What Are Heat Pumps and Could They Benefit Your Business?
Heat pumps can be a great choice for businesses that want to improve their energy efficiency, especially when it comes to the heating and cooling of your buildings. You may have heard of heat pumps before, but never really looked into how they work.
They basically take natural heat from the air, ground, or water and turn it into energy that can then be distributed to provide heating and hot water around your building. This makes them a smart and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas boilers, which are more commonly used in homes and businesses across the UK.
How do heat pumps work?
There are actually three types of heat pumps available for commercial use.
| Heat Pump Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Air Source Heat Pumps | An air source heat pump takes heat from the outside air, even in cold weather, and uses it to heat your building and hot water. Fans pull in the air, the heat is captured by a special fluid, and this energy is then used to warm radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water systems. |
| Ground Source Heat Pumps | Ground source heat pumps absorb heat from the ground using pipes buried underground. A mixture of water and antifreeze circulates through the pipes, collects heat from the ground, and transfers it to the heat pump to warm the building efficiently. |
| Water Source Heat Pumps | Closed-loop systems:
Sealed pipes are placed in a pond or lake to gently collect heat, which is then transferred back to the heat pump. Open-loop systems: An open loop heat pump takes water directly from a water source, extracts the heat, and then returns the water. To install this type of heat pump, you need a permit before the system can be fitted. |
What size heat pump do you need?
The size of a heat pump depends on how much heat your building needs. The system must be the right size to meet this demand.
For example, a small office will usually need a smaller, lower-cost heat pump than a large building such as a school. Insulation also plays an important role. If your building is well insulated, it will lose heat more slowly, meaning a smaller heat pump may be suitable compared to a building with poor insulation.
Installation
The more complex the installation, the higher the overall cost. Installing heat pumps is not cheap, and this is a major consideration for businesses when assessing whether they would benefit from the technology. The upfront cost of installing a heat pump system on site can be quite expensive, but the improved energy efficiency can reduce heating costs by up to 40%, leading to lower energy bills in the long run.
Newer buildings may integrate with the installation more easily, as the pipework and radiators may already be up to standard, making the process more straightforward. In older buildings, however, the pipework or radiators may need upgrading to maximise efficiency and ensure the heat pumps operate effectively.
What are the benefits of a heat pump?
Installing heat pumps for your business can be a cost-effective and more sustainable way to heat your buildings.
If you are looking for more sustainable and predictable energy bills, a heat pump could be the right solution. Heat pumps run on electricity, which can greatly reduce your gas usage, and they are much more energy efficient than traditional gas boilers. In some cases, businesses can see energy savings of up to 40–60%.
For businesses looking to reduce their carbon emissions, heat pumps support cleaner heating and help move away from fossil fuels. They are also safer to use, as there is no risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
What are the drawbacks of heat pumps
With heat pumps offering plenty of benefits, what would be the reasons you might choose not to have this system installed for your business?
The main drawback is the costly upfront investment you would need to pay. If this is something that would work for your business, it may be a great investment. However, due to the high cost, it may be too much of an expense, especially when you keep in mind the installation process and if it will easily integrate with your current systems already in place. You may find that major upgrades are required in order for the heat pump system to function properly and for you to see a return on investment. In that case, the benefits are ultimately outweighed by the cost.
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Written By Faith Labong at Purely Energy
