Water Source Heat Pumps

How reliable are
heat pumps?

Heat pumps have been widely used in Europe and North America for decades.  Because the refrigeration cycle is a tried and tested technology they tend to be extremely reliable.  However, in order to ensure they continue to run as reliably and as efficiently as possible we always recommend servicing them annually, just as you would a conventional boiler.

Why are heat pumps becoming more commonly used?

Traditionally the UK had plentiful supplies of fossil fuels; oil and gas from the North Sea and extensive coal workings. However, there are two main issues with this:
- Burning fossil fuels releases climate changing carbon dioxide that had previously been locked away underground.
- Energy prices are rapidly rising as the UK increasingly imports oil and gas from abroad.

What is the temperature of the hot water produced?

Heat pumps are very efficient at heating water to around 40 degrees celsius.  As such they are ideal partners for underfloor heating systems which typically require a flow temperature of the same.  Heat pumps work less efficiently when heating water to higher temperatures and as required by the direct hot water in your home, but they will still readily maintain a hot water cylinder to a temperature of around 55 degrees celsius which is hotter than would be required for a bath or shower.  Heat pumps also automatically run periodic legionella cycles to ensure that any bacteria that might still survive at 55 degrees are definitely removed.

How much maintenance is required for a heat pump?

The heat pump itself is a sealed system and doesn't produce any waste gases, ash or moisture. It is recommended that the heat pump be serviced annually by an accredited company to check things like the filters, strainers, fluid quality, refrigerant, temperatures and that the system is still operating as efficiently as expected. In rural settings, mice can be an issue, eating lagging or electrics and as you’d expect with air source systems, it is important to ensure that the external fan unit is clean and free of leaves or other such waste or vegetation that could impede the flow of air through it, particularly in autumn as leaves are falling and the system is starting to work harder as the colder weather arrives.