Why have heat pumps become so popular and should you have a heat pump for your home heating system

Heat Pumps have become a common name when it comes to home heating in New Zealand. They have been around for many years now. There origin is from air conditioning systems.

Hot & Cold From Same System

Heating and Cooling

It was discovered that when a refrigeration system is used to cool something that a by-product is heat.

It just so happened that more heat was been given off than the amount of power required to generate that heat. It was 2 to 3 times more if you compare power in verses heat out so the quantity and with technology advances it can be 3 to 5 times more if compared to an electric element where basically 1 unit of power equals one unit of heat.

This is where the term reverse cycle air conditioning comes from. Many countries such as Australia use this type of system for cooling of their houses (air conditioning) with a few additional parts it could be reversed and very become effective for heating.

Heat Pump or Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning

For countries like New Zealand where the need for cooling in many homes is not really required or considered a luxury the term reverse cycle air conditioning didn’t fit with the home heating market hence the wide usage of the term Heat Pump which is now a common house hold appliance with most people at least knowing what one is.

Technology Makes Heat Pumps Very Efficient

Due to technology, such as inverters and electronic control systems, there has been a large increase of this type of heating system because they offer a very clean type of heat (they produce no fumes) and are also very cost effective to run. While they use power (electricity) it is a lot less that an electric element if you compare power used verses heat produced. With the cost of all energy seeming to be more and more precious and cities like Christchurch having to put restrictions on open type fires because of smog they are now very popular whether in a new home someone is building or if an older home needs an upgrade it’s heating system.

Warm And Dry Homes

As a society we have also become more aware of the health benefits of having a warm and dry home during the winter months. This has seen the Government subsidised scheme which is concentrating firstly on insulation in existing homes and some can qualify for a subsidy for a heatpump.

Hi-Wall Heat Pump A Vary Common Option

Heat Pumps Types

They come in various types, the most common being a wall mounted system (Indoor – Hi-Wall), there is floor consoles, ceiling (both under ceiling and cassette systems mounted in the ceiling) and ducted systems where a central indoor unit is used with ducting (in the ceiling cavity) is run to grilles in various rooms.

Avoid Pitfalls Of Heat Pumps

There are a few pitfalls to look out for and most can be avoided is you get the right advise from experienced suppliers. This can include (but is not limited too) correct positioning of both the indoor and outdoor units. Issues such as systems that are too small (It’s important that the right capacity system is used), draughts and noise are the main ones. Don’t be afriad to ask about these issues.

Installation Quaility Can Effect Performance Of Heat Pumps

Get the above issues right and the next biggest thing to worry about would be poor installation, while they are relatively easy to install it is easy to miss some of the finer points required that unless you have had the training from someone in the refrigeration / Air Conditioning industry can make a difference in not only how well they perform but how long they will last.

Easy To Operate Most Heat Pumps Have A Remote Control

By operating it correctly particularly during the coldest times of winter you can ensure you get a better heating experience from them.

Brand Is Important

As for brands there are many options and more information on this site about this sensitive subject. Common sense about well supported, the most popular, and the common adage “you get what you pay for” answers many of the common questions asked about this topic. The colder the climate the more important this is.