to a payment of around £1275 per year, tax free. This is in addition to the energy savings made in your home due to the heat pump.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Dig one metre down, and the ground is at a constant temperature of around 10 degrees. When we install a ground source heat pump, we lay loops of pipes in the ground, or we place them in a bore hole up to 150m deep. The pipes contain a liquid which absorbs the ground heat, which then provides the heat source for a Heat Pump located inside the house.
Ground source heat pumps are silent, maintenance needs and costs are negligible and there are no visible external units. Ground source heat pumps can be installed in existing properties, and are particularly recommended for new builds and larger homes or business/community use premises.
Because of the constant level of heat, ground source heat pumps are even more efficient than Air Source Heat Pumps, though they cost more to install. Once installed and operating, you can expect a cut in fuel bills of between 35% and 70%.
The benefits
- Proven technology
- Fits your current heating system
- Saves between 30% and 70% on existing bills
- 25 year lifespan, low maintenance
- 300% efficient
- Reduces carbon emissions to zero
- Enhances property value
- Generous grants available
- Will heat swimming pools
- No need for gas connections or fuel tanks.
Ground Source Heat Pump Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
The government has outlined a new incentive scheme for heat generating renewables, this is a world first for this type of technology. Previously supplementary tariffs were reserved only for electricity generating technologies.
The new incentive is currently in consultation and is planned to come into law in April 2011. The scheme outlines a payment of 7p/kwh. For a typical home this will equate to a payment of around £1200 per year, tax free. This is in addition to the energy savings made in your home due to the heat pump.
