A review of current technology and its viability
A peer reviewed article for the AECB by John Cantor and Kate De Selincourt
John Cantor has 30 years experience with heat pump systems. His enthusiasm to experiment combined with a hands-on approach has led to a broad and detailed knowledge of the topic. He now mostly acts as an advisor and consultant.
John Cantor - Heat Pumps Ltd.
Heat pumps have for a long time been presented as a ‘green’ and ‘cost effective’ heating technology, but there seem to be as least as many sceptics as proponents. Tales of poorly performing systems are not uncommon, but equally, there are plenty of satisfied customers.
There is no shortage of gadgets that don’t actually do what the salesmen claim, and it’s clear that heat pumps are often over-hyped. Do over-optimistic claims fuel the sceptics’ mistrust? What do heat pumps deliver in reality?
In this article we look at heat pump technology and air source heat pumps in particular, since these seem to be gaining in popularity. We look at possible reasons why the reality seems to have fallen short of the claims, reveal some common pitfalls and advise how to avoid (or remedy) them, and offer some pointers to assessing when a heat pump might be good option – and when something else might be the better option.
With thanks to Dr D Strong, Independent Consultant for reviewing this article
