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windHeat Pumps transfer heat from the ground, air or water, effectively concentrating it, into warm water to heat homes, offices or swimming pools.
- They are effectively fridges in reverse, taking advantage of small temperature differentials to provide warm water that most often will be used to heat your house. For instance, the temperature a few feet underground remains fairly constant all year round. This heat can be absorbed by the heat pump system, and used to warm water. Unlike from a normal boiler, the temperature of the water is not very high, making a heating system such as underfloor heating ideal.
- In the UK, ground source heat pumps are often the most suitable type. In this case, either a deep hole is bored into the ground or, more often, a long loop of pipe is buried a few feet below the surface of your garden. A significant area is needed - which unfortunately must be dug up!
- But heat pumps are efficient, and can pay for themselves relatively quickly, particularly for new builds or houses where renovation is being undertaken. The products available are well developed and the number of installations is rising fast.
For further information, take a look at the Heat Pumps Details Guide.
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