Ground Source Heat Pumps.  Just a couple of metres below the surface the earth remains a constant temperature of 10 – 12 Deg C all year round.  A GSHP extracts this low grade heat by passing cold water though a series of ground pipes. The energy collected is compressed and the resulting heat extracted for space heating. The cold transfer fluid then returns to the ground to collect more energy.

GSHP's operate best when heating fluids are at an approx. temperature of 35-40°C. Too high a temperature and the efficiency falls off.  For this reason they are a perfect partner for under floor heating systems, where distribution temperatures are best maintained at precisely this temperature range.  A heat pump can be used to supply higher-grade heat but requires more energy and is therefore not as efficient.

 

 

Air Source Heat Pumps. Air source heat pumps take in ambient air and compress it. Even cold air has some energy and this can be separated into hot and cold extremes. In a space cooling mode, they are known as air conditioners, in reverse mode hot water can be generated for washing and space heating.

 

ASHP's are generally used in situations where space is an issue and ground source collectors are not practical. They can be sited inside the building, in a loft or garage space for example, or outside, close to the house.

 

Heat Pumps are 3 to 4 time more efficient than electrode boilers or storage heaters and being so efficient are regarded as a low carbon method of heating.

 

 

Space cooling with heat recovery.  This ASHP combines cooling and heating capabilities in a single machine for maximum efficiency. Designed as a compact wall mounted air cooling unit for use to provide space cooling whilst recovering the heat generated to produce a supply of hot water, often used in the same environment.

 

Warm, steamy air is drawn in, chilled and returned to the space to provide a more comfortable environment, whist heat energy is piped to a hot water storage cylinder.

 

Idea for facilities such a commercial kitchens, restaurants, beer/wine cellars, produce storage,  pubs, hotels, fitness centres, laundries, hot plant rooms and any place where warm, humid air needs to be cooled and hot water is required.

Under floor heating (UFH) is a very efficient way of space heating, often saving 15% over high surface temperature radiators systems.   It is a low surface temperature method of heating, ideally 35-45°C and with the heat being distributed evenly from the bottom up it is a more a comfortable and healthy living experience.  It is quick and inexpensive to install, there is very little to maintain and with no radiators all the wall space is available.

Underfloor heating systems deliver an even heat pattern to the air just above the floor which rises through the living space cooling as it does, resulting in warm feet (or bottoms) and a cool head, (rather than cold feet and a hot head !)

It can be used throughout a home on solid or timber based floors. It will be highly insulated below and can be covered with wooden or laminate flooring although efficiency falls slightly when used with carpets.  Best considered on new build projects as it can sometimes be difficult to fit in existing properties.