You may have heard of heat pumps related to air conditioning or freezers, but heat pumps apply to heating and venting too. A heat pump is a device used to extract heat from the external air and then transfer this to radiators, warm air convectors or underfloor heating systems to warm a building.
How heat pumps work
A heat pump works by absorbing heat from the air, even at a low temperature, into a fluid. This fluid passes through a compressor that increases its temperature and then moves the hotter fluid to the heating and hot water circuits of a building. There are two main types of heat pump:
· Air to air – these use warm air that circulates via fans but don’t provide hot water
· Air to water – these use a wet heating system to distribute heat. They are more efficient at a lower temperature than a standard boiler and this makes them ideal for large heating systems and underfloor heating where lower temperatures are used over a longer period
Advantages of heat pumps
One way businesses can benefit from the use of heat pumps is energy efficiency. Heat pumps are more economical, especially when they are compared to a conventional heating system. The heat extracted from outside is renewed constantly and naturally, using much less fuel than oil or electricity. For businesses trying to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills at the same time, heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular option.
There is also the potential to earn income through the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive[HW1] (RHI); a scheme operated by the government to reward businesses using more renewable energy sources.
Heat pumps require no fuel deliveries in the way that oil systems do and with the air to water systems, hot water is provided as well as heat. The systems need only minimal maintenance and can be easier to install than a ground source heat pump.
Is a heat pump right for my business?
There are a few things you should keep in mind when considering getting a heat pump.
Do you have somewhere to put it? A heat pump needs to be placed outside the building and fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. A sunny wall is best and there needs to be room around it for air flow.
How well is the property insulated? To get the best from heat pumps, the property needs to be well insulated and draft proof. This is because it works best by producing heat at a lower temperature than a traditional boiler.
What type of heating system is it replacing? Heat pumps will save money on electric or oil heating systems but may not make as much of a saving on a mains gas system.
Maintaining heat pumps
Heat pumps require little maintenance, but manufacturers do recommend some. Most come with a 2-3 year warranty and workmanship for these warranties can last as long as 10 years. A yearly check is recommended for all heat pumps and a thorough inspection by a qualified professional should be done every 3-5 years.
If you are interested in installing a heat pump, get in touch with TEK. We will be able to talk you through how it works, the cost and environmental benefits of using a heat pump to fulfil both your heating and cooling needs. We are one of the leading air conditioning installers in Bristol so get in touch by calling 0117 952 3355 or fill in our contact form.
