Heat Pump Insights – Choosing an Energy-Efficient Heating Solution

As the world struggles to deal with climate change, heat pumps are a critical tool. They’re efficient, cost-effective and – with the right policies in place – can help to decarbonize buildings.

However, the emissions associated with using a heat pump depend on the source of the electricity used to power it. The good news is that the power grid has become cleaner over time.

Consider Your Needs

Heat pumps look a lot like central AC units, with outdoor and indoor units connected by aluminum fins and coils that release or collect heat using a refrigeration cycle. They heat and cool homes year-round, with current models delivering five to three times more energy efficiency than traditional heating systems.

Look for an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) or SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating to ensure high-efficiency performance and cost savings. In heating mode, check the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) or AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings.

If you live in a cold climate, choose a unit that’s rated to perform well in the lowest temperatures your area typically experiences. Otherwise, consider a backup system to cover your heat-requirement gaps or opt for an air-source heat pump hybrid with a gas furnace or boiler to boost capacity during severe weather.

Consider Your Budget

Considering how much you want to save on energy costs will help you decide whether or not an energy-efficient heating system is the best option. For example, modern heat pumps are up to 4.5 times more efficient than gas furnaces and use significantly less electricity.

These systems can also be used to cool buildings, making them a great choice for climate-friendly building projects. Additionally, they don’t emit harmful gases and can be operated using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.

While the up-front cost of heat pump technology may be more expensive than other options, reducing operating costs will offset this expense in the long run. Moreover, bundled with advanced building controls technologies, like smart thermostats, heat pumps can provide even greater cost savings and energy efficiency.

Consider Your Installation Location

As the energy industry moves toward decarbonization, many buildings need to reduce their emissions. This can be driven by real estate investors who have made net-zero commitments, policy makers setting emissions limits, or tenants demanding greener spaces.

Electric heat pumps can help reduce building emissions by converting electricity into useful heating energy. Today’s models are typically 2-4 times more energy efficient than gas boilers.

They also offer lower maintenance costs and occupy smaller physical space compared to a gas burner system. However, it is important to keep in mind that a heat pump’s overall efficiency depends on the energy used to generate its electricity. If the power source has high associated emissions, a heat pump will have higher operating costs than if its electricity comes from a low-emissions grid.

Additionally, some networks have high peak electrical demand charges that can offset the cost savings of switching to a heat pump. In these cases, it may make sense to consider a hybrid solution with gas backup.

Consider Your Comfort Levels

Heat pumps work by transferring existing air heat to the building, making them very energy-efficient. Today’s heat pumps can deliver up to 4.2 times more thermal energy than the electrical energy they consume.

They also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels with electricity from low-carbon sources. In fact, it is estimated that they can reduce 1.8 billion metric tons of CO2 per year worldwide.

Depending on the refrigerant used, some heat pump systems emit gases with high global warming potential (GWP), which need to be disposed of safely. However, new refrigerants with lower GWP are being developed.

Currently, the cost of installing a heat pump system in an existing building is a significant barrier to adoption. Nevertheless, if the system is grant aided and takes advantage of the most advantageous smart tariffs for heat pump operation, the annual running costs can be EUR55 pa less than the current gas standing charge. This makes them a viable alternative for reducing a buildings energy consumption and achieving carbon neutrality.