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Climate change has meant suffering newfound extreme temperatures – from abnormal winter snowstorms to blistering summers. This has required people to resort to the use of air conditioning or central heating, both of which require the use of heat pumps.
Heat pumps are usually found in our refrigerators, but also offer an energy-efficient way to fuel our furnaces or air conditioners – something we all need in the midst of climate change considering how extensive energy usage isn’t helping under the circumstances.
In this article, we’ll explain what a heat pump is, why they are important, how they work, the downsides of using a heat pump, and potential alternatives.
A heat pump is a device which makes use of thermal energy to transfer heat from one place to another – such as by removing unwanted warm air indoors outside or extracting warm air to be put back inside during the cooler months.
The most common example of a heat pump is found inside all of our refrigerators, which helps to keep the inside of our refrigerators cool.
A heat pump utilizes a compressor to help move refrigerant, or “cool air” – in the same way that a fan helps to encourage the circulation of airflow. Therefore, a heat pump can be used to cool down large residential buildings, schools, or universities by removing heat indoors and reallocating it outside.
💡 If you’re ever sat outside a restaurant and have been bombarded by a wave of hot air, it’s likely you were sitting next to the heat pump – as this is where all of the warm air is being extracted from whilst in cooling mode.
There are three main types of heat pumps:
👉 Ultimately, a heat pump can prove effective and efficient in helping to heat and cool a certain area – and help to reduce the amount of GHG emissions into the air as a heat pump doesn’t rely on finite resources such as fossil fuels.
A heat pump primarily works by extracting heat from a nearby source, such as via the surrounding air or a water source, and then re-directing that heat elsewhere depending on whether someone wants to warm or cool down their indoor space.
The main reason why a heat pump is more efficient and eco-friendly than traditional heating or cooling systems is because a heat pump transfers heat instead of generating it – allowing the air to be “recycled” in a sense.
Typically heating technologies, such as a boiler or electric heaters, aren’t as efficient as a heat pump because they have to create hot air on their own – whereas a heat pump is able to extract and redirect warm air without needing to produce anything.
💡 Did you know that a heat pump can be up to 5 times more energy efficient than a traditional gas boiler?
Here are the steps in the process of extracting or reallocating heat with the use of a heat pump:
👉 A heat pump can work to provide both cooler and warmer temperatures indoors, making it a multifaceted and simultaneously energy efficient way for people to remain comfortable while indoors.
There are several benefits for both businesses and individuals who choose to use a heat pump as opposed to a more traditional heat source – such as benefiting from reducing operational costs, being able to use the heat pump for both heating and cooling, and also as a mechanism to reduce their carbon footprint.
A heat pump is often the right choice for companies looking to maximize the use of their technology equipment, or for individuals who live in a region of the world where all four seasons are prominent – as a heat pump can be used for both heating and cooling.
Here are some of the benefits of utilizing a heat pump:
👉 Overall, a heat pump is a good choice for companies or individuals looking for a low-maintenance and energy efficient option to cool or heat their indoor spaces.
Although a heat pump can prove beneficial in several cases, there could be several downsides to using a heat pump as well – seeing as a heat pump requires expensive start-up costs, can prove difficult to install, and increased electricity usage will be needed.
The truth is, a heat pump may not be a worthy investment for all – since a heat pump still requires electricity to work and could cause a spike in a business's or individual’s utility bills or energy consumption if not used in conjunction with renewable energy sources.
Some of the downsides to using a heat pump include:
👉 A heat pump can be more sustainable long-term, but it is important to couple the use of a heat pump with renewable energy sources to ensure your company or household doesn’t fall subject to extensive energy usage.
Whichever way you cut it, a heat pump will never be entirely carbon neutral – meaning that it’s best to find other ways to heat or cool your home without relying on a heat pump 24/7.
Unfortunately, in the midst of climate change and dramatic shifts in temperature – almost everyone needs a heat pump or some other traditional heating system. Still, other actions can be taken to help insulate the interior of your home or office building to help refrain from needing to use a heat pump as often as you currently do.
Making an effort to renovate your office or home to be more energy efficient and sustainable can help to offset the potential increase in electricity consumption and costs needed to sustain a heat pump.
💡 A heat pump is still a better choice for the environment as opposed to traditional heating systems, but other actions should be taken in conjunction to ensure a sustainable environment is being created.
Here are some ideas to refrain from needing a heat pump and to better insulate your office or home:
Overall, a heat pump is an innovative way to circulate air and heat or cool indoor spaces – and while it presents several sustainable benefits, it’s eco-friendliness can also be questionable. Therefore, it is up to each individual company and business to determine their unique energy needs and choose the heat pump of their choice wisely to ensure efficacious emission reductions.
Luckily, if all of that sounds overwhelming or confusing – Greenly can help!
If reading this article on the pros and cons of using a heat pump has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!
At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. We offer a free demo for you to better understand our platform and all that it has to offer – including assistance with boosting supplier engagement, personalized assistance, and new ways to involve your employees.
Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.