Heating using a Heat Pump

An alternative   to   environmentally friendly heating homes is to install a so called. heat pump systems.  Because these systems work at a low temperature (max. 55°C), but  they cannot  be easily  connected to the existing heating infrastructure of older  homes.

The main  reason  why a heat pump system cannot be used without a doubt lies in the fact that it operates at a relatively low temperature with a maximum of 55°C. To heat a property with this system, sufficient insulation and a heating system (infrastructure) with  a large heating surface is required.

In order to  achieve the required heating surface, you have the choice between different types of heat pump heating installations such as  underfloor heating, wall heating  or ceiling heating. This  infrastructural heating system ensures an  even  temperature and low air movement or draught.

In order to heat homes with this  relatively low temperature sufficiently,  they must be well insulated. Air movement and -exchange of the laboriously heated air cause the influx  of cold  air. It needs to be heated  again, which will  reduce the  expected results. Due to little air movement and exchange, without treatment, the moisture content in this air will  also be periodically higher. This is a possible cause of the often observed fungal formation in well insulated living spaces.

The advantage of a heat pump is  that  this heating systems seemingly yield the  best  efficiency. For the consumption of  energy,  the heat pump undoubtedly has major advantages. Whether this technique scores best in terms of financial efficiency and health  must be doubted. 

Heat pump and  health

To what extent a heat pump ing system provides for a healthy living environment of the  inhabitants is not yet entirely clear. It is certain that at current installations and less well  insulated homes the air movement and higher temperatures provide sufficient air and moisture exchange .

It is conceivable that the even temperature and low air movement creates an unhealthy living environment.

Heat pump and  financial efficiency

In order to  make existing  homes suitable for installing a heat pump technology, existing  homes need to be adapted. In by far most cases, the  existing heating infrastructure  (mains and radiators) should be removed. After all, these have too little heating area for  low temperature heating. Instead, large heating surfaces, such as underfloor heating, wall heating or ceiling heating must be installed.