Heat Pumps for Commercial Buildings

Heat pumps and chillers are the main supply technologies for non-residential buildings. In commercial properties, office buildings, hospitals, hotels or schools, they provide hot water, space heating and cooling. Using a heat pump to provide cold and heat is particularly effective. When used in non-residential buildings, the system temperature is low and therefore energy efficient.

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump essentially transfers heat from one area to another. The most popular type is the air source heat pump, which uses a small amount of electrical energy to transfer ambient heat into the air outside your home and move it inside, at higher temperatures it can be used for floor heating, radiators or to maintain heat water supply. Other types of heat pumps use ground or water as an abundant source of free heat, but the principle is basically the same.

The benefits of heat pumps for businesses

1. Energy saving

Although the initial cost of installing a heat pump system is high, you can save significantly on your fuel bills if you currently use electricity, oil, solid fuel or liquefied gas to heat your home.

You'll also be able to benefit from the Department of Energy and Climate Change's new Renewable Heat Incentive Program, which pays per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated.

2. Long service life

Properly installed by a qualified supplier, heat pumps do not require any regular maintenance and can last from 10 to 25 years or more.

3. Improve the office environment

Heat pumps improve air quality, are low noise, have low operating costs, can be used as air conditioners, cool office environments when needed, and provide a controlled climate.

4. Reduce carbon emissions

Commercial Heat Pumps Large heat pumps are increasingly used in commercial and other non-residential locations, including schools, sports centers, shops and offices. With an estimated 40% of CO2 emissions from commercial heating alone, finding new and innovative ways to heat premises is a top priority for many businesses.

6. Extremely efficient

Heat pumps provide about 4 kWh of energy for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, which means they are 300 to 400 percent more efficient than electric heating alone. While the cost of installing something like an air source heat pump will vary depending on the size and complexity of the business premises, there is no doubt that significant savings can be made.

7. Government Incentives

Not only can a well-designed commercial heat pump system meet all of a business's heating needs, but in the long run, the revenue generated through reduced energy bills and renewable thermal incentives represents value for money, as well as helping a business site reduce all important carbon footprint.

Is a heat pump right for my business?

Of course, depending on the size of your property and business, the initial costs involved can be prohibitive, and it will take a while before you start seeing the benefits of reducing your bills as you pay off your investment, but once you break even point, it is possible to save a lot of money and get a good ROI. You will also need to check if your commercial property is suitable for installing a heat pump. For example, with an air source heat pump, you will need suitable exterior wall or flat roof space to install external equipment.