How heat pumps work
Heat pumps take energy from the air, ground or water outside and use it to heat your home and your hot water.
How do heat pumps work?
On a simple level, a heat pump works similarly to more traditional heating systems. There is a box sitting outside your home that produces hot water. The water then goes through your home's pipework to give you heat and hot water.
The difference is it uses less than a third of the energy compared to an oil or gas boiler. It's also a cleaner option. Heat pumps only use electricity, which increasingly comes from renewable sources.
Heat pumps are the best system out there for homes that are well insulated. Installing a heat pump often requires very little change to your existing heating system. They can work well with underfloor heating and radiator systems. They're a great way to give you constant hot water and a more comfortable home.
The heat pump process
So, how does a heat pump give you heat and hot water? Let's take a closer look at what the process involves:
Step one:
The heat pump pulls in heat from the air outside your home, even when it is cold outside!
Step two:
The temperature of the heat from the outdoor air is increased by the heat pump and it then heats the water.
Step three:
The warm water is sent into your home to heat through radiators or underfloor heating.
Step four:
The warm water heats the water in your cylinder to provide constant hot water.
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Heat pumps work extremely well in cold weather. They are very popular in Sweden and Norway! Many heat pumps on the market today can handle temperatures as low as -15°C.
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Heat pumps work well in both new and older homes. There are lots of examples of heat pumps being installed as part of a retrofit in older homes.
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Heat pumps use a lot less energy to heat your home. Your electricity bill might increase as electricity will now count for 85-90% of the energy in your home. But remember, you'll no longer have oil or gas bills.
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While you never have to switch the heat pump off, that doesn’t mean it is working all the time. The system responds to temperature and works when it's needed.
Did you know?
It’s worth considering your heat pump options and the steps to get one installed. Talk to an SEAI registered contractor or One Stop Shop who can give you advice.
Types of heat pump systems
There are different types of heat pump system available in Ireland. A registered contractor can help you to figure out the best option for your home.
Air source
These are the most common type of heat pump in Ireland. They take energy from the air outside, even when it's cold, and turn it into heat for your home and hot water. They do not need underground piping to source heat. This means they can be less expensive and easier to install compared to ground source heat pumps.
Ground source
A ground source heat pump system takes heat from the ground through pipework. It's then transferred to the heat pump. The pipework can be laid horizontally below the surface at a shallow depth or vertically at a greater depth, depending on the space available. They are the most energy efficient heat pump but also more expensive.
Water source
Water source heat pump systems are not common in Ireland. They take the heat from open water, such as lakes, rivers or streams. The heat is collected using pipes in the water body and then delivered to the heat pump. This heat pump system requires the home to be near a body of water.
Choosing a heat pump for your home
Picking the right heat pump depends on your practical needs and your budget. Many people choose air source heat pumps as they need relatively little space. If you have a large garden or live near a body of water, you may choose a ground source or water source heat pump.
SEAI registered heat pump contractors and independent SEAI registered Technical Advisors can help you make the right choice. They will assess your home and outline the pros and cons of each type of heat pump system for your needs.
There are grants available to help with the cost of a heat pump system.
Heat pump grant