Selecting an efficient heating system for your home is a critical decision that could impact its sustainability and power costs. Here we examine key aspects to help make an informed decision when installing heat pumps; as well as addressing some frequently asked questions. We is one of the nation’s premier distributors of pumps and pump parts for various applications, such as hydronic cooling and heating systems and steam heating equipment. From Bell & Gossett and Zoeller to Armstrong and Taco pumps, State Supply stocks an assortment of hydronic, condensate, boiler feed pumps, vacuum and sump pumps from many top brands for its clients’ every need.
Understand what a heat pump is and how it works
Heat pumps are modern marvels of technology and design that use heat transfer from outside air into structures, water sources, storage units or any other structures requiring cooling or heating by moving heat energy between air sources and areas or bodies of water that require cooling or heating. A heat source “pumps” heat either inside your house (when desired) or away from it (for cooler temperatures).
Heat can either be extracted from cold outside air using a compressor and electricity, or extracted from inside a house and then pumping out. We refer to this latter technique as the simpler one and will explore this procedure more in-depth here.
Heat is then taken up by refrigerants; CO2 being the most energy-efficient. There is also an extensive variety of refrigerants on the market to choose from; gaseous heat passes through an air compressor to increase pressure and temperature for easy home heating.
Understand the main types of heat pumps
There are two main types of air source heat pumps:
- Air to heat pumps (also known as air source heat pumps or AHSPs) use fans to absorb and transfer the outside air’s warmth into your home via an intake.
- Heating water through air pumps – These devices utilize heat from outside air and move it into your home for hot water heating, underfloor heating or any other purpose.
Understand which heat pumps are best for cold climates
When you encounter products with “heat” in their name, this should prompt some discussion! In particular, do heat pumps really perform in conditions with consistently low temperatures? Additionally, it is essential that we understand all factors which affect durability and performance of heating systems, such as:
- Quality
- Model
- Operating temperature
There may be times when it is so cold that a heating pump won’t even function; but that is less likely with high-quality pumps; their operating temps depend on model and quality but typically range between 10degC (ambient air temperature) to 30degC for peak performance – meaning almost every Victorian house will have access to high quality heating and hot water year round!
Low-quality heating systems will not perform efficiently in cooler winter temperatures when you need your heater the most. Their operating temperatures typically range between -7deg Celsius and 5deg Celsius – it is therefore crucial that when purchasing one for yourself you purchase one that meets the unique climate needs in which you reside – imagine waking up without hot or heating because overnight temperature was too cold to support its operation!
Keep this in mind. To compensate for their inability to operate in lower temperatures, some heat pumps come equipped with an electrical booster – similar to an electric heater but using resistance heating technology – which works like an electric heater but at resistance levels. While this will give you hot water and warmth at night time, its added costs will more than make up for it.
Understand which heat pumps are best for hot water systems
If you are thinking about investing in an electric heat pump to heat your water, we wish you the very best in making such an excellent decision! Not only are heat pumps up to three times more efficient than standard electricity-powered water heaters; they can save carbon emissions as well as money – truly making them a win-win option both environmentally and financially!
Finding an adequate heat pump to provide hot water may present you with its own set of challenges: an acute shortage. Heat pumps are amazing pieces of technology, yet like all machines they may present with issues that need addressing.
Let’s revisit the subject of operating temperatures once more. If your heat pump cannot operate below 5 degrees Celsius and an evening is consistently warmer, one thing is certain: an icy morning shower awaits both you and your family members. Solution: Choose a hot water system with an operating minimum temperature that is lower, or opt for one with an electrical booster option and its associated expenses. Before making your selection, pay special attention to all parts contained within hot water systems, especially speed of refill and tank capacity capacity; these factors have an immense effect on heat pump effectiveness and performance.