Heat Pumps

They're renewable energy heating systems that harness energy from the air, ground, or water to heat homes and water efficiently.

What are they? 

They are significantly cheaper to operate and have much lower carbon emissions than traditional gas or oil heating systems.  While highly efficient, they require good insulation for optimal performance.

A heat pump works by using a compressor and heat exchanger to draw thermal energy from an external source and transfer it indoors. This process involves capturing heat from the surrounding environment and concentrating it within the home. 

As with a refrigerator that removes heat from its interior, a heat pump draws heat from outside and directs it into living spaces. This constant background operation keeps temperatures stable, ideally suited for well-insulated homes.

Types of Heat Pumps

  • Operation: These systems extract heat from the air, using it to warm water that circulates through radiators or underfloor heating.
  • Usage: Ideal for homes with moderate heating needs and well-suited to new builds in well-insulated properties. They are the most popular type in Ireland due to lower installation costs and straightforward setup.
  • Advantages: Lower initial cost and easy installation; ideal for moderate climates and homes with central heating systems.
  • Common Installation Locations: Outside walls; visible in many new residential areas.
  • Operation: These pumps draw heat from a water source to heat the home's water system.
  • Usage: Best suited for properties with access to a nearby water source. They are more efficient than air-to-water systems in cold weather but require specific environmental conditions.
  • Advantages: High efficiency in cold weather, as water sources retain heat well; excellent for properties in rural or water-abundant areas.
  • Installation Consideration: Requires a stable and accessible water source.
  • Operation: Ground-source heat pumps use buried pipes to draw heat from the earth, which remains at a consistent temperature year-round.
  • Usage: Ideal for new builds or properties with substantial land for the ground loop. While more expensive to install, they offer superior efficiency and are particularly effective in colder regions.
  • Advantages: Very efficient even in extreme cold; stable performance year-round.
  • Installation Consideration: High initial cost; best for properties with sufficient land for installation.
  • Operation: These systems distribute heat through air ducts instead of water-based systems.
  • Usage: Most popular in warmer climates where the system can be used for both heating and cooling. Less common in Ireland but useful in homes where ductwork is preferred over radiators or underfloor heating.
  • Advantages: Dual heating and cooling capability; ideal for climates with warm summers.
  • Installation Consideration: Less suitable for very cold climates without supplementary heating.

Suitability & Energy Savings Tips

Heat pumps work best in energy-efficient homes with low heat loss. To determine if a home is suitable, homeowners can check their BER (Building Energy Rating) report for a Heat Loss Indicator (HLI). An HLI of less than 2 suggests a home is heat-pump ready, whereas higher values indicate the need for insulation improvements. By understanding the requirements for insulation and the operational patterns of heat pumps, homeowners can optimize their usage, reduce costs, and make positive strides toward sustainable living.

BER Certificate rates the energy efficiency of a home on a scale from A  (most efficient) to G (least efficient). BER Advisory Report is issued with the BER Certificate, it provides specific recommendations for energy efficiency upgrades tailored to the property. Heat Loss Indicator (HLI) is found in the BER Advisory Report, this measures how quickly heat escapes from the home: 

  • HLI < 2: Indicates the property is well-insulated and suitable for a heat pump.
  • HLI > 2: Suggests the home would benefit from insulation improvements to enhance efficiency before installing a heat pump.

Energy Savings Tips

  • Keep windows and doors closed, and use draught stoppers to block drafts.
  • Ensure your home is well-insulated; check your BER Advisory Report for recommended improvements.
  • Avoid using a heat pump in homes with a BER rating below B3 for maximum efficiency.
  • During extremely cold weather, heat pumps may need more energy to maintain indoor temperatures as they draw heat from a colder outdoor source.
  • When temperatures fall below freezing (e.g., -2°C or -3°C), heat pumps work harder, leading to temporary spikes in electricity usage and costs.
  • In Ireland, these temperature dips are usually short-lived, so energy use typically returns to normal as outside temperatures rise.
  • Schedule annual servicing to maintain optimal performance and energy efficiency, identifying and resolving issues before they impact operation.


 

  • Set a consistent, comfortable temperature (e.g., 18°C in bedrooms, 20°C in living areas), and avoid frequent changes.
  • Adjust settings seasonally, but don’t set temperatures too low in winter, as this can reduce efficiency.
  • Avoid completely turning off the heat pump in colder months, as restarting uses more energy.
  • Heat pumps work best when operating consistently; frequent on-and-off cycles lead to higher electricity costs and longer heating times.


 

  • Make sure the heat pump unit is unobstructed and not covered, as this affects performance.


 

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