Heat pumps are an amazing technology that generate heat using electricity. By using electricity ( and not fossil fuels) they will be a key step in decarbonising heating in domestic homes. They are incredibly efficient converting 1 kW of electricity into 4 kW of heat energy ( using 3 kW gained from the environment). This is a 400% efficiency conversion – compared to boilers which at best have a 90% efficiency conversion.
Heating the homes of the UK with Gas, as we do now, generates around 14% of the UK’s total Carbon emissions. Thats 56.77 million tonnes of CO2 annually, just from heating homes alone. As more and more renewable electricity is generated and the grid decarbonises, homes too need to change their heating methods to utilise these renewables and reduce carbon emissions. As we have seen recently, global gas prices can change rapidly, and can be affected by social and political situations. Switching away from gas heating could also be a step towards insulating ourselves against these global fluctuations in gas prices and reduce our reliance on importing expensive gas.
Key points to consider are :
Energy Efficiency
Ensuring houses are adequately insulated is essential. Homes need to be able to maintain and retain their heat ( meaning less energy is needed to maintain constant temperature).
A ”leaky home” will cost you more money, as the heat generated will be lost to the environment. This means more heat will be needed to be generated, costing more money, to maintain the homes temperature.
New homes Vs Retro fit
New homes should all be being built to a much higher standard meaning they are adequately insulated, less leaky and be ready for the future including having lower flow temperatures – which is beneficial for heat pump installation.
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/part-l
Older/ less-efficient properties will need more work to get them heat pump ready. Adequate insulation in the roof, walls and floor as well as stopping drafts and double glazing homes are all recommended to get the best efficiency from a heat pump. These changes are not necessary – but they will greatly reduce the energy and money needed to heat these homes. The cost of improving the home’s efficiency will undoubtably be made back in savings from heating the home more efficiently.
The flow temperature, radiator size and plumbing of older properties may need to be altered to let the heat pump work most efficiently too.
https://www.heatgeek.com/do-i-need-to-upgrade-my-radiators-for-a-heat-pump/
”Heat pumps are so hot right now”
”The energy-efficient appliances — which paradoxically can both heat and cool buildings — have been around for decades. They run on electricity, rather than fossil fuels, an important perk as climate change fuels more heat waves and Americans install more air conditioners.”
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/power-switch/2022/08/02/heat-pumps-are-so-hot-right-now-00049206
”Gas Boiler VS Heat Pump”
Heat Geek are an incredible company ( and Youtube channel) giving expert advice on all aspects of the heating industry. They have a wealth of knowledge on heat pumps, and the factors needed to get them efficiently and effectively installed, maintained and heating your home.
Check out their website: https://www.heatgeek.com/
And youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatGeek
And have a look at this video for an idea of what they do.
Fully Charged Episode: “Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps”
Fully Charged is the world’s number 1 clean energy & electric vehicle channel hosted by writer, broadcaster and actor Robert Llewellyn along with Maddie Moate, Jack Scarlett, Helen Czerski, Chelsea Sexton and Andy Torbet.
https://fullycharged.show/
https://www.youtube.com/c/fullychargedshow
Here’s their episode on Heat Pumps:
Passive Housing
Let’s not forget, whilst heat pumps are an amazing step forward, we already have the technology and building methods to create homes that do not require any external heating or cooling. Passive houses can utilise the sun for all heating needs, shade for all cooling needs and maintain a consistent temperature. Passive home use smart design to absorb adequate sunlight for heat, thermal mass for heat storage and emission and utilise adequate air flow to maintain a constant environment. Homes have the ability to be warm enough / cool enough for humans to live and thrive in them, without the need of extra heating or cooling.
Passive housing can also be set up to Generate electricity ( more than is consumed in the property itself).
These two videos are from 10 years ago – both showing off homes that generate more renewable energy than they use.