Heat Pump
Because of the recent events with climate change, a lot of people are becoming more mindful of the carbon footprints they leave behind. That is why heat pumps are getting popular these days.
What is a heat pump
Heat pumps are a cleaner and smarter way to cool, heat, dehumidify, and even purify the air inside your home. It is all-in-one equipment to replace all your HVAC systems.
Heat pumps are powered with electricity and not by burning fossil fuels which leaves a lot of carbon footprints. Because of this, a lot of environmentalists favor using heat pumps rather than other heaters. In addition, they are very energy efficient and can be used to cool and heat your home without needing to buy separate equipment.
How does a heat pump work?
Technically speaking, a heat pump system doesn’t create heat. It moves heat from one place to another.
To put it simply, during winter or cold season, it recycles and reuses the heat from the air or ground outside of your home then moves it inside. In summer, the process is reversed. The heat pump takes the heat inside your home, then moves it outside. As a result, you can enjoy a well-balanced and comfortable temperature all year round.
Heat pumps are considered one of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems available in the market. It recycles and reuses the heat from the ground or air lowering the work done by your heat pumps, increasing the CoP or coefficient of performance, decreasing the operating cost. Resulting in a lower monthly heating utility cost.
The importance of proper heat pump installation
A standard heat pump has several parts that need to be properly installed to work properly. It has:
- \An indoor unit comes with a coil and a fan that moves the air inside your home.
- \The outdoor unit also comes with a coil that acts as a condenser (in cooling mode) and an evaporator (in heating mode).
- \Refrigerant is the one that absorbs and releases the heat inside the heat pump.
- \The compressor works with the refrigerant and pressurizes it.
- \Reversing valve is the one responsible for changing the direction of the heat pump. It enables the easy shift from heating to cooling modes and vice versa.
- \While the expansion valve is the one that regulates the flow of refrigerant in the heat pump system.
These parts are all very important as well as the proper ventilation and the right amount of refrigerant (can be dangerous if someone without experience handled them) to use. If they are not installed properly, there is a BIG chance that it can lower your heat pump efficiency. In addition, it can be prone to damages and early breakdowns which is a waste of investment.
I highly suggest calling your professional heating service Burnaby. They will be able to properly survey the vents and adjust them based on what your heat pump needs. Hiring qualified and reputable heating services will ensure your heat pump will work to its highest potential and performance. Hence, helping you save on your monthly utility bill and your repair and maintenance cost.
Type of Heat pump
Heat pumps are powered by nature that is the main reason why they are environmentally friendly. There are three main types of heat pumps: air, ground, and water.
Air Source
As the name suggests, ASHP uses air outside of your home to transfer heat inside. When properly installed, air-source heat pumps can provide energy-efficient cooling and heating all year round. It is a great alternative to your air conditioning systems and furnaces.
Plus, you can also enjoy hot water without having to install a separate water heater with an ASHP. Just call your professional heating service provider and ask them to have it installed.
If you want to dehumidify the air inside your home and want an energy-efficient heating and cooling system, ASHP is the one for you.
Water Source
This type uses a heat exchanger instead of an outdoor fan and coil. The most utilized part of a WSHP is the refrigerant. The refrigerant has this water loop system where water is turned into gas then into water. The temperature of the water produced depends on the temperature needed. It either cools or boils the water to achieve the optimum and desired temperature inside your home.
Ground Source
Also known as geothermal heat pump systems, GSHPs use either ground or water to provide not only heating and cooling but also hot water in your home. Compared to ASHPs, GSHPs are quieter, need little to no maintenance, and last longer with proper care. However, they are more expensive and will cost more upfront and in installation.
Newer ground-source heat pumps are more energy-efficient and easy to use.
The Pros and Cons of different ASHP
Before replacing your heating and cooling systems in your home with ASHP, it is best to consider the pros and cons of an air source heat pump. Here are a few:
Advantages
- \Because it transfers heating and cooling from nature, it generates a low carbon footprint.
- \ASHPs transfers heat from the air outside to your home, reducing the need to burn gas or oil resulting in low monthly energy bills.
- \It can be used for both space heating and to provide hot water.
- \Can be used for both summer and winter because of its high Seasonal Coefficient of Performance or SCOP.
- \Quick and easy to install. ASHP’s can be installed in a few days (if you hire professional installers, which I highly suggest you do).
- \It only needs once a year servicing and maintenance. But replacing and cleaning the filters and checking for leaks, refrigerants, dust, and blockages can be done by you.
- \There is no need for any fuel storage.
- \It works great with floor heating.
- \It can last for a long time. With proper maintenance and servicing, ASHP can last up to 20 years.
Disadvantages
- \ASHPs need bigger radiators which might not fit on every home. Bigger radiators can also lower the heating in some homes.
- \A compressor and fan are needed.
- \Your home needs to be properly insulated to maximize the use of ASHPs and lower your monthly energy bill.
- \ASHPs are noisier compared to boilers. It might not be for everyone.
- \They lose efficiency when the temperature reaches below 0°C.
- \If you have access to a cheaper gas supply, replacing your heater with ASHPs can be more expensive