What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a device used to warm and sometimes also cool buildings by transferring thermal energy from a cooler space to a warmer space using the refrigeration cycle, being the opposite direction in which heat transfer would take place without the application of external power.

Can Heat Pumps Be Installed in All Types of Properties?

Yes, they can be installed in new or existing homes. Aquarea is an innovation system that is designed to provide ideal indoor temperatures and hot water even in extreme cold outdoor temperatures. There are a wide range of Aquarea heat pumps available to suit a large range of properties.

What Are the Main Benefits of Heat Pumps?

The main benefits of installing a heat pump in your home are that it will reduce your energy costs, it is a more efficient use of energy, it will provide you with instant heating and cooling. The advantages are only a few – you can read more about the benefits of heat pumps here – (link to new heat pump benefits page).

How Much Will It Cost to Run?

In comparison to oil or gas, installing a heat pump will be significantly less. Air source heat pumps might require a big upfront investment. But the good news is that they are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home.

An air source heat pump produces more heat energy than it uses in electricity. So while a modern gas boiler is more than 90% efficient – and electric heaters are 100% – an air-source heat pump efficiency can be three or four times higher!

Their high efficiency means that air source heat pump running costs can be far lower than what you’d typically pay for your heating system. It costs about 4.6p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to heat a home with gas. And it’s about 9 -16p per kWh using standard electric heaters. A typical air source heat pump might cost about 4.7p per kWh to run. 

https://www.edfenergy.com/heating/advice/air-source-heat-pump-guide

Are There Any Disadvantages?

As with any system there can be some disadvantages, and here at BPC we like to be fully transparent. A disadvantage may be seen that the outlay of the system may seem high, but through running cost and power consumption is it much more efficient and therefore over time will save you money. Another small disadvantage may be the room required – which really isn’t too much – but depending on the system you choose you could have an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a buffer tank. But we do also have mono-bloc all in one system. These problems are small, but also have alternative solutions so not really a disadvantage at all.

How Efficient are Heat Pumps?

Aquarea heat pumps are classified A +++ in heating which guarantees high performance with great energy efficiency and even up to 80% savings on your energy bill (compared to electric heating).

Where are Heat Pumps Installed?

For installation you will need a place outside where the outdoor unit can be place, the outdoor unit should have plenty of space around it to ensure there is a good flow of air. The outdoor unit is connected to an indoor unit, this can be place in your home wherever suits such as a plant room or utility area – most indoor units are smaller than an average boiler. The exact sizes of indoor and outdoor units may vary the bigger the project – the bigger the unit required.

Panasonic air source heat pumps have a cabinet that sits outside your home, some also have an indoor unit as well. Outdoor heat pump units sit on the ground outside your home. You will also require a water tank or buffer tank inside your home. If you do not have room for a water/buffer thank then we recommend a mono-bloc system for your project.

Will I Need to Dig Up Any Land?

You will not be required to dig up any land for air to water heat pump installation.

How Long Will a Heat Pump Last?

Panasonic heat pumps have a 7-year guarantee when installed by a Panasonic approved installer. Here at BPC we can ensure that your system is installed by a trained Panasonic approved installer. The average lifespan of a heat pump is 15 to 20 years if they are being regularly serviced so that preventive maintenance is performed.

Are Heat Pumps Noisy?

A heat pumps should not be any noisier than your fridge or previous boiler or many other household appliances.

Can I Connect It to Radiators and Hot Water?

Yes, different solutions can be connected to different heating systems such as radiators, under floor heating and domestic hot water. Some unit options can heat, cool, and be used in domestic hot water systems. See below table to find out more:

Do I Need to Replace My Radiators?

The Aquarea HT (9 kW & 12 kW) allows you to replace your traditional heating source (such as oil or gas) while keeping the existing old-style radiators for minimum disruption to the home.

For any other questions or queries please contact us on 028 2827 5150 or at info@bpcventilation.com and one of our friendly sales team will be happy to help.