Air-to-water heat pumps are not your regular heating and cooling systems. These systems are revolutionizing heating and cooling in many ways other alternatives cannot achieve. In this article, we will discuss the dual function of these heat pumps and how they are applied in modern homes, commercial buildings, and industries.
Introduction to Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
Air-to-water heat pumps are central heating systems that draw heat from outside the building and are used to heat your building and provide hot water. An air-to-water heat pump uses basic heat transfer technology to heat your home by distributing the heat through your heating system’s radiators, duct work or underfloor heating. In some cases, multiple distribution methods are used.
These systems can also cool your building. They achieve this by distributing chilled water through your home’s pipes via refrigeration. However, you will need to make some adjustments, such as insulating your pipework and for radiant floor cooling, using our specialty controllers that monitors condensation.
Benefits of Dual Heating and Cooling Systems
Homeowners prefer systems with dual functionality for heating and cooling because of the following benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: These dual-function systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Therefore, they use less energy than regular AC units and gas or electric furnaces.
- Cost Savings: Reduced energy consumption translates to money saved on energy bills. Over time, these cost savings can become significant, so wise homeowners are switching to these systems.
- Year-Round Comfort: Since these systems can heat and cool your home, they can be used whether the weather is hot or cold. When it is hot, they can cool your building; when it is cold, they can heat it. It’s the best deal you can hope for.
Environmental Impact and Use of Sustainable Refrigerants
Air-to-water heat pumps and heat pumps, in general, are good for the environment because they use about 70 to 80% renewable energy and do not produce direct carbon emissions. They only consume small amounts of electricity due to the operation of electricity in the compressor and refrigerant.
Zero CO2 emissions! A gas boiler produces tonnes of CO2 per year into the air, with an efficiency rate of only 80-94% compared to the 350-400% efficiency of air-to-water heat pumps. If we compare this with an oil boiler, we see that these systems have a worse efficiency rate of 60-70% and emit even more CO2 than natural gas heaters do.
Applications in Modern Homes and Businesses
Due to their energy efficiencies and other benefits, air-to-water heat pumps are being used in modern homes and businesses. Below are some of the applications of these revolutionary heating and cooling systems.
In Modern Homes
The following are the applications of air-to-water heat pumps in modern homes:
- Home Heating: Air-to-water heat pumps like the Arctic Heat Pump 060ZA/BE are perfect for heating your home during cold winters. Not only are they great at heating, but they also reduce your energy costs. These systems are designed with smart control features that allow you to change the heat intensity and other features.
- Hot Water Supply: Imagine having to bathe in cold water during the winter. You certainly wouldn’t want to experience that. Thankfully, you don’t have to if you have an Arctic hot water heat pump. You can get the hot water you need quickly without negatively impacting the environment.
- Underfloor Heating and Cooling: As many homes transition from radiators to underfloor heating, Arctic air-to-water heat pumps are ideal with this design. Compared to radiator heating, this modern method is more comfortable and doesn’t take up space in your home, and can even provide radiant floor cooling.
In Businesses and Industries
Air-to-water heat pumps are applied in businesses and industries in the following ways:
- Hot Water Supply: Commercial buildings like hotels that require large amounts of hot water for guests and daily operations often use air-to-water heat pumps. This capability is crucial in industries like textile dyeing and food processing that require lots of hot water. These systems are advantageous because they can produce a large amount of hot water at a low cost. With these pumps, these commercial buildings remain compliant with green standards.
- Commercial Heating – Heat pumps are ideal for industrial buildings that primarily use radiant floor heating. Adding multiple heat pumps is the most cost-effective means to heat large building, built on slabs with in-floor radiant piping.
Closing: The Future of HVAC Technology
As air-to-water heat pump technology evolves, we can expect more comfort and even more energy savings. Hydronic heating is the fastest growing HVAC market in the USA, with more homes being constructed using underfloor heating than ever before. Electrification and combining these heat pumps with other renewable energy sources, such as solar systems, is gaining popularity. The cooling aspect of these systems using both traditional central ducting or individual fan coils and even radiant floor cooling, make Arctