Martin Applebaum asked:


Are you looking for an alternative method of heating and cooling your home? Many people are turning to heat pumps. However, how do you measure heat pump efficiency? Well, there are four types of measurements that are used to describe the specific efficiency. Any of these specific measurements can be used at any one time.

This article will attempt to provide some light on the ways of determining heat pump efficiency. One method is to compare the amount of energy delivered by the pump to the actual amount it consumes.

One thing to keep in mind, when comparing measurements for heat pump efficiency is the higher the number, the higher the actual efficiency of the pump.

The most common measurement used for heat pump efficiency ratings is the Coefficient of Performance or COP. This refers to the ratio of the heat pump’s BTU heat output to the BTU electrical output. A water or ground source heat pump has a rating of three to five. An air source heat pump usually has a COP rating of two to four. When the outside temperature drops, the COP of air source heat pumps decreases. Therefore, when you compare these ratings, make sure they are based on the same outside air temperature.

Another method of determining heat pump efficiency is the Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER. This evaluates the efficiency during the cooling cycle of the particular unit. This rating is also used for air conditioners. If the EER rating is higher than ten, then that is a good machine.

Keep in mind that these heat pump efficiency measurements are basically factory or lab tests. The heat pump in question could actually have a different measurement in actual usage. The measurement could vary depending on the weather or how much additional heat is required. Therefore, the best or more realistic measurement is one based on seasonal calculations. The seasonal ratings are HSPF and SEER.

The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor or HSPF is another of the heat pump efficiency measurements. If the rating is between five to seven, then that is a good rating to have. SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the measurement of total cooling in BTU’s. A good SEER rating is between eight and ten.



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David Karlson asked:


 

Before you look at heat pump prices, you should have an idea of exactly what these devices can do. It is a machine, which moves heat from one location to another. These devices have the ability to either heat or cool an area. Most use the air as their source of heat. Some types use the ground for their source of heat.

If you have purchased a pump, then you must have a professional do the installation. It is not recommended that you install it yourself. Heat pump prices vary between manufacturers such as Trane, Carrier and Goodman. Stick with a name you can trust. You do not want to purchase a knock off heat pump that does not provide the service and reliability of the quality name brand products.

You may find heat pump prices that are quite low for second hand units. However, it may not be a good idea to purchase a used device because you just do not know if it is in good condition or not. In addition, there most likely will not be a warranty left on the machine. It is recommended that you buy a unit that comes with a warranty.

Another aspect that affects heat pump prices is the actual capacity of the heat pump. A large capacity pump will obviously demand a higher price than a smaller unit will. Determine what your needs are concerning the size of the unit. If you need to heat or cool a large area, then you will most likely require a larger unit.

In regards to heat pump prices, keep in mind that there will be installation charges as well. Some companies may include the cost of installation in the price of the pump while others will add it on afterwards. Gather as much information as possible before making the actual purchase. When it comes to your research, treat it as you would any other appliance. The actual cost to operate the unit is a good measure of its true cost.

If you are looking for a break in heat pump prices there could be some situations where you will be able to find a dealer or manufacturer offering a seasonal promotion or discount. This may often happen if a store has a surplus of older models and they want to sell them quickly to make room for the new models coming in. If you happen to know a good furnace installer, contractor then speak to them regarding any possible deals their company may be having on pumps, or perhaps they can make a good recommendation on a deal you have not heard of yet. Speaking to industry professionals is always a good practice regardless of the specific industry or item concerned. They will have first hand knowledge and valuable experience that you would not get anywhere else.

There are some states and federal agencies that provide information on heat pumps that allow the average consumer to calculate their cost savings such as the popular Energy star system. This allows the consumer to effectively compare heat pump prices.



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Alan Jacobson asked:


There are three exciting new technologies that can help you heat your home this winter with less, or perhaps even no oil or gas. Each of these systems will pay for itself in just a small period of time, and after that you keep all the savings you reap on lower oil and gas bills. Each of these three products, condensing boilers, micro chp systems, and ground source heat pumps are already in widespread use around the globe, and poised to explode into the market in the US.

