alt="Technology Services" />An air-source heat pump ia a way to supply efficient heating and cooling, particularly in warmer climates.
An air-source heat pump can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes.
This is made possible because a heat pump moves heat rather than converting it from a fuel, i.e. your boiler or stove.
Air source heat pumps are used not only for heating but also for cooling.
While in cooling mode, it will evaporate the refrigerant in the indoor coil; as the liquid evaporates it pulls heat from the air in the house.
When the gas is compressed, it passes into the outdoor coil and condenses, releasing heat to the outside air.
The pressure changes caused by the compressor and the expansion valve allow the gas to condense at a high temperature outside and evaporate at a lower temperature indoors.
Working Principles
A heat pump’s refrigeration system consists of a compressor and two coils.
These are surrounded by aluminum fins to facilitate heat transfer.
In the heating mode, liquid refrigerant in the outside coils extracts heat from the air and evaporates into a gas.
The indoor coils release heat from the refrigerant as it condenses back into a liquid.
A reversing valve, near the compressor, can change the direction of the refrigerant flow for cooling as well as for defrosting the outdoor coils in winter.
In heating mode, an air-source heat pump evaporates a refrigerant in the outdoor coil; as the liquid evaporates it pulls heat from the outside air.
After the gas is compressed, it passes into the indoor coil and condenses, releasing heat to the inside of the house.
How to select a heat pump?
Heating efficiency for air-source electric heat pumps is indicated by the heating season performance factor (HSPF), which is the total space heating required during the heating season, expressed in Btu, divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the heat pump system during the same season, expressed in watt-hours.
Cooling efficiency is indicated by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which is the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season, expressed in Btu, divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the heat pump during the same season, expressed in watt-hours.
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rates both the efficiency of the compressor and the electric-resistance elements.
The most efficient heat pumps have an HSPF of between 8 and 10.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rates a heat pump’s cooling efficiency. In general, the higher the SEER, the higher the cost. However, the energy savings can return the higher initial investment several times during the heat pump’s life.
The most efficient heat pumps have SEERs of between 14 and 18.
Where can I get detailed consultancy about Heat Pumps?
Call us today on callsave 1890 245 345 or email info@techstore.ie and we can arrange a free consultation.
