A heat pump collects stored solar energy and converts it into heating and hot water for your home.
Air/air collects energy from outdoor air and converts it into hot air. Does not work at low temperatures and cannot produce hot water. See it as a complement to other forms of heating.
Air/water converts the energy in outdoor air into heating for a water-based heating system (radiator or floor heating). Some models still function when the outdoor temperature is as low as minus 20°C. Hot water can also be produced. This alternative provides a comprehensive heating system. Read more about how a air water heat pump works.
Liquid/water collects energy from the bedrock, ground or water. Functions otherwise like an air/water heat pump, but is more efficient at low temperatures. This alternative provides a comprehensive heating system. Read more about how a geothermal heat pump works.
Exhaust air recycles energy from the home's ventilation air and returns it to the heating system. An exhaust air heat pump utilises air already used in the home. It can help make savings, but cannot be the main supplier of heating and hot water.
Heat pumps use approximately one part electrical energy to extract 3 parts solar energy.
All high-quality heat pumps are equipped with an electric heating element that provides extra safety. The heating element provides extra high temperatures to the hot water, to prevent the formation of legionella bacteria.
The lifespan of a heat pump varies for different types and brands, but in general an air/water or liquid/water heat pump from a good manufacturer should last between 20 and 30 years.
A major advantage with a heat pump is that it requires minimal maintenance and attention. If it is installed correctly you can almost forget that you have one. It should work every day, all year, making your home warm and comfortable.
The EU has classified heat pumps as a renewable energy source because the output of solar energy greatly exceeds the input of energy needed to run it.
