Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps

The general concept of the Heat Pump system is that it works as a reverse air conditioning system. It converts low temperature heat into a much higher and more useful temperature. This heat can then be used for heating water and the home. It can also be used to pre-heat water before it goes into a more conventional boiler

Two main types of Heat Pumps

1. Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) -  These heat pumps use pipes buried in the garden to extort heat from the ground. Using initial heat from the ground, together with the high efficiency of the heat pump will save a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions that would other wise be expelled into the atmosphere under traditional heating systems.

Ground Source Heat Pumps are getting increasingly popular world wide with extra focus in the American and European markets. According to estimates, there are approximately 550,000 units installed world wide (of which 80% are domestic), and there are about 66,000 annual installations on going.

2. Air Source Heat Pump – These heat pumps are electrically powered systems which is a combination of a compressor and two carefully matched heat exchangers. Simply designed to offer space heating, through water systems, extracting air, a renewable source which is also free. The air will absorb and store heat from the sun, then it is possible to extract considerable heat from ambient temperatures as low as -20°C. Air Source heat pumps have major advantages over its rival the ground source heat pump.

Advantage of air source heat pump over ground source heat pump: The air system is easily installed to either new build or older properties as there is no need for any time consuming installation or expensive excavations. All the compressor requires is sitting in a sufficient outside air flow.

The Disadvantages of air source heat pumps is that it works better in mild temperate. In climates with extended periods of freezing temperatures you may be forced to use other forms of heat such as electric or gas heaters

Although the technology is well used around the world, the UK market is much slower to catch up with this new renewable energy technology as there is a low level of awareness. We believe this is likely to change, as more systems become available and as people search for better ways in conserving energy and reducing carbon dioxide.

How much does it cost to install?

A heat pump system is more expensive to install than a normal domestic combination boiler system but the compared to oil boilers it is less expensive. A typical 8kW system costs £6,000-£12,000, plus the price of the distribution system around the house, maybe another £2,000-£4,000. But if the environment is something you are concerned about the heat pump system is a good step to take.

Grants/ Advice

On a positive note, there is funding and advice to help with the cost of installing ground source heat pumps, which significantly reduces the cost.

In Scotland householders can access capital funding of 30% of the installed cost, up to a limit of £4,000 from the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI). Call 0800 138 8858 or visit www.est.org.uk/schri

In England and Wales, there are grants available under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.