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Can anyone advise me on the efficiencies achieved with the 2 systems. The only readily available info seems to be from the respective companies but I can't find any impartial advice. Two companies advocating air source pumps - LowEnergySolutions and Sweco both make great claims -has anyone had any experience with either of them?
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Pity this forum doesn't have a search function or a proper threaded browsing interface (but I digress).
For useful info on both air-source heat pumps look at:
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/infosource/pub/home/heating-heat-pump/booklet.pdf
For ground source heat pumps, visit http://www.geoexchange.org and
http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu
GSHPs have a relatively constant COP whereas airsource heatpumps have a COP that declines with air temperature. GSHPs are far more efficient at cooling than air-source (since the ground is cold) and GSHPs are quieter and have a longer life than air source pumps since they are not outside exposed to the elements.
Pity that in the UK you can't get a grant if you put in a system that also air conditions since this is where both types of heat pump excel.
Just to state: I have two houses in Canada with GSHPs and have been extremely satisfied with their performance and low running costs - but we have very cheap and clean electricity here.
Paul.
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It does have a search function Paul. It is above on the right. Give it a try.
Perhaps I should move it to the top of the topic list?
Regards Keith
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Thanks for the reply - I guess what I am really trying to establish is what is the best system to install if you have the option. I am looking at this purely for heating and water and not cooling. Some of the companies I have spoken to put forward sound arguments for using an air source pump (for a build in Ireland). They maintain that the average air temperature is higher (even in mid-winter) than the average ground temperature. They also argue that in the coldest month when the system is working the hardest it will draw heat from the ground around faster than it can be replaced which is why the ground loop must contain antifreeze. Sound logical but is this correct? I am convinced re. heat pump technology and have the opurtunity to install any of the sytems on the market but I can't seem to establish which is the best way to go.
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When you factor in the cost of a borehole or an array of pipes burried in the ground I'm prety sure that you will end up with air to water version. There will be some noise from the outside fan box. Paul will no doubt tell you that you will have to go for underfloor heating which is the best option but many of our boys claim thet their pumps will drive radiator systems directly. The people who said that the ground would not supply enough heat were clearly salesmen for air systems trying to put you off and unless the array of pipes was far too small this would not be true.
I am considering an air to water system so please let me know how you get on.
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When you factor in the cost of a borehole or an array of pipes burried in the ground I'm prety sure that you will end up with air to water version. There will be some noise from the outside fan box. Paul will no doubt tell you that you will have to go for underfloor heating which is the best option but many of our boys claim thet their pumps will drive radiator systems directly. The people who said that the ground would not supply enough heat were clearly salesmen for air systems trying to put you off and unless the array of pipes was far too small this would not be true.
I am considering an air to water system so please let me know how you get on.
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