Heat pumps can indeed perform cooling functions in a household, but their efficacy depends on various factors. Experts explain why.
In the face of rising temperatures, companies are increasingly looking for solutions that cater to more than just heat. One such solution is the heat pump, a versatile technology that can both heat and cool homes. However, it's essential to understand the differences between air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps when considering a home upgrade.
Air-to-air heat pumps, similar to air conditioners, cool a house by extracting heat from indoor air and releasing it outside, then blowing cooled air directly into the rooms. They are straightforward to retrofit into existing homes and can offer both heating and cooling in one or multiple rooms. Because they deliver cooled air directly, they effectively provide cooling comparable to air conditioners.
On the other hand, air-to-water heat pumps cool by transferring heat from the air to water, which then circulates through underfloor heating systems or fan coil units to cool the rooms. They can provide cooling but require specific installation conditions, typically in new builds where underfloor heating or dedicated fan coils are installed. They are generally not suitable for cooling if the home relies on traditional radiators, common in many existing houses.
Andy Pattison, Head of Renewables at BOXT with over 40 years of experience in the heating and renewables industry, highlights that when uncertain about the options, the company installing the air source heat pump should guide you through them when providing your initial fixed quote.
When assessing if a home is suitable for an air source heat pump, hot water supply needs to be taken into account, in addition to heating and cooling needs. Not all air source heat pumps can also heat water, so it's important to check the make and model carefully before making a choice.
In contrast, air-to-water heat pumps can potentially cool a room, but they may not be the best solution for upgrading existing heating systems. They require underfloor heating or fan coil units and may not work with radiators commonly found in UK homes.
Meanwhile, ground source heat pumps can cool a house, but they require extensive groundwork and are more suitable for new builds or large-scale renovations.
The cost of air conditioning and air source heat pump costs will be a factor when picking a system, but the Boiler Upgrade Scheme may offer grants for air conditioning in the future. The scheme, currently focusing on heating solutions, may potentially expand to offer grants for air conditioning installation.
In conclusion, air-to-air heat pumps are simpler and more effective cooling solutions for existing homes because they cool air directly. Air-to-water heat pumps can provide cooling but only when integrated into appropriate hydronic systems, often in new homes designed for this setup. This makes air-to-air heat pumps the preferred choice for cooling in most retrofit scenarios, while air-to-water heat pumps focus more on heating and require careful integration for cooling.
- Companies are seeking solutions that address more than just heat, such as the heat pump, a versatile technology that can both heat and cool homes.
- Air-to-air heat pumps, similar to air conditioners, provide cooling by extracting heat from indoor air and releasing it outside before blowing cooled air into rooms, making them suitable for retrofitting into existing homes.
- Andy Pattison, an expert in the heating and renewables industry, advises that the company installing the air source heat pump should guide you through the options when providing your initial fixed quote.
- When assessing if a home is suitable for an air source heat pump, factors like hot water supply and heating and cooling needs should be taken into account, as not all air source heat pumps can also heat water.
- Ground source heat pumps can cool a house but require extensive groundwork and are more suitable for new builds or large-scale renovations.
- The cost of air conditioning and air source heat pump costs will be a factor when choosing a system, but the Boiler Upgrade Scheme may offer grants for air conditioning in the future, potentially expanding to include air conditioning installation.
