Heat pumps represent systems that ‘pump’ or move heat from one place to another by using a compressor and a circulating structure of liquid or gas refrigerant, through which heat is extracted from outside sources and pumped indoors.
Pumping the heat uses less electricity as compared to when electricity is solely used as a means to convert it. During the summers, the cycle can be reversed and the unit acts like an air conditioner.
The heat pump system has been adopted at a slower pace in the UAE, as opposed to other parts in Europe, due to the fact that the government recently started to implement a number of new schemes, which make the transition to green living smoother and more affordable. These practices have managed to catch the attention of the British population, and subsequently increasing the popularity of renewable energy technology.
Heat pumps represent the most efficient alternative to fuel, oil and electric systems in regards to both heating and cooling. Gas furnaces do a relative good job, rated close to 98 percent efficient, however they do not represent a long term solution from a carbon footprint aspect. Heat pumps supply more heating and cooling capacity than the amount of electricity used to run them. Properly designed and installed heat pumps regularly attain more than 300 per cent efficiency.
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How Much Would a Heat Pump Cost?
Heat pumps prices are usually high, taking into account the installation of the entire system, however the costs will vary for different heat pumps. The typical price range for a complete installation is between 18,000 and 450,000, to which the running costs have to be considered. Air to water heat pump costs usually start from 8,000 and go up to 450,000, while ground source heat pump costs can reach up to 550,000 depending on the Capacities. The running costs of heat pumps depend on your household, its insulation properties and size.
These running costs are prone to be lower than the ones of the previous systems, the mere difference being what system are you switching from. For instance, if you switch from gas, this will give you the lowest saving figures, while a typical home shifting from electricity could annually save more than Aed: 5000.
The most important aspect when installing a heat pump system is that is done flawlessly. With definite differences in terms of the produced heat level, and the specific running time of the heat pump, the installer person in charge will have to explain the ideal settings.
7 Heat Pumps Advantages and Disadvantages
Prior to your purchasing decision of a heat pump system, it is important to inform yourself about heat pumps upsides and downsides. There are a multitude of heat pump advantages, which make them a great investment for homeowner, and simultaneously, concerns that have to be regarded.
Types of Heat Pumps
Air to Water Heat Pumps
Water To Water Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Swimming Pool Heat Pumps
Heat Pump Water Heaters
ADVANTAGES
1. Lower Running Costs
Heat pumps are cheaper to run than systems based on combustion. The more energy efficient the systems are, the greater long term savings on energy. Despite the fact that the prices of ground source heat pumps can go up to even 45,000, this friendly environmentally investment can help you save up to 1,4000 per year.
2. Less Maintenance
Heat pumps require less maintenance than the combustion heating systems. Regularly, once a year, some certain details of the system have to be checked, which could be easily accomplished by yourself. A professional installer, on the other hand, has to check every three or five years.
3. Safety
Heat pumps are safer than combustion-based heating systems.
4. Carbon Emissions
Heat pump system reduces your carbon emissions and it has an efficient conversion rate of energy to heat. For example, water source heat pumps reach reasonably high efficiencies, close to 600 per cent.
5. Provide Cooling
During the warm periods, heat pumps are able to reverse the process, and thus act like an ac unit. Air to air heat pumps can conveniently be switched to cooling mode during the summers.
6. Long Life-Span
The life-span of heat pumps is relatively long, up to 50 years, however the average life span is somewhere between 14 to 15 years. Despite these numbers, they are exceptionally reliable and steady source of heat.
DISADVANTAGES
1. High Upfront Cost
Heat pumps have a large upfront cost, but on the other hand, their operating costs translate to long-term savings on energy bills and lead to a path of reduced carbon emissions.
2. Difficult to Install
Heat pumps are fairly difficult to install considering that research must be made in order to understand the movement of heat, local geology, specifically for ground source heat pumps and the heating and cooling requirements for your household.
3. Questionable Sustainability
Some of the used fluids for heat transfer are of questionable sustainability and thus raise environmental concerns, therefore it is recommended to use biodegradable fluids.
4. Significant Work
The installation process requires significant work and disruption to your house and garden. A pertinent example would be that penetrations have to be made through the building cladding.
5. Cold Weather
Few heat pumps experience issues in cold areas, which can ultimately damage the system, thus full heat pumps efficiency in the cold weather cannot be reached. Although, there are possibilities of an upgraded heat pump system that surmounts this problem. Always check the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) of your heat pump.
6. Carbon Neutral
Heat pumps heavily rely on electricity to operate, implying that they will never be entirely carbon neutral. However, since heat pumps are electric, they represent a perfect fit for solar applications. This is an effective carbon free model. Coupled together with solar panels, heat pumps could lead to a zero net energy.
Are Heat Pumps Worth It?
Heat pumps advantages clearly indicate that they represent a smart investment in the long run. Given that the running costs bring many savings on your energy bills, as the mechanism behind simply moves the heat from one space to another, and not producing it, and the government assists you in your transition towards a green energy solution, heat pumps are absolutely worth it. You might regard the large upfront costs, but simultaneously you also need to see the bigger picture. Solar applications plus heat pumps equals to a path to zero net energy.
There are different types of heat pumps, each with its unique mechanism. Heat
pump brands come along with diverse functions and their sole focus is to make your
life easier
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