Everything you need to know about heat pumps

What are heat pumps and how do they work?

Heat pumps are mechanisms, similar to air conditioning units, that can be used to regulate the temperature of their surrounding environments - heat pumps can be utilized for both heating and cooling functions. Heat pumps absorb warmth from surrounding sources, such as the ground, air, or water. They then direct that warmth to the intended location – performing a heat pump central heating function. Traditional electric heat pumps are generally installed outside a building and look very similar in appearance to basic AC units. Heat pumps are also artificial systems of homeostasis for the household; they are used to regulate the internal environment of the structure with small incremental variations in temperature flow. As opposed to a sudden drastic change in temperature that is common with gas boilers, heat pumps operate continually throughout the day. Given that they operate day-round, they are especially popular in European countries where temperatures reach dangerously low levels.

1. What factors should you consider before installing a heat pump? A heat pump catered to the specifications of a structure can be very effective. Capacity is the main factor that you should consider when assessing which pump to install. It needs to generate enough energy to heat in proportion to the size of your property to ensure effective performance. Despite their great utility as independent systems, the performance of heat pumps, or rather their perceived efficacy, is also dependent upon the nature of the home. They are most effective within well-insulated houses, given that such a composition prevents heat loss to the surrounding areas.

II. Benefits of using heat pumps

There are several benefits of using heat pumps in your household. These range from financial incentives to ecological benefits that heat pumps provide.

Provides both cooling and heating

Through a remote, button, or other communicative medium, heat pumps can provide an effective heating or cooling service throughout the internal structure of the premises.

When the criteria of the premises align with the size and specifications of the heater, there are very few options that trump the efficacy of the heat pump in performing the basic temperature regulation function In addition, they perform the function faster than other alternatives, and as a result of the pump’s continual function, it can sustain that temperature longer.

2. High energy efficiency rating Adding to their superior performance, heat pumps are also known for their high energy efficiency ratings. Furthermore, heat pumps offer the cheapest alternative compared to other heating sources that also derive their power from electricity. Heat pumps have time and time again shown high coefficients of performance, with recent results indicating a coefficient of performance nearing 4 – this means that in the process of providing 4 kilowatts of power to the household, they only require one kilowatt of electricity. Such a figure is very impressive when compared to other heat sources. For example, the gas boiler generally offers a coefficient of performance that is even below the value of 1 – which means it uses up a greater kilowatt amount of electricity than the total power it supplies to the household.

3. Cost-effectiveness Given that they use up a lot less electricity, heat pumps are much cheaper to operate than their relatively ancient substitutes, making you save a lot for your household’s annual energy bills. What often discourages most households from switching to the heat pump are the seemingly daunting installation costs. Therefore, it can often be helpful to get an idea of the payback period which is the time it takes to recoup your initial investment.

4. Environment-friendly Heat pumps are much better for the environment than their damaging alternatives – if less electricity is required, fewer fossil fuels will be burned, and therefore there will be a smaller amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The heat pump is unique in that it requires no combustion components. They now utilize the R32 refrigerant which is more environment-friendly as it doesn’t contribute to the ozone’s depletion. Compared with R410A, R32 heating capacity is higher and stronger, which reduces the amount of refrigerant used.

So, how much will heat pumps cost you?

The heat pump is, however, slightly more expensive than the traditional gas boiler. Depending on what type of heat pump you choose, whether traditional or ground pump, the price can go as high as £10,000. However, with time, as more of these pumps are installed, the price will decrease as government grants are also looking to lessen the financial blow.

The government votes for heat pumps

The government has arranged a series of incentives to help facilitate the move towards low-carbon heating systems. Through implementing the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, otherwise known as BUS, the government is offering an extensive range of grants that can help consumers meet the upfront cost of the heat pumps.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme caters to all properties across both English and Welsh territories, and it is set to run for the next three years. The details of the grants, in short, are as follows:

● £5,000 discount on the installation of air-source heat pumps

● £6,000 discount on the installation of ground-source heat pumps

● Consumers qualify for a single grant per property (inclusive of both domestic and non-domestic properties).

Why are Heat Pumps the Best Option?

In summary, heat pumps offer an enticing alternative to traditional heat sources. There is an extensive range of benefits to be gained from the usage of heat pumps — greater energy efficiency ratings, lower energy bills, and lower carbon emissions just to name a few, as opposed to their substitutes

Where V-TAC Comes In

Despite the British government’s objective to reach 600,000 annual heat pump installations by 2028, in today’s markets, heat pumps are very difficult to source. In fact, there are only four to five factories that produce monobloc-type heating systems. V-TAC is one of the few brands on earth that hold the capabilities to offer this type of advanced technology. Furthermore, V-TAC has partnered with a trusted intermediary for all sales and after-service features, ensuring high-quality service for all wholesale clients.