Heating accounts for around 37% of the UK&#;s total carbon emissions. For businesses, transitioning to energy-efficient technologies like heat pumps can help to decrease the carbon emissions associated with heating, and to reduce business energy costs.
In this guide, we&#;ll take a look at heat pumps, how they work, and why you should consider them for your business.
Heat pumps work by drawing heat from either the ground, air, or water, or even from cooling systems as a secondary source. They then store or distribute this heat for purposes such as central heating or hot water, typically found in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) setups.
There are three main types of heat pumps for businesses, and knowing about the different types&#;airsource, ground source, and water source&#;can help you to understand how they work and their suitability fordifferent environments.
These systems use the surrounding air to absorb heat. How it works: Heat from the air is absorbed into a fluid, which then passes through a heat exchanger. This warmed fluid is then used to heat water cylinders, radiators, and other heating systems commonly found in commercial buildings.
Ground source heat pumps use the consistent temperature of the earth to provide heating for commercial spaces.How it works: A mixture of water and antifreeze is circulated through a network of buried piping adjacent to the building. This fluid absorbs heat from the ground and is then transferred to the heat pump via a heat exchanger, providing a sustainable heating solution.
These systems are particularly beneficial for businesses located near large bodies of water.
&#;Suitability: Ideal for businesses with access to ponds or wells.
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How it works: Water is circulated through the pump, extracting heat from the source, before being returned to its original location.
These systems are particularly beneficial for businesses located near large bodies of water.
&#;Suitability: Designed for areas with deep water bodies.
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How it works: Sealed pipes filled with antifreeze are installed below the water's surface. The antifreeze absorbs heat from the water, which is then transferred back to the heat pump for distribution.
Heat pumps are a highly energy-efficient technology. They produce approximately 3 times the amount of energy they take in, meaning they&#;re 300% efficient&#;compared to an A-rated gas boiler, which has an efficiency rate of only 85%.
They do require electricity to operate, so if this energy is drawn from the grid, rather than a renewables system, it will still involve fossil fuels in its operation. However, its high efficiency means that a heat pump is absolutely vital towards helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and aligns with broader net zero goals.
Let&#;s take a look at some of the other heat pump benefits for business:
Heat pumps play an important role in reducing a company&#;s carbon footprint, providing measurable efficiencies that reinforce Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and policy.
Further energy and financial savings could potentially be achieved by integrating other sustainable technologies such as solar PV, which provides electricity to power the heat pump's extraction process.
Commercial heat pumps offer some valuable benefits for businesses looking to install them; however, it&#;s worth bearing in mind a few potential drawbacks:
The cost of ground source heat pumps (GSHP) typically ranges from £1,600 to £2,000 per kW. These systems tend to be more expensive due to the excavation, testing, and installation of underground pipework. Two primary approaches for GSHP installations are:
Water source heat pumps (WSHP) cost approximately 25% more than ASHPs due to higher installation costs, and need to be installed in proximity to a natural flowing water source. This makes the cost range around £1,000 to £1,250 per kW.
To achieve higher operating temperatures, a cascade system combining an ASHP and a WSHP can double the hardware costs of a heat pump installation. This setup uses the ASHP as a pre-heater for the WSHP.
While many costs are included within the per kW rate, some expenses cannot be estimated upfront and are necessary to ensure the safe installation and operation of the new heat pump system.
These may include:
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Here are some of the incentives available for businesses considering a commercial heat pump:
Property owners in England or Wales may be eligible for grants of up to £7,500 to assist with the cost of installing a heat pump.
Open to central government and local authorities in England, the scheme is designed to encourage emissions reduction in public buildings through the installation of net zero technologies, including heat pumps.
Open to both public and private sector building, the £300 million fund aims to develop zero-emission heat networks across Scotland. The fund offers grants covering up to 50% of eligible capital costs for projects that demonstrate a funding gap.
A commercial heat pump is a device that uses refrigeration technology to heat or cool a space. Heat pumps are commonly used in residential and commercial settings but can also be used for industrial and institutional locations. So that you can get the most out of your HVAC service, here are some things you should know about commercial heat pumps.
There are two main types of commercial heat pumps: air-source and ground-source.
Air-source heat pumps use the air outside to heat or cool a space. These heat pumps are less expensive to install than ground-source heat pumps but are less efficient in colder climates.
Ground-source heat pumps use the ground or water to transfer heat to or from a space. These units are more expensive to install than air-source heat pumps, but they are more efficient in colder climates.
There are many benefits to using a commercial heat pump, including:
Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool a space.
Cost Savings: You can save money on energy bills by reducing the energy required to heat or cool.
Environmentally Friendly: Heat pumps do not emit greenhouse gases, making them an eco-friendly option for heating and cooling your business.
There are a few factors you should consider before installing a commercial heat pump, such as:
The size of the space you need to heat or cool: Commercial heat pumps come in different sizes, so it&#;s important to choose one appropriately sized for your needs.
The climate you live in: If you live in a cold climate, you&#;ll want to choose a heat pump designed for colder temperatures.
Your budget: Heat pumps can be expensive to install, so always consider your budget.
Once you&#;ve chosen the right equipment for your business, it&#;s important to have it installed by a professional. Heat pumps should be regularly maintained to ensure they are working efficiently.
If you&#;re looking for a commercial contractor, call Schmitt at (415) 522-. We also offer heating and air conditioning services to homeowners in San Francisco, CA. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
For more information, please visit Commercial Heat Pump For Sale.