A heat pump warms and cools your home, working like both a boiler and an air conditioning unit. Since they take in and distribute ambient heat instead of consuming fuel to create it, heat pumps are astoundingly energy-effective when contrasted with other common heating sources. They're powered by electricity, are generally straightforward to introduce in many homes, and may ultimately save you money on your home heating costs.
What type of heat pump do we find in Ireland?
An air-source heat pump is the most commonly used type of heat pump in Ireland. Such a pump operates by taking heat from the air (yes, even cool Irish air) and transferring it indoors.
There are also ground and water source heat pumps that gather their heat from the earth around a property or a nearby source of water, but these are less commonly found in Ireland.
Do air-source heat pumps they really work here?
Yes, they do. Even in Ireland where it can be cool outdoors for prolonged periods of the year, there is always some heat energy to be obtained and efficiently converted by the heat pump into warm air to heat your home.
We've described how heat pumps work in our main piece which you can find in the Build Your Knowledge section of the site, along with lots of other information.
How do I know which heat pump is best for my home?
Your heat pump provider will assess your home to determine the best option for you.
Factors taken into account will include:
- the size of the space to be heated
- the age of your home and the existing heating setup
- whether you have any additional requirements, such as advanced air filtration
- your budget.
Do I need to improve my insulation before getting a heat pump?
Your heat pump provider will do a thorough check on your home to ensure it is suitable for a heat pump, but chances are that you will need to have a good level of insulation in place in order to get the best from the device.
Do I need to maintain my heat pump?
How do I use a heat pump on a day-to-day basis?
Set your heat pump thermostat at a comfortable temperature and leave it at that temperature. Constantly adjusting the thermostat can cause your heat pump to work harder and use more energy. So, keep in mind that a heat pump works by keeping your well insulated home at a steady comfortable temperature, rather than introducing bursts of heat at particular times of the day.
With that, be patient. As heat pumps work differently than the traditional boiler you may be used to, don't expect to feel the warming impact of the heat pump right away. It may take a little time for the system to reach the desired temperature, especially on colder days.