Micro Combined Heat & Power (CHP) is the cornerstone technology in what is called “cogeneration”. Cogeneration is the process by which electricity and heat are generated at the same time, and micro chp achieves this in a way that maximizes the effectiveness of both processes. This, in turn, allows you to use less gas or oil. As an example, some micro-chp systems are so efficient that they convert 70-80% of the energy produced from the gas or oil into heat, and 15-25% into electricity. This leaves very little energy to be lost, 5-20% in most cases. Conventional systems, on the other hand might also be able to convert 80% of the energy into heat, but electricity generation is a completely separate system. Thus, with micro chp, the electricity generated in the home is basically free! The savings on electric bills can cover the initial investment in the installation of a micro CHP unit in just a few years.

A condensing boiler captures energy normally discharged and lost through the exhaust chimney during the process where the water is heated. Put simply, the captured steam is changed back to hot water using a “heat exchanger” that cools the steam back into liquid. During this process, energy is produced and recovered. This energy, in turn, is useful in powering the condensing boiler, so less gas or oil has to be burned overall. In addition, given that the recovered water is already heated, it can be recycled back into use within the boiler right away. Condensing boilers usually pay for themselves in two to three years.

Geothermal heat pumps (often called ground source heat pumps) can both heat and cool your home, and the thing that sets these systems apart from both of the above is that they use zero gas or oil. In fact, the heat and cooling is generated by something that you don’t have to pay for and isn’t going anywhere - the earth itself. Just under the ground, the earth’s temperature is steady and warm. A ground source heat pump pulls the earth’s heat into the house in the winter, while in the summer the system reverses itself and returns heat from the house into the ground. While ground source heat pumps are more expensive to install than regular heating and colling systems, they are often warranteed for 40-50 years, and pay for themselves in a small fraction of that.

Condensing boilers, micro CHP, and ground source heat pumps are technologies that are already perfected and on the consumer market. Therefore, the price is already reasonable and the technology reliable. These are not brand new “green” technologies - they are just relatively (and surprisingly) unknown products. Look into one of the three products today to lower your heating bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the resale value and desireability of your home.



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Sandra Keeley asked:


Underfloor heating does exactly as is states: heats a room/building via a heating system underneath the floor. Underfloor heating is generally thought of as a new innovation, but it has been used for centuries in different parts of the world. It is suitable for all types of property, whether residential or commercial, and can be easily linked to an existing heating system.

The advantages to using underfloor heating are:

• An even heat distribution can create a more comfortable living environment: the feet are kept warm, the head is cooler and there aren’t any cold or hot spots in the room, as often associated with other heating systems.

• Energy efficient: with good insulation, the room thermostat can be set 2 – 3°C lower than a room heated by radiators. Research has shown that when the feet are warm, the overall temperature of the room can be reduced. This can result in a saving of approximately 15 – 60% on fuel bills.

• Improved indoor air quality: reduction of dust circulation and an increase in the relative level of humidity by approximately 12%. Consequently this can reduce environmental triggers for asthma suffers.

• Freedom for innovative interior design: no ugly radiators and pipes give more space and freedom for the interior design of any building. This benefit of underfloor heating is of particular importance when an historical building needs to be heated, without modern utilities being visible.

• Easy to install and cost effective: underfloor heating can be fitted as a DIY project, or by professionals.

• Compatible with other green energy efficient heat sources e.g. heat pumps, solar, and condensing boilers.

Any type of floor finish or covering is suitable with underfloor heating, although there are few points to keep in mind. For a stone or tiled floor finish, ceramic, quarry or flagstone, such as Athena Stone Tiles, will ensure optimum heat output. With a wood finish, such as laminate, hardwood or chipboard, a maximum depth of 22mm should be used. If a carpet covering is used with underfloor heating, the total carpet thickness, which includes the underlay, must not exceed 12mm.

There are two types of underfloor heating to chose from: wet (water) or dry (electric). Wet systems circulate warm water through a series of pipe loops under the floor. They can be integrated easily into a property’s existing hot water system, and mixed and matched with radiators if underfloor heating is not required in every room. However, wet systems can be very expensive to install within an existing property, because the floors have to be taken up before the system can be put in.

Electrical underfloor heating is ideal for existing properties, due to the heating system being laid on top of the existing floor, and then covered with the floor covering of choice. Electric underfloor heating can be bought in the form of cable systems: a basic heating cable, flat cables, or woven mats. The temperature is controlled with a built in thermostat and/or timer. Automatic thermostats, rather than a manual one, have been shown to further increase energy savings because they can regulate themselves; particularly useful when the building is empty for any length of time. An electric underfloor heating system can be fitted as a DIY project, which will save money on labour costs, but a qualified electrician must connect the cables or mats to the main electrical system.



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Joshua Drew asked:


If you have been paying attention to the alternative energy approaches that have been tried, you probably have heard about geothermal heat pumps. These heat pumps use the heat that is contained in the earth to provide heat instead of heating the air. During the cold winters the geothermal heat pump will take the heat that is contained in the earth to bring heat to your home. In the summer it removes the heat from your house and puts it back into the ground. This is how a geothermal heat pump can cool your home in the summer.

This method of heating and cooling are a viable option to help the environmental issues that are created with the traditional methods of heating and cooling. They will cut down on the pollution that is created and save a great deal of energy in the process. When you have one of these heating systems installed in your home, you will see immediate savings in your energy bill and you will be helping the environment at the same time.

The cost to have a geothermal heat pump system installed in your home can be quite high. The savings that are gained, however, more than make up for the high installation costs. If you have made the decision to install one of these systems in your home, you should make sure that the contractor you hire is experienced with the installation of a geothermal heat pump. Look for one with experience in this type of heating and cooling system.

When you are looking for a contractor, make sure that you check out the reputation that they have in your area. If you know someone who has had this type of system installed in their home, you can ask them to refer a contractor to you. You can check with your local authorities and better business bureau to find a good contractor.

Do some homework on geothermal heating systems before you make your final decision. When you analyze the numbers you might find that the cost is not worth the savings. If you go on the Internet you can find some great information on geothermal heat pumps and the kind of savings you can expect. Learn everything you can about the system before you make a decision.

Find people who have this type of system in their home and ask them about the energy savings that they are experiencing. Try to find friends who have this type of system instead of recommendations from the contractor. It is always better to get the information from someone that you know.

Once you get all of the research on geothermal heat systems, you will be sure that you are making the right decision for you. An informed consumer is one that will always make the best decisions.



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Tal Potishman asked:


High Efficiency Boilers to Reduce CO2 Emissions Thanks to Part L

by Tal Potishman

Introduced in 2005 the new Building Regulations Part L has changed the scene as far as boilers are concerned. According to the new requirement, all boilers replaced or installed must be of high efficiency rating. This includes condensing and combination boilers which utilize a larger heat exchanger (or a secondary heat exchanger) to recoup some of the heat that would normally be released into the atmosphere with the exhaust gases. Since some of the energy can be reused, the boiler can generate the same amount of heat with less fuel.

The new high efficiency heating unit introduced a new level of professional requirements from the system designer and the operative installing it. Each part of the system (such as the boiler, the radiators, the hot water cylinder and the heating controls) is fully integrated with the other components, to maximize the system’s efficiency and heating output. As such, the design has to account for each component’s specific set up and consider their input and output demands.

Research shows that since the introduction of the new Part L, the domestic heating industry has made a major reduction in the amount of carbon emissions generated every year. Recent analysis conducted in the industry indicates that savings of around 2.4 million tonnes of carbon have been made since the new Building Regulations have been introduced. Furthermore, the analysis shows that had Part L not been introduced and with the industry relying on SEDBUK D rated systems, the amount of carbon emissions would have increased by over one million tonnes since 2005.

At current levels there is still large potential for reducing the carbon emissions generated by the domestic boilers in the UK. There are around four million old boilers which are significantly less efficient than modern SEDBUK A rated boilers. Replacing such old boilers with an A rated boiler can reduce carbon emissions by around 30%. Each home in the UK produces an average of 5 tonnes of CO2 per annum. Across the whole population, domestic heating accounts for around 16% of the UK’s CO2 emissions.

The government is trying to encourage carbon reducing behaviour within the home heating sector. It has scrapped stamp duty for carbon neutral homes and has introduced the home information packs which have an energy performance certificate as part of the pack. However, the stamp duty benefit does not apply to the vast majority of inefficient homes around the country making it less effective. The home information packs (with their energy performance certificate component) also have drawbacks in that they are only produced when the house is sold, and thus not having enough of an impact at other times to encourage reduction in carbon emissions.

Other levers that can be pulled to reduce carbon emissions from domestic heating in the UK are related to renewable and sustainable energy. The government plans to build around 3 million new homes between now and 2020. If just 10% of these new homes use solar thermal heating or heat pumps along with traditional (gas or oil) boilers, around 150,000 tonnes of carbon emissions would be saved annually.

The government applied a combination of carrots and sticks to force the domestic heating market to reduce its carbon emissions. The plumbing and heating industry is largely keeping up with the trend with many companies investing in training and professional development on renewable energy technologies to address any market need in those areas.



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David Karlson asked:


 

A geothermal heat pump is a great way to offset the high-energy costs we are experiencing currently. These machines use energy that is stored in the ground. They are designed to provide good clean, quiet cooling and heating. In addition, many people see their energy costs reduced by up to seventy percent.

One problem with a geothermal heat pump is that many people have never heard of them. Many people could be saving on their energy costs and they are not even aware of how they can do that. These devices work similarly to a standard heat pump.

The main difference in the two types of systems is that a standard unit will get rid of the heat through the outside air. The geothermal units will transfer the heat through their liquid filled pipes, which are buried under the ground.

Homeowners find that a geothermal heat pump does not require a fan to move air through it’s compressor coils. They pump liquid, thus they can be kept indoors away from the elements because they are quite quiet. Make sure the unit you purchase comes with a good warranty of at least ten years.

A geothermal heat pump is expensive to install, however because they are so energy efficient that the payback period could be quite quick. The installation can cost up to fifteen to twenty thousand dollars, this includes the pump, the controls and the underground loops. Some states provide incentive plans for people to install these systems.

Studies have been done that determine the average length of time to recoup the costs is only seven or eight years. However, this will depend on the local utility costs and how well your house is insulated, and the overall efficiency of the geothermal heat pump you use. Another reason for having one of these units installed is that it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

If you are looking for alternative methods to heat and cool your home, then consider investing in a geothermal heat pump and watch your energy bills drop considerably.



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Aidan Doran asked:


Heat pumps are the technological wonders that are useful in a variety of purposes. A free supply of hot water with renewable sources of energy for domestic water uses and house warming purposes can be served by heat pumps. These equipments are useful especially when dealing with low temperature heat distribution systems used basically for under floor heating. Heat pumps follow a low cost and pocket friendly system of extracting hot water from underground or water resources. The principle attached with the working of heat pumps is pumping heat from a low temperature source and releasing it at a high temperature into the central heating system of all edifices.



Primarily, heat pumps are capable of providing both heating and cooling solutions for the comfort at homes. The quality of an effective heat pump is measured through the system by which it maintains the warmth of a dwelling and circulates air temperature amid hot & cold climatic fluctuations. Proper care must be taken before choosing the appropriate heat pump for the required purpose depending upon its features like power supply, total horse power supply it can generate, hours in a day it can constantly function and so on. Another important factor for deciding the correct selection of the heat pumps for a family is the climatic features of the place of residence.

The cooling efficiency of heat pumps is calculated according to Seasonal Energy Efficiency ratio (SEER) that is an average of the cooling output against the power input. On the other hand, the heating factor of these heat pumps is measured by the heating season performance factor (HSPF), a ratio of seasonal heating output and seasonal power. There are three types of heat pumps available in the market. Some that take heat from ground, from water resources like wells and rivers and directly from the air. Besides the ground source heat pumps are offered divided in two varieties – vertical loops ad horizontal loops.

Heat pumps are efficient as well as economical pieces of technology to provide you with luxurious and comfortable living. These equipments run on electricity and hence nature friendly. Heat pumps are durable and come with specified period of guarantees for long term. For more info on our sales and services on heat pumps, please refer http://www.techstore.ie/Renewable-Energy/Heat-Pumps.htm



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Gloria Smith asked:


These days everything around us reminds us to be conscious of the world we live in.  Reports on climate change, diminishing world food supply, and damage to our ozone layer - what more warning signs do we need before we do our part to save the environment.

 

I say we start at home.  Though eco-friendly home heating systems may cost more, they come out cheaper in the long run and definitely more energy-efficient.  The biggest plus is you can be a good vanguard of the Earth while enjoying the benefits of the latest home heating systems.  You can get started with these earth-friendly home heating ideas.

