One of the most sustainable and cost effective renewable solutions

Heat pumps are an excellent way to heat a building and provide hot water whilst making a massive reduction in the buildings carbon output. Significant cost savings can also be achieved by reducing fuel consumption.

Heat pumps use similar technology to that employed in domestic refrigerators or freezers, but in reverse. They extract free low grade energy from sources such as the earth, water or air and convert it into high grade heat energy. There are two types available; ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps. Eaga experienced consultants will ensure that the most appropriate solution is used to match the needs of the project.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps transfer heat from the ground and use it to heat buildings through systems such as under floor heating, radiators and in some cases, pre-heating hot water.

The system provides a total heating solution throughout the year for both homes and commercial premises whilst giving real cost savings as well as significant reductions in carbon emissions when compared to conventional systems.

How it works?

A ground Source Heat Pump consists of three key elements –

The ground loop – This is comprised of pipe buried in the ground which is filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze which is then pumped around the pipe absorbing heat from the ground.

A heat pump – The system works in the same way as a refrigerator but in reverse so rather than extracting heat from the inside (i.e keeping your food cool), the heat pump extracts heat from the ground and uses it to heat your home.

Heat distribution system - This consists of under floor heating or radiators for space heating and some cases water storage for hot water supply.

Is it suitable for my home?

There are a number factors you should consider before installing a ground source heat pump –

Ample space outside your house in order to install the ground loop.

The ground must be suitable for digging a trench or borehole.

Heat pumps provide more savings if the fuel being replaced is electricity, oil, LPG or coal.

Under floor heating works best with ground source heat pumps as it work at a lower temperature.

What are the benefits?

Energy efficient – heat pumps are very energy efficient as they consume little energy in order to deliver three or four times as much energy as heat.

Environmentally friendly – heat pumps access renewable or waste energy and so displace consumption of conventional fossil fuels (i.e. gas, oil, coal).

A proven solution – Heat pumps are a tried and trusted technology with few moving parts and very low maintenance. They are widely regarded as the most energy efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly methods of providing domestic heating, hot water and comfort cooling.

Easy to install

Long life – 20 years+

Provides a healthy and comfortable indoor climate

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps extracts heat from the external air and converts it into high grade heat. The system is compact and due to the simplicity of installation it can be used extensively on a wide variety of residential and commercial projects, especially when there are not large areas of ground to install the ground loop.

This system gives the user complete flexibility providing heating and domestic hot water and, when required, cooling so matching the demands of the property.

There are two types of air source heating systems –

Air-to-air – provides warm air which is circulated to heat the building

Air-to-water - heats water to provide heating to buildings through radiators or an underfloor heating system.

How does it work?

Air source heat pumps take low grade energy from the air and transfer it into a building as high grade heat, using a similar process to refrigeration system but in reverse.

There are three main parts of the system –

Heat is absorbed from the outside air using the evaporator coil.

The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the heat pump and compresses the gaseous refrigerant to the temperature needed for the heat distribution circuit.

Heat is transferred from the refrigerant to air or water via the heat exchanger.

In an air-to-air system the heat that is produced is used to warm the air which is then circulated around the building. In an air-to-water system the heat is used to heat water in a storage tank or circulate through underfloor heating or radiators.

The system which is positioned externally to the property can extract heat from air temperature as low as minus 15oC degrees, making it a very effective means of utilising renewable energy all year round.

Is it suitable for my home?

There are a number factors you should consider before installing an air source heat pump –

Space on an external wall outside your house to fit the evaporator coil.

The temperature produced via an air source heat pump are at a lower temperature than traditional boilers which means that it is essential that your home is well insulated and draught proof. This will lower your heat demand and make the system more effective.

Heat pumps provide more savings if the fuel being replaced in electricity, oil, LPG or coal.

Under floor heating works best with air source heat pumps due to the temperature of the air/water generated.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of an air source heat pump are very similar to a ground source heat pump but in addition -

Doesn’t require the use or storage of external fuel such as coal or gas as the system runs on electricity.

The air source system is compact and so requires less space to install than a ground source heat pump which makes it more suitable for an urban home.