HEATING
The rise of heat pump technology
As the impact of climate change becomes more apparent, companies, governments and individuals alike are now taking a greater responsibility towards reducing their impact upon the environment. Tony Lathey, Panasonic’s UK airto-water pre-sales manager, discusses how as consumers look for alternative technologies for heating and cooling, air source heat pumps are proving popular.
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enewable technology, together with cost savings and energy efficiency is now high on the agenda with property owners when either home purchase or refurbishment projects are being considered.
Thanks to the vast amount of information available online and the various Government schemes, such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), homeowners and commercial property owners are becoming more knowledgeable and demanding renewable technology to heat and cool their properties.
Marcel Cooper, construction director of property developer, James Developments explains: “We find that today’s prospective purchasers are far more aware of environmental issues, emissions and the need for their homes to be sustainable than in the past.
“Purchasers increasingly look for cleaner, greener homes and are far more mindful of the potential running costs. We installed air source heat pumps in a development of 36 homes about ten years ago. Back then, purchasers were not aware of the benefits and economies that air source heat pumps offered, although they were all very pleased with the way the homes functioned once they had moved in.
“Now however, information online and in the media has made the average purchaser visiting site today much more aware that air source heat pumps are a desirable way to provide renewable heating.”
Given the above, it comes as no surprise that renewable technology is a high priority for
42 October 2019
developers of new-build properties, self-build projects and more recently renovations. There is a clear trend, moving away from traditional and expensive heating fuels such as LPG, oil or direct electric for the more efficient heat pump system.
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are ideal for residential properties where the emphasis is on green, energy-efficient technology. Air source heat pumps use air from outside the home, generating energy to heat the home and produce hot water. Up to 80% of the energy generated by the heat pump comes from the air, with electricity making up the remaining 20%, so not only is this an extremely cost-effective alternative, but it is also environmentally friendly. With increasingly volatile energy prices, an air source heat pump is a great option to reduce overall energy bills by up to 60% when compared
to fossil fuel alternatives. Solar panels can also be connected to a heat pump system to further increase the efficiency.
The air source heat pump solution offers a space saving, energy-efficient heating solution that can be easily adapted for installation in flats, bungalows and houses.
The outdoor heat pump unit draws ambient air across the refrigerant-filled coils. The captured heat in the refrigerant is transferred to water, if a higher temperature is required the compressor raises the temperature on a modulated basis, which is then ready for use in the heating system or domestic hot water cylinder.
Furthermore, heat pumps have the added benefit of being externally positioned to help save on valuable internal living spaces. An air source heat pump is a considerable investment. It is therefore important, when considering a heat pump, to choose a reputable manufacturer who will provide a quality service, a comprehensive warranty and provide proper guidance about the buying and installation of heat pumps.
The initial outlay of a sustainable heating system may be slightly higher, however buying from a reputable manufacturer will ensure a high-quality, long life product, low maintenance costs and the peace of mind that you’ve made an optimised investment.
A reputable manufacturer will also have the confidence in their products to offer a comprehensive warranty, such as Panasonic’s seven-year warranty*3.
www.acr-news.com
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