 

Adjust or get programmable thermostat.  You can set the temperature according to times of the day, so you are not wasting energy when you are not home or you are asleep.  For every degree you lower your thermostat, you save a considerable amount of energy use.

 

Power your home with solar/photovoltaic panels.  This may be costly to begin with but is likely to be beneficial in the end.  Solar panels can capture sunlight into energy which in turn can heat water.  The PV system needs no refueling, does not emit pollution and does not produce noise and is easy to maintain.

 

Warm your home with biofuels.  For going green stalwarts, a perfect alternative to heat the home is through the use of biofuels.  Biofuels are derived from recent compost.  They reduce pollution from burning.Install a radiant heating system.  Although this may be expensive and involve some home renovations; opting for a radiant heating system is known to cut electricity bills to as much as forty percent. 

 

Radiant heating can be placed under carpets or ceramic tiles.  Since heat rises, radiant heating adequately warms up an enclosed space without having to adjust the thermostat.Invest in space heaters. 

 

Space heaters surround a room with added warmth at a fraction of the cost of oil or gas.  They are recommended for places where central heating is not practical.

 

Go for double-paned windows.  Windows account for much heat loss especially old windows.  Upgrade to double-paned windows.  They have low emissive coatings on the glass to reduce heat loss.  Others help reflect heat back to the room during winter. 

 

Choose wood stove and wood stove alternatives.  In early times, a wood burning stove is traditionally used to heat up the home.  It is even more effective than a fireplace.  Nowadays, the pellet stove is gaining popularity.  Pellets which are made from compressed sawdust or wood chips have replaced fossil fuels.  Pellets can also be burned to heat water.Set up a ground source heat system. 

 

A ground source heat pump taps water from underground into the home to provide central heating and in some instances heat water too.  A heat pump is generally powered by electricity and for every unit of electricity consumed to pump heat, three to four units of heat are produced.

 

Use the fireplace.  Gather wood scraps to make fire or better yet install a fireplace insert made from steel plates, cast iron and glass to make your fireplace airtight and more efficient.

 

Seal out the cold.  Get rid of drafts around the windows, doors, baseboards and outside wall openings.  Apply weather stripping, caulk or expanded foam to sea air leaks.

 

 



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wsueb asked:


An Affordable Heat-Pump Water-Heater Retrofit

The engineers at AirGenerate (previously Beyond Pollution) appear to have done something remarkable: create an affordable, effective, heat-pump water heater that can be retrofit onto a conventional gas or electric water heater, more than doubling the energy performance compared with a standard electric water heater. The AirTap A7 water heater has a rated output of 7,000 Btu/hour (7.4 MJ/hour), a first-hour rating of 42.5 gallons (160 l), a maximum water temperature of 135°F (57°C), an efficiency of 240% (coefficient of performance of 2.4), and an energy factor of 2.11. (Energy factor is a standardized measure of performance of water heaters; the higher the number, the better.) All this is in a unit that measures only 18″ wide by 14″ deep by 14″ high (460 x 360 x 360 mm), weighs only 48 pounds (22 kg), and sits on top of a standard water heater. The list price is $499. The energy factor and first-hour rating of the AirTap are certified by GAMA (previously the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association and now a broader association of appliance and equipment manufacturers).

 

 

 

Heat-pump(from: http://www.building-materials-china.com/buy-Heat%255Epump/) water heaters have always been a good idea, but most efforts to design, build, and market them have failed. With today’s high energy prices, however, consumers should be more receptive to heat-pump water heaters, according to Harvey Sachs, Ph.D., the buildings program director at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. “The economic savings potential is so much greater than before, with the run-up of energy prices,” Sachs told EBN.

 

 

 

AirGenerate initially produced its AirTap A7 water-heater(from: http://www.building-materials-china.com/buy-water%255Eheater/) kit in Houston, Texas. After selling a few hundred units in late 2007, the company began sourcing the product from an offshore supplier. The outsourcing of production will allow the company to significantly ramp up production. The first of the new (offshore-manufactured) AirTap units were received in January 2008, and about 200 had been sold through May 2008. Of 400 units scheduled to arrive in June, almost all were pre-sold by the end of May, according to Sunil Sinha, chief scientist at AirGenerate.

 



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