FAQ’s
Q1. How efficient is a Heat Pump?
A.Heat pumps are very efficient. The energy extracted from the ground is around 3-5 times more than the energy required to run the heat pump. For example, for each kilowatt of power required, 3-5 kilowatts of heat is produced.
Q2.I have only heard of these systems recently, are they new?
A.Heat pumps were invented about 50 years ago but have become more efficient over the years. They have been used in America and parts of Europe throughout this time. They are now a proven and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels.
Q3.Physically, how big are these systems?
A.A typical heat pump unit for a domestic dwelling is approximately the same size as a large fridge.
Q1. How efficient is a Heat Pump?
A.Heat pumps are very efficient. The energy extracted from the ground is around 3-5 times more than the energy required to run the heat pump. For example, for each kilowatt of power required, 3-5 kilowatts of heat is produced.
Q2.I have only heard of these systems recently, are they new?
A.Heat pumps were invented about 50 years ago but have become more efficient over the years. They have been used in America and parts of Europe throughout this time. They are now a proven and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels.
Q3.Physically, how big are these systems?
A.A typical heat pump unit for a domestic dwelling is approximately the same size as a large fridge.
Q4.Can these systems also supply the hot water for my home?
A.Yes. The systems we use can also heat the water for a domestic application, although in some cases additional tanks may be required.
Q5.Is my standard single phase electric supply sufficient or will I need three phase?
A.A standard single phase electricity supply is fine for most domestic applications. Some of the larger systems do require three-phase or the installation of additional single-phase units to compensate.
Q6.I am having a property built, is a heat pump something that I should consider?
A.Definitely. Current building regulations mean that all ‘new builds’ are very well insulated meaning more of the heat is retained so less heating is required. Ideally under-floor heating should be installed to produce the most cost efficient system.
Q7.I have an existing property that I am thinking of having a heat pump installed in, is this possible?
A.Yes it is. The only problem is that older properties are not as well insulated as modern ones so the heat loss is greater. The greater the heat loss, the more heating is required. Also if you have radiators, they will probably have to be upgraded as heat pumps work at lower temperatures than conventional boilers.
Q8.I do not have under-floor heating in my home, I have standard radiators, are these ok?
A.Possibly. However, standard radiators are not as efficient as under-floor heating. Larger radiators are likely to be required to heat the property depending on the size of the rooms.
Q9.Can the heat pump be installed in an outside building like a garage or basement?
A.Yes. There is generally no problem in doing this. It could mean that the heat pump is closer to the loop pipe which makes the system easier to install. Some people do have a small external enclosure built for the heat pump system.
Q10.My property does not have enough room for trenches or the ground is rocky and very hard to dig, can I still have a heat pump system?
A.Yes. There is always the option of using air source or possibly boreholes instead of trenches. With boreholes, the pipework does not go horizontally it goes vertically instead.
Q11.I have plenty of space in my garden but I would like to know how big are they?
A.The trenches are normally approximately 1 metre deep, 1 metre wide with a loop running up either side. Even if space is available, air source and boreholes can still be used and some people prefer these options as it means less disruption.
Q12.My land is very wet, can I still use a heat pump?
A.Yes. Water is a better conductor of heat so as long as the trenches or boreholes can physically be constructed it is ideal.
Q13.I have a large pond/stream, can this be used?
A.Yes it can be used as an energy heat source and as water is a better conductor of heat than the ground they can be more efficient.
Q14.Are they really that much more environmentally friendly than conventional heating systems?
A.Yes. It has been calculated that the amount of CO2 emissions that come from heating buildings is around 40%. Some electricity suppliers offer a ‘clean green’ supply from a renewable energy source. If this is used in conjunction with a GSHP, all the heat your property requires will be from renewable sources which can result in zero carbon emissions.
Q15.Do these systems have any dangerous emissions of contaminants and what about servicing?
A.There are no hazardous gas emissions, no flammable components, no unsightly tanks and no gas required. There is no need for regular servicing or annual checks and maintenance is very low.
