Are they Environmentally-Friendly?
If you’re looking for the most environmentally-friendly climate control option available, you needn’t look any further than the ground source heat pump. On a local level, these systems operate without the use of fossil fuels, all the while using only small amounts of electricity.
As such, ground source heat pumps produce very few carbon emissions overall. Any emissions that they do produce are produced indirectly, as the electricity they utilise is often generated by the burning of fossil fuels.
Note, however, that in some cases, it’s possible to generate electricity without the use of fossil fuels. If you were to install solar panels on your property, for instance, you might be able to generate enough clean electricity to power your heat pump in its entirety. In this scenario, your heat pump wouldn’t be responsible for any carbon emissions whatsoever.
In any case, by utilising a heat pump, you would be taking a great deal of strain off the environment. Though your contribution would only be a small one, it would make a positive difference.
Can They Offer Both Heating and Cooling?
When you hear the term “heat pump”, you probably think of a device which provides heat. While heat pumps do provide heat, they don’t stop at heat alone. In addition to heat, they also provide cold.
That’s right: heat pumps are simultaneously boilers and air conditioners. They and they alone can be used to provide year-round climate control within a home or commercial property.
Now, you’re probably wondering: if it produces heat and cold, why is it exclusively known as a heat pump? Heat pumps aren’t called heat pumps because they produce heat. They’re called heat pumps because they use heat (thermal) energy.
See, ground source heat pumps operate by taking thermal energy from cold places (the ground). Then, after they’ve captured that energy, they process it, either heating it up for home heating purposes or cooling it down for home cooling purposes.
Simply put, there’s no other climate control system like the heat pump. It’s the only system which provides both heat and cold.
Are They Durable?
Concerned about the durability of ground source heat pumps? You shouldn’t be. Heat pumps are just as durable as furnaces and actually tend to last longer than air conditioners.
Generally, you can expect to get around 25 years out of a single heat pump unit. Compare this to 15 years of use for an air conditioner and 12 years of use for a boiler. Considering the heat pump performs both functions (heating and cooling), it’s a long-term bargain.
Are They Energy Efficient?
As was noted above, ground source heat pumps forego the use of fossil fuels, utilising only small amounts of electricity in order to operate. Not only does this make them environmentally-friendly, but it also makes them energy efficient.
Because heat pumps are so energy efficient, they cost very little to run. While exact results vary, it’s not uncommon for a heat pump to produce heat at half the price of a boiler. Over the course of a year, this could result in up to 50% of savings on the costs of heating your home.
In essence, if you want to reduce your energy usage and save as much money as possible, a heat pump is the best option for you.
Are They Noisey?
Anyone who’s ever owned an air conditioner knows: air conditioners are loud. Air conditioner condensers whirl around at high speeds, cutting through the wind and making their presence known without a shadow of a doubt.
Heat pumps don’t have this problem. While they make small amounts of noise, they are generally easy to ignore. So, if you’re concerned about keeping noise levels to a minimum, the heat pump might just be the best option for you.
Are They Safe?
Perhaps the greatest aspect of ground source heat pumps is that they’re safe. There is essentially no chance of someone being injured or killed by a heat pump.
While this is generally true of air conditioners and furnaces, there are exceptions. For instance, oil-based furnace systems have exploded in the past, causing the deaths of those living in their corresponding homes. Though this is a rare occurrence, it’s still in the realm of possibility.
When you get your heating and cooling from a heat pump, you can rest assured that you’ll be safe. There’s no malfunction which can cause you bodily harm.
Are They Cost-Effective?
While there are exceptions, in most cases, when compared to the combination of an air conditioner and a furnace, heat pumps are the more cost-effective option. This is true for two reasons: 1. A heat pump requires the installation of only one external or internal unit, and 2. Heat pumps use less energy than boilers and air conditioners.
Where you’ll really start to see savings is in your energy bills. A heat pump could as much as cut your energy costs in half, specifically during the spring, summer, and autumn months.
So, while a heat pump might initially cost a little more than a single air conditioner unit or a boiler, as a year-round climate control unit, it will pay itself off over the years.
Looking to Install a Ground Source Heat Pump System?
Would you like to reap the benefits of a ground source heat pump system? If so, and if you live in the Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Wales or Cotswold area, Cotswold Energy Group is the company to call.
Our team has installed ground source heat pumps in countless residences throughout the Cotswolds and its surrounding areas. We look forward to installing one for you!
Contact us now to get the process started!