Tag Archive 'heat pumps'

Dec 17 2010

The Advantages of Having Heat Pumps in Your Home

Published by under Heating & Air

Heat pumps are devices that can produce both heat and cool air. These are very popular in very cold regions because it is durable and consumes less electric power than conventional heating and cooling device. It acquires heat from environmental sources like air, water, and ground which are free and available all year round. These are excellent heating alternatives to electrically produced heat or cold air, since it only consume less fossil fuel.


A simple description of how heat pump operates are as follows. Hot air from the source is absorbed by the outer coils connected to the unit. With the aid of a special liquid, heat is increased to a boiling point then transferred to the vents in a form of vapor to be released in the room. The hot air in the room is absorbed then released outside while being condensed, turning it to liquid form. The liquid flows back through the reversing valve and used to repeat the process once more.


Heat pumps are more efficient since it only requires less electric power to produce hot air compared to more conventional heating and cooling equipment. To illustrate, one unit of electricity can provide 3 times more heat. With traditional heaters, the ratio is one unit of power is required to produce one unit of heat.


Although initial installation of heat pump is quite costly, in the long run you can save more on your electric bill. Plus, think about the benefit it brings to the environment. Not only that you can save electric power or fossil fuel in the long run but you are doing steps to protect nature. When installing the unit in your home or office, think about it as your investment to a healthy environment.


In Sweden, households that have been using heat pumps for 3 to 8 years have noticed a significant drop in their electric bills. And because of these, more than 300,00 houses have installed it in their homes.

They were able to gain back the cost they have incurred from the initial installment of their heat pump through their accumulated electric bill savings.


Mica Galleb is a passionate writer and expert in SEO and Web Design.

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Jan 16 2010

Solar Heat Pumps Explained

Published by under Energy Saving

Usually when you think of solar hot water, solar panels and a collector tank installed on a roof spring to mind – a traditional solar hot water system.

A solar heat pump is a different way to use renewable energy to heat water – that doesn’t need solar panels! Solar heat pumps can save you a bundle of cash on your hot water bills, as they use approximately one third the energy of an electric water heater.

How does a solar heat pump work?

A solar heat pump is a little like a reverse refrigerator. It transfers the heat in the air outside of the unit to the water stored inside the heater through a heat exchange system. In the case of solar heat pumps, “heat” is a relative term as they will still work in very cold conditions – at least -10 degrees Celsius, so it will still be generating hot water for you during winter nights. How is that possible?

Here’s the basic process:

* External air is drawn into the solar heat pump system via a fan into an evaporator containing a special type of refrigerant, which is stored in piping. The refrigerant used is called R134a, which isn’t a CFC, so it doesn’t negatively affect the earth’s ozone layer.

* R134a has an evaporation or boiling point of -26°C; whereas water has a boiling point of 100°C. So temperatures that feel very cold to us are still more than enough to make the refrigerant “boil”. The air that’s been drawn into the system, which is far warmer than the refrigerant, turns the refrigerant from a liquid into a gas inside the solar heat pump’s piping.

* A compressor then pumps the now gaseous refrigerant through a small valve, which compresses it; and as a result of the process generates a great deal of heat.

* A heat exchanger transfers the heat from the heated refrigerant gas pipes to a tank where water is stored.

* The temperature of the refrigerant has now dropped dramatically as the heat has been drawn away, so it returns to a liquid state and the solar heat pump cycle begins again.

Benefits of a solar heat pump

* Massive savings in hot water related expenses over the long term

* A solar heat pump produces between 3 – 5 times the amount of renewable energy than electricity required to power the unit.

* It’s an environmentally friendly hot water option given the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through less energy requirements.

* A solar heat pump is effective even in low temperatures. In extreme cold, an electric assist is activated to ensure the water stays at the desired temperature

* No roof space or solar panels needed

* Ease of installation as a solar heat pump uses the same connections as a electric hot water system.

How much does a solar heat pump cost?

The price varies depending upon your needs and location, but you can expect to pay up to a few thousand dollars. However, the cost can be greatly offset as renewable energy rebates provided by many governments may apply. These rebates can be substantial, so talk to a solar heat pump specialist for the best advice on the type of equipment you’ll need and any incentives programs that might be applicable.

Michael Bloch is a consultant for Energy Matters Australia – a green energy equipment company offering a wide range of discounted solar panels, deep cycle batteries, wind turbines and associated accessories for residential, businesses and schools. The Energy Matters site contains a wide range of resources; including a solar system builder tool, renewable energy rebates information and free advice on off grid and grid connect solar and wind power systems.

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