What is a heat pump?
= a device that transfers heat from one place to another using mechanical work ☀️
What is COP (coefficient of performances)?
= ratio of useful heating (or cooling) provided to electrical energy consumed ☀️ ❄️
e.g. The COP of this ground-source heat pump is 4.5, meaning it delivers 4.5 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity.
What is a seasonal performance factor (SPF)?
= the average efficiency of a heating system across a whole season 📊
key vocab:
What is thermal energy?
= heat energy ☀️
What is refrigerant?
= fluid that carries heat through the system
What is an evaporator?
= part where the refrigerant absorbs heat
What is a compressor?
= device that increases pressure and temperature 🌡️
What is condenser?
= part where heat is released 💨
What is energy-efficient?
= using little energy for the amount of heat produced
What is a ground-source heat pump / air-source heat pump?
ground-source heat pump: extracts heat from the ground 🕳️
air-source heat pump: extracts heat from outside air 🌬️
What is a reversible heat pump?
= capable of providing both heating and cooling ⬆️⬇️
What is a heat exchanger?
= a device that transfers thermal energy between two fluids without mixing them
What is retrofit?
= the process of adding new technology to existing buildings or systems 🤖
What is decarbonisation?
= the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, especially in energy systems
What is a hybrid system?
= heating system combining a heat pump with another heat source (e.g. gas)
What is a thermostat?
= the control device that sets and regulates indoor temperature
word for financial support from governments to lower installation costs:
subsidy / incentive
What are greenhouse-gas emissions (GHG)?
= gases that trap heat in the atmosphere
1. Environmentally friendly
Heat pumps can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially when powered by renewable electricity and replacing fossil-fuel heating systems such as oil or gas boilers.
2. High energy efficiency
Heat pumps typically deliver around 3–5 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed under favourable operating conditions. This makes them highly efficient compared with conventional electric resistance heating.
3. Lower running costs in suitable homes
They can reduce heating bills, particularly in well-insulated buildings with low-temperature heating systems and favourable electricity tariffs.
4. Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
Heat pumps reduce reliance on natural gas and heating oil, helping households become less exposed to fossil-fuel price fluctuations.
5. Long-term benefits
Heat pumps can have a long service life and may also provide cooling in summer, depending on the model and building system.
1. High initial investment
Purchasing and installing a heat pump can be expensive. Additional costs may arise if radiators, insulation or electrical installations need upgrading.
2. Reduced efficiency in cold weather
Air-source heat pumps generally become less efficient as outdoor temperatures fall. Older or poorly insulated buildings may require higher heating temperatures or additional heating capacity.
3. Noise pollution
Outdoor units produce fan and compressor noise, which can disturb residents or neighbours if the unit is poorly positioned or inadequately installed.
4. Dependence on electricity prices
Although heat pumps use energy efficiently, high electricity prices can reduce or eliminate their financial advantage over gas heating, depending on fuel prices and system efficiency.
5. Installation challenges
Not every property is equally suitable. Limited outdoor space, difficult ground conditions for geothermal systems or the need for building renovations can complicate installation.
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