Heat pumps transfer heat energy from a source of heat (e.g. air or ground) to what is called a thermal reservoir by absorbing heat from a cold area, such as outdoors and releasing it to a warmer area such as indoors.
Heat pumps generally consist of:
- A condenser
- An expansion valve
- An evaporator
- A compressor
The heat transfer medium circulated through these components is called refrigerant.
Heat pumps can normally be used in either heating or cooling mode. When a heat pump is used for heating, it uses a similar process used by air conditioners or refrigerators, but in the opposite direction, releasing heat into the conditioned space rather than the surrounding environment. Heat pumps draw heat from the cooler external air (air source heat pumps) or from the ground (ground source heat pumps).
Heat pumps are an efficient alternative to oil, fuel, and electric systems with regards to both heating and cooling as they supply more heating and cooling capacity than the amount of electricity used to run them.
The Financial Benefits of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are highly likely to save a lot of money on annual fuel bills due to their extremely high energy efficiency ratings. Whilst the initial outlay can be quite high, for people intending to stay in a property for a long time they can be the best financial option long term.
In addition to efficiency heat pumps have other benefits including:
- Low maintenance
- Safer than combustion-based heating
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Provide cooling as mentioned earlier
- Long-life span, anything up to 40 years
Here at Polar Pumps, we offer the absolute best in heat pump training courses, so if that is an area you intend to work in, please contact us for more details on how we can assist with your heat pump training requirements.
