Heat Pumps in Ireland, do they work?
The weather in Ireland is famously unpredictable, requiring a heating system that can adapt rapidly to changing conditions. At Greentherm, we offer the perfect solution to weather the storms with out Hitachi heat pumps. Whether you prefer an Air-to-Water or Geothermal heat pump, we have you covered
Can Heat Pumps Provide Sole Heating for Homes?
Many of our successful projects involved relying solely on a single Hitachi Heat pump to heat homes, even during the harshest winters. These efficient pumps deliver both central heating and domestic hot water without any complaints. However, it’s crucial to have properly designed central heating system that complements the operation of the heat pump.
What Temperatures Can Heat Pumps Achieve?
Our Hitachi Yutaki heat pumps are capable of supplying water at temperatures up to 55°C. To optimise their efficiency, we design our systems to operate at lower temperatures. Higher output temperatures decrease heat pump efficiency, but our heating design prioritise achieving low operating temperatures to ensure your comfort without compromising energy savings.
What’s the Minimum Operating Temperature for Heat Pumps?
Greentherm’s heat pumps are rated to operate at an impressive -20°C, comfortably handling even the coldest Irish winters. Additionally, Geothermal heat pumps are unaffected by air temperatures, as they extract ambient heat from the soil.
Do I Need a Buffer Tank?
At Greentherm, we always recommend installing a buffer tank alongside your new heat pump. A properly sized buffer tank acts as a thermal “battery” that can be charged during off-peak electricity hours, storing heat at higher temperatures. Throughout the day, the stored heat is gradually utilised, reducing the consumption of more expensive day rate electricity. This approach ensures optimal performance of the heat pump in extreme temperature conditions, allowing it to meet the building’s heat demand effectively.
Having a buffer tank also gurantees an uninterrupted supply of hot water when the heat pump enters a defrost cycle. Moreover, it prevents short-cycling of the heat pump compressor, minimising wear and tear and extending the compressor’s lifespan. For the best results, consider pairing your heat pump with a Greentherm Tank-in-Tank system.
What is a Defrost Cycle on a Heat Pump?
Air-to-Water heat pumps naturally accumulate ice, which acts as an insulator and hampers the transfer of atmospheric heat to the heat pump. Consequently, the heat pump activates a defrost cycle to melt the ice. During this cycle, the heat pump operates in reverse, extracting a small amount of heat from the buffer store. Geothermal systems, on the other hand, do not require defrost cycling.
Can I Retrofit a Heat Pump to my Existing Home?
For optimal efficiency, heat pumps work best with heating technologies designed for lower temperatures. Conventional radiators perform best at higher temperatures, but they can be replaced with low temperature radiators, fan-coil radiators, or underfloor heating systems to complement the heat pump. If conventional radiators must be used, a bi-valent system with a backup boiler would likely provide the best operating economics.
Can Heat Pumps be Used with Underfloor Heating?
Heat pumps and underfloor heating are an ideal match. Underfloor heating systems operate at lower temperatures compared to conventional radiators, allowing the heat pump to operate in its most efficient range. At Greentherm, we offer both Heat Pumps and Underfloor Heating Systems, and we can guide you through the installation of combined systems.
Why Choose Greentherm for Heat Pumps?
At Greentherm, we are more than just a supplier; we are an engineering company committed to providing tailored solutions that align with your budget and specific requirements. We take the time to consult with you, discussing your needs, expectations, and budget, in order to craft a customised solution that ticks all the boxes.
