Commercial heat pumps

Factors to consider

Businesses that are most suitable for heat pumps have good insulation, the proper existing pipework and radiators and the right heat requirements. Ongoing maintenance is also required.

Space

The space requirements for heat pumps vary significantly based on the heat requirements, type of heat pump and the design of the system.

Building fabric and energy rating

Generally speaking, heat pumps are best suited for well-insulated buildings with a high energy rating

Existing pipework and radiators

It is important to consider whether existing pipework and radiators are compatible with the new heating system

Heat source

Heat pumps can extract heat from air, ground and water heat sources. Each source has unique and specific requirements.

Heat requirement

It is important to match the heat pump output capability to the heating temperature required. Heat pumps may be more suitable for low or medium temperature heating while biomass or biogas boilers may be more suitable for medium to high temperature.

Maintenance

Due to the technical complexity of some heat pump systems, it is important to make sure they are serviced regularly.

How a commercial heat pump works

While fossil-fuel heating systems produce heat by burning fuel, heat pumps absorb heat from the surrounding air, ground or water and convert it into electricity.

Heat pumps generate heat by extracting very low-grade heat (usually under 25 °C) and upgrading it to a higher temperature. The efficiency of a heat pump is expressed as coefficient of performance or COP.

A heat pump heating system uses the following technology:

• A heat source - air, ground or water from which heat is extracted
• A heat pump - this extracts heat from the source and upgrades it to a higher temperature
• A heat distribution system – the pipework that distributes the heat to the point of use
• A heat emitter(s) – the radiators or heat exchangers that deliver the heat

What's the cost of switching to a heat pump?

Interested in switching to a heat pump for your business heating? It's a good idea to talk to suppliers or look at similar installations to find out what the costs might be. Cost considerations include:

• Equipment costs which include a heat pump and possibly the pipework and distribution
• Installation cost
• Servicing and maintenance
• Running costs which will be electricity instead of fossil fuel