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.