Heat pumps are a tried and tested technology which have been used extensively across Europe, including much colder climates than our own. Here in the UK, our reliance on gas fuelled heating for the past 50 years has meant heat pumps are less prevalent. But all that is set to change, with the drive to net zero in 2050 which requires us to transition away from fossil fuels to low carbon heating technology.
Getting to grips with a heating technology that you are unfamiliar with and that works in a distinctly different way from a gas boiler, as well as introducing it to customers, can be challenging. But it’s a relatively small challenge for considerable rewards as the market for heat pumps expands rapidly. Furthermore, the advantages of air source heat pumps easily outweigh the disadvantages.
How do air source heat pumps work?
Air source heat pumps do not burn fossil fuel to generate heat. Instead, they utilise the free energy in the air (even when air temperature is as low as -20⁰C), the heat of which is captured via a refrigerant and transferred to the heating and hot water system through a heat exchanger.
What are the advantages of air source heat pumps?
Widespread compatibility: most commercial properties can be refurbished to be suitable for air source heat pumps. For customers currently using oil, LPG or direct electric based heating, heat pumps can be the perfect alternative.
Energy efficiency: since heat is transferred rather than generated, air source heat pumps can operate up to four times more efficiently than traditional methods, i.e. they have the potential to produce four units of heat for every one unit of electricity that they use.
A low carbon solution: air source heat pumps have a much smaller carbon footprint for heat generation compared to direct electric or traditional gas heating systems. That’s primarily because heat pumps do not operate by combustion. They do use electricity to power the transfer of heat from the environment to the building, but it’s a very small amount. When heat pumps are partnered with a renewable electricity supplier, heat generation can be 100% carbon neutral.
Furthermore, the latest heat pumps use refrigerants with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP). Our ECOMOD natural refrigerant heat pumps use either R290 or CO2 with a GWP at 3 and 1 respectively.
What are the Disadvantages of air source heat pumps?
Heat pumps operate at lower temperatures: this isn’t a disadvantage in itself as many buildings can still be comfortably heated at 55°C (the average flow temperature for heat pumps). The key is to change the way the heating system operates to suit the heat pump, typically operating the heating for longer periods to maintain the correct level of background heat, and ensure the property is well insulated to keep the heat in. Larger radiators may also be required to better convey the heat in the property.
Heat pumps often come with a high cost: There’s no escaping the fact that heat pumps have a higher capital cost than comparable gas boilers and, despite their efficiency, running costs can be higher due to the price of electricity compared to gas in this country. Furthermore, insulation, larger radiators or underfloor heating may be required, adding to the overall cost. However, heat pumps do have a long lifespan, so the investment is worthwhile.
Heat pumps are more visible: heat pumps are located externally, usually on the ground floor wall of the building they are heating, although they can go on a roof if suitable. The units themselves are no different in looks to an air conditioning unit and, in many cases, are now available in unobtrusive, modern designs, such as our new ECOMOD natural refrigerant air source heat pumps.
Heat pumps aren’t for everyone: whilst most commercial buildings can be adapted for use with a heat pump, there are occasions where a replacement gas boiler will be the better option. This could be because the customer does not have the budget or willingness to upgrade insulation or fit new radiators (if required), or the electricity supply on site is not suitable. The government has confirmed that there will be no gas boiler ban from 2035, as previously put forward, so a gas boiler is still a perfectly viable option, just not a low carbon one.
Should you be concerned about noise levels?
Heat pumps aren’t noisy units but like any mechanical device with moving parts they do emit sound. However, if correctly installed, a heat pump is generally quieter than a gas boiler, with noise levels similar to an air conditioning unit. When you add in the fact that a heat pump is located externally, unlike a boiler, sound really isn’t an issue.
For more information on Ideal Heating Commercial ECOMOD air source heat pumps visit. Or speak with your local business development manager.
