Air/ground Source Heat Pumps
An air source heat pump takes heat from the surrounding air via big fans drawing air through a heat exchanger. If you stand in front of an air source heat pump while it is running, you will notice the cooler air being blown out, demonstrating that energy is being taken from the air. The refrigerant properties are chosen so that the pumps can work down to air temperatures as low as -20oC. Air source heat pumps need plenty of fresh air so if they are placed in a building, the air needs to be ducted in and out through the wall to the outside. If placed outside, planning permission may be required.
Air source heat pumps can be used for space heating, hot water and swimming pools.
Low operating costs, Low maintenance, Reduced emissions
|
|
What is a Heat Pump?
Most Heat Pumps work on the same principle as the domestic fridge, using a vapour compression cycle of the refrigerant. With a fridge, the refrigerant takes heat out of the cooling compartment (evaporator) and transfers the heat to the surroundings via a heat exchanger on the back of the fridge (condenser), thereby keeping the cooling compartment cool. If you feel the back of your fridge, it is hot.
A heat pump uses exactly the same process but extracts heat from a selected medium such as air, ground or water, transfers that heat to the liquid refrigerant (evaporator) converting it to a gas.
A compressor compresses the refrigerant gas generating an increase in temperature and the heat generated by the refrigerant is transferred to air or water (condenser) which is used to proved space heating and hot water. The refrigerant becomes a liquid again and the cycle is repeated. The energy input required is to run the compressor.
|
Heat Distribution system
As heat pumps operate at lower temperatures, radiators need to be larger than for a conventional system. This often means going from a single to a double radiator.
Heat pumps can also be used for cooling using fancoils.
Heat pumps are suitable for both old and new buildings. Excellent performance is possible in older buildings provided the radiator sizing requirements are met.
Ground source heat pumps can use can use boreholes, horizontals collectors (closed loop) or directly with ground water(open loop).
| Typical Costs
The typical cost of an air source heat pump including a new unvented hot water cylinder for a 3-4 bedroom from £8000.
The typical cost of a ground source heat pump for a 3-4 bedroom house using a horizontal collector from £14,000
We install Daikin, Mitsubishi, Danfoss, Dimplex and Stiebel Eltron Heat Pumps.
Click here for information on Grants and Loans.
| |  |
|
|
