Heat Pumps

What are heat pumps

A heat pump is a machine or device that moves heat from one location (the ‘source’) at a lower temperature to another location (the ‘sink’ or ‘heat sink’) at a higher temperature using mechanical work or a high-temperature heat source.

The difference between a heat pump and a normal air conditioner is that a heat pump can be used to provide heating or cooling. Even though the heat pump can heat, it still uses the same basic refrigeration cycle to do this. In other words a heat pump can change which coil is the condenser and which the evaporator. This is normally achieved by a reversing valve. In cooler climates it is common to have heat pumps that are designed only to provide heating.

Why use heat pumps?

Heat pumps simply replace existing gas-guzzling systems. They connect to existing heating and hot water systems, and will run an existing radiator set up. Heat pumps can link to wet underfloor heating, and we can advise on and install underfloor heating, if it’s appropriate, but that’s entirely separate.

Another benefit of heat pumps is that the average gas boiler has a useful life of around 12 years. Heat pumps have a 25 year lifespan. Boilers lose 2% of their efficiency every year on average and require annual check ups. Heat pumps maintain their efficiency from day one and require no regular maintenance.

Is there financial assistance available?

For home-owners using government (MCS) accredited designers and installers such as Greenfields Heat & Power ltd to install heat pumps, substantial grants are available for homeowners.

For businesses, schools, community and not-for profit organisations, such as charities wanting commercial heat pump installers, a large range of grants, loans and incentives are also available. See the Microgeneration Certification Scheme website for full details.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us for commercial heat pump installers.