What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a form of ‘low-carbon’ central heating. They run on electricity, which can be generated from renewable sources. They work by essentially capturing heat from outside your home, heating it up and transferring it inside your home.

A heat pump works in a similar way to a boiler in a central heating system, but instead of burning fuel to generate heat, it uses naturally occurring heat from the ground or air outside

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

A heat pump uses the same technology as air conditioning and fridges but reversing the process for heating rather than cooling.

  • 1

    Heat from the air outside or from underground is drawn into your heat pump system.

  • 2

    This heat is warm enough to cause the liquid in the heat pump to evaporate and turn into a gas.

  • 3

    The gas is then compressed, which increases the pressure, and causes its temperature to rise.

  • 4

    The heat is then transferred into your central heating system or hot water tank.

  • 5

    As the heat is transferred into the home, the gas falls in temperature, causing it to return to a liquid.

  • 6

    The cycle repeats until your home reaches the required temperature setting on your thermostat.

What are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps offer several benefits – the key one being their ‘greener’ environmental impact – making them an attractive choice for heating your home. However, there are some downsides you need to be aware of too. Here are some of the key pros and cons of a heat pump:

Pro’s

  • Can significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
  • Don’t need much maintenance once they’re installed.
  • No need for a fuel delivery like oil, LPG, gas bottles, or wood for biomass.
  • Can be paired with solar panels.
  • Suitable for any age property.
  • If you’re replacing an old, inefficient boiler, they can offer decent savings on your energy bill.
  • Off-grid homes will no longer need storage space for fuel on your property, and it reduces the risk of fuel leaks and theft.

Con’s

  • Generally more expensive to install than boilers (often even with the government grant).
  • Some properties may need to upgrade some of their radiators.
  • Can take up a lot of space.
  • Can blow colder air into the area immediately around them.
  • Not as widespread currently, so fewer plumbers are able to service them.
  • Currently little savings (if any) to run compared to newer boilers.
  • You’ll need a hot water cylinder for storing your home’s hot water (or an alternative hot water supply).

Renewable Heat Pumps

Air Source Heat Pumps use renewable energy from the air to heat your home efficiently, reducing carbon emissions and energy bills.

Future-proof your energy usage with renewable heating options, including solar thermal and hybrid systems. Energy-efficient heat pump systems designed to provide sustainable heating and cooling.

Contact NxtGen Heat

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