Air source heat pumps and GSHP: Advantages explained

Nov 11
07:55

2011

Brunetti Brunetti

Brunetti Brunetti

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Air source heat pumps (ASHP) are gaining in popularity all over the world and their presence has become more noticeable in the last couple of years. A...

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Air source heat pumps (ASHP) are gaining in popularity all over the world and their presence has become more noticeable in the last couple of years. ASHP system is so designed that it uses the heat of the atmosphere (surrounding air) to provide warmth to the house. Air source heat pumps have panels that can make use of the warm air outside to heat the interiors of a house. Besides,Air source heat pumps and GSHP: Advantages explained Articles ASHP also acts as a water heater since the system is able to effectively boil water in moderate climates.

Dual space heating: An air source heat pump can efficiently warm up a house during wintry conditions. But the dual advantage of this system lies in the fact that it reverses its role during hot conditions. While the pump can use the atmospheric heat to warm up the interiors, it can do the job of an air conditioner during summer season. When the interiors get swelteringly hot, the device can transfer the heat from inside to outside of the house thereby cooling the confines.

Other than space heating, ASHP can pump in the heat to boil or warm water.

Advantages and merits of ASHP:

Some of the key advantages of ASHP are as follows:

> They provide both internal heating and internal cooling depending on the climate or season

> They can be used throughout the year to boil waters and are therefore of extreme significance in colder countries where the householders require warm water for a host of purposes like bathing, washing, cooking, cleaning, drinking, etc.

> They do not require any significant maintenance cost and hence the cost of running is pretty low

> The panels are strong and resistant to wear and tear. This is also due to the fact that there are not many moving parts and hence, the mechanical depreciation is low.

> They are durable and have a long life of over 20 years.

> They fall under the sustainable form of technology and are environmentally friendlier than most conventional energy resources.

Merits of Ground source heat pumps:

Ground source heat pumps (GSHP), also known as the Geothermal heat pumps, serve the same purpose of warming and cooling albeit in a different manner. Instead of collecting heat from the adjoining air, GSHP takes in the heat from the ground below and transfers it to the interiors of a house during winter. The reverse happens during summer when the heat from within is pumped into the ground.

As compared to ASHP, the installation cost of GSHP is relatively high. But their safety, reliability and durability can be vouched for. The heating process does not involve emission of toxic gases, fumes or smokes and the panel’s shelf life can be as high as 20-30 years.

Other merits include:

* Renewable and green energy source
* Low running cost
* Low maintenance cost
* High safety and reliability
* Automated device needing no manual work
* Saving of space
* No carbon emissions
* GSHP, if installed, also elevates the market price of your property