AIR/GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
Heat pumps use a thermodynamic process called heat transfer, allowing you to harness heat energy from outside to heat your home. There are two types of heat pumps which we install, both of them work on the same heat transfer principle, but extract the energy from different sources.
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Air source heat pumps are the most common and cheaper options of the two. They extracts heat energy from the surrounding air through a fan unit, similar to how a fridge extracts heat from its inside and transfers the heat out the back.
Ground source heat pumps on the other hand utilise the steady ground temperature to heat up your home. For this to work, a pipe loop has to be placed underground where the heat pump refrigerant is pumped through to absorb the heat. These heat pumps tend to be more efficient as ground temperatures are more steady, but because of the ground loop, slightly pricier also.
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Because of the super cool refrigerants inside the heat pump, they can absorb heat from the outside even in -15° C temperatures.
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So how does a Heat Pump really work?
Step 01.
The heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air or ground (depending on the type of heat pump) using a refrigerant fluid that is circulated through a closed loop of pipes or tubes.
Step 02.
The refrigerant fluid is then compressed, which increases its temperature and pressure.
Step 03.
The hot refrigerant is then transferred to a heat exchanger inside the building, where it releases its heat to warm up the indoor space.
Step 04.
The refrigerant then returns to its original state and is circulated back outside to begin the process again.
What are the benefits of a Heat Pump?
The advantages of air source heat pumps are numerous.
Energy efficiency: ASHPs are very efficient and can provide heat at a much lower cost than traditional heating systems. They can also be used for cooling during the summer months.
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Reduce carbon footprint: ASHPs generate heat without burning fossil fuels, which means they can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
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Low maintenance: ASHPs have fewer moving parts than traditional heating systems, which means they require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan.
Renewable heat incentive: In many countries, including the UK, there are government incentives available for installing ASHPs, such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). This can help offset the upfront cost of installation and make ASHPs a more affordable option.
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Increase home value: Installing an ASHP can increase the value of your home, as many homebuyers are looking for energy-efficient homes.
What to consider for installation:
01.
Do you have space around your home?
Heat pumps will need to be positioned outside your house, slightly away from the building walls to allow for plenty of airflow through the unit.
03.
Would you consider underfloor heating?
Heat pumps work best with underfloor heating systems or fan heaters, as they heat a larger surface area with a lower operating temperature. However if this is not an option for you, we recommend at least upgrading your radiators to a larger size.
02.
How is your insulation?
Because heat pumps operate on lower temperatures compared to standard boilers, we recommend insulating your home first to reduce heat loss before installation, helping maximise the heat pump's efficiency.
04.
What heating system are you replacing?
Depending on individual household, when replacing oil heating systems, heat pumps earn back their price in savings fairly quickly. However when it comes to replacing mains gas heating systems, it may take a little longer to earn back the value in saving. If you are unsure whether a heat pump is for you, speak to one of our staff here.
What we do
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As Vaillant qualified engineers with a proven track record, achieving targets within various installation environments, we believe that ground/air source heat pumps are a perfect solution for well insulated buildings, especially when used with underfloor heating.
It provides significant benefits of low maintenance and reduced heating cost.
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XKY energy aims to provide you with defined expertise and highest standard of workmanship to delivery your project. We will carry out all your work by
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- Consult on suitability
- Design for your individual requirements
- Installation
- End to end project management
MCS Certified Ref. No. NAP 30513