Q16.How do the running costs for a heat pump compare to conventional alternatives?
A.They are three to five times more cost effective to run compared to electric heating. They are considerably more cost effective than oil-fired boilers. Modern gas boilers may only be slightly more expensive but they are subject to the current gas prices. Most other alternatives to heat pumps also require regular maintenance.
Q17.How much do they cost to have installed?
A.It does vary from site to site. The initial outlay will be more expensive than a conventional system but this is off-set by the lower running costs. The other thing to consider is the fact that the energy you are using to heat is from a renewable source and therefore is not subject to price increases.
A.Yes. The systems we use can also heat the water for a domestic application, although in some cases additional tanks may be required.
Q5.Is my standard single phase electric supply sufficient or will I need three phase?
A.A standard single phase electricity supply is fine for most domestic applications. Some of the larger systems do require three-phase or the installation of additional single-phase units to compensate.
Q6.I am having a property built, is a heat pump something that I should consider?
A.Definitely. Current building regulations mean that all ‘new builds’ are very well insulated meaning more of the heat is retained so less heating is required. Ideally under-floor heating should be installed to produce the most cost efficient system.
Q7.I have an existing property that I am thinking of having a heat pump installed in, is this possible?
A.Yes it is. The only problem is that older properties are not as well insulated as modern ones so the heat loss is greater. The greater the heat loss, the more heating is required. Also if you have radiators, they will probably have to be upgraded as heat pumps work at lower temperatures than conventional boilers.
Q8.I do not have under-floor heating in my home, I have standard radiators, are these ok?
A.Possibly. However, standard radiators are not as efficient as under-floor heating. Larger radiators are likely to be required to heat the property depending on the size of the rooms.
Q9.Can the heat pump be installed in an outside building like a garage or basement?
A.Yes. There is generally no problem in doing this. It could mean that the heat pump is closer to the loop pipe which makes the system easier to install. Some people do have a small external enclosure built for the heat pump system.
Q10.My property does not have enough room for trenches or the ground is rocky and very hard to dig, can I still have a heat pump system?
A.Yes. There is always the option of using air source or possibly boreholes instead of trenches. With boreholes, the pipework does not go horizontally it goes vertically instead.
Q11.I have plenty of space in my garden but I would like to know how big are they?
A.The trenches are normally approximately 1 metre deep, 1 metre wide with a loop running up either side. Even if space is available, air source and boreholes can still be used and some people prefer these options as it means less disruption.
Q12.My land is very wet, can I still use a heat pump?
A.Yes. Water is a better conductor of heat so as long as the trenches or boreholes can physically be constructed it is ideal.
Q13.I have a large pond/stream, can this be used?
A.Yes it can be used as an energy heat source and as water is a better conductor of heat than the ground they can be more efficient.
Q14.Are they really that much more environmentally friendly than conventional heating systems?
A.Yes. It has been calculated that the amount of CO2 emissions that come from heating buildings is around 40%. Some electricity suppliers offer a ‘clean green’ supply from a renewable energy source. If this is used in conjunction with a GSHP, all the heat your property requires will be from renewable sources which can result in zero carbon emissions.
Q15.Do these systems have any dangerous emissions of contaminants and what about servicing?
A.There are no hazardous gas emissions, no flammable components, no unsightly tanks and no gas required. There is no need for regular servicing or annual checks and maintenance is very low.
Q16.How do the running costs for a heat pump compare to conventional alternatives?
A.They are three to five times more cost effective to run compared to electric heating. They are considerably more cost effective than oil-fired boilers. Modern gas boilers may only be slightly more expensive but they are subject to the current gas prices. Most other alternatives to heat pumps also require regular maintenance.
Q17.How much do they cost to have installed?
A.It does vary from site to site. The initial outlay will be more expensive than a conventional system but this is off-set by the lower running costs. The other thing to consider is the fact that the energy you are using to heat is from a renewable source and therefore is not subject to price increases.
