To look at the climate topic of the European Union, the aim for 2030 is to use renewable energy sources. The main question is what kind of renewable energy sources to use. In our article we gather the advantages and benefits of the heat pump solutions.
Efficient, green heating solution
The heat pumps are engines which utilize the local environmental heat in a renewable way. Thereby these play role not only in the climate protection but by their using the stricter legal requirements also can be met. By investing one kW of electricity, an average of 2.5-3 kW of heating can be produced but with more modern engines 4-5 kW of heating energy can be produced. The cost-effectiveness of system operation is further enhanced by the fact that the required electricity is available from a discounted source when using the H or Geo tariff electricity service. By using a heat pump system, the cost of introducing gas can be avoided in a newly built building, the design of the chimney can be saved, and the gas boiler can also be replaced. That is, not only investment costs can be saved, but also operating costs for gas systems such as chimney sweeping. In addition, it is of course true that heat pumps also require periodic maintenance for long-term reliable operation. The technology is an alternative even if the gas cannot be introduced into the building for environmental reasons or provides an opportunity to completely eliminate carbon monoxide poisoning.
Of course, designing heat pump systems is simpler for newly built properties, but existing heating systems can also be converted. In this case, it is an advantage if the heating has previously been carried out with some low-temperature heat transfer surface – floor heating, wall heating, ceiling heating. Of course, radiator-equipped systems may also be suitable for conversion, but in this case, special attention must be paid to proper design and sizing prior to renovation. In the case of renovations, another solution is to use air-to-air heat pumps which easily can be installed.
Cooling, heating, domestic hot water, ventilation
Typically, not only heating but also summer cooling can be solved with the system, as reversible heat pumps are able to absorb the heat of the building and transfer it to the outside environment. Water source heat pumps have the advantage of being able to provide domestic hot water as well. The efficiency of thermal control can be further increased by integrating a ventilation system. This way, not only can we get fresh, filtered air, but all without the heat loss of conventional ventilation. In addition to providing fresh air, such solutions can effectively prevent mold from forming on the walls.
Energy independent solution
The use of heat pumps can incur the cost of gas heating. Nasen air source heat pumps operate reliably even at extremely low temperatures, which means that they can be used with great safety in European climatic conditions. For geothermal types, however, the seasonal variation of the outside temperature is not decisive. Although the energy required to operate the heat pumps increases the electricity consumption of the building, the already mentioned discounted H or Geo tariff is a great answer to the problem. By combining heat pumps with solar panels, completely energy-independent buildings can also be achieved. With a low-overhead building, the risk of gas and electricity price changes can also be well managed. Thus, investing in a heat pump can provide a great opportunity to prepare for retirement.
Another advantage of heat pumps is that they represent easily controllable clean energy. There is no need to ensure the storage of fuel, no need to arrange for its delivery or disposal of combustion products and ashes.
There are two sides to everything – the disadvantages of heat pumps
Of course, the disadvantage of heat pump systems is that they are not the cheapest thermoregulatory solution. However, it should also be taken into account that with the investment, several assets can be triggered at the same time. The cost of the investment is not lost, it adds to the market value of the property and increases it for a long time due to the long life of the heat pumps.
