Heat Pumps

How a heat pump works

A heat pump uses technology similar to that found in a refrigerator or an air conditioner. It extracts heat from a source, such as the surrounding air, geothermal energy stored in the ground, or nearby sources of water or waste heat from a factory. It then amplifies and transfers the heat to where it is needed.

Because most of the heat is transferred rather than generated, heat pumps are far more efficient than conventional heating technologies such as boilers or electric heaters and can be cheaper to run.

The output of energy in the form of heat is normally several times greater than that required to power the heat pump, normally in the form of electricity.

The heat pump itself consists of a compressor, which moves a refrigerant through a refrigeration cycle, and a heat exchanger, which extracts heat from the source. The heat is then passed on to a heat sink through another heat exchanger. In buildings, the heat is delivered using either forced air or hydronic systems such as radiators or under‐floor heating.

Heat pumps can be connected to a tank to produce sanitary hot water or provide flexibility in hydronic systems. Many of the heat pumps can also provide space cooling in summer in addition to meeting space heating needs in winter. In industry, heat pumps are used to deliver hot air, water or steam, or to directly heat materials.

  • Depending on what heating system you’re replacing, you can save money on your energy bills.
  • Unlike traditional boilers (which use fossil fuels), heat pumps use electricity. And heat pumps are more than three times more efficient than a gas or oil boiler, helping to lower your energy use.
  • Your CO2 emissions will be lower with a heat pump compared other types of heating. This is because they don’t use fossil fuels, instead taking heat from their environment. 

Air source heat pumps are the most common type of domestic heat pump in the UK and are suitable for most types of homes.

There are two main types: monobloc and split systems.

  • A monobloc system has all the components in a single outdoor unit. Pipes carry water to the central heating system and a hot water cylinder inside your home.

A split system separates the heat pump into indoor and outdoor units.

Monobloc systems tend to be more common because they’re cheaper and quicker to install. They don’t take up as much space inside your home, but they’re slightly less efficient than split systems.

Split systems can be more efficient because some of the heat transfer takes place inside the building where it’s warmer, resulting in less heat being lost. 

Contact us using the form below, and we can arrange a free no obligation assessment of your heating requirements.

You’ll need somewhere outside your home where a unit can fit to a wall or on the ground. It must have some space around it to allow a good flow of air.

If you are limited by space compact heat pumps are specifically designed to heat small, well-insulated modern flats and homes. These only need a cupboard with around 80cm x 80cm floor space in the flat, and this should be near an exterior wall. 

If you’re not limited by space inside your home, it may be worth the extra cost of installing a split system. We can explain your options and help you choose the design that works best for you. 

Heat Pumps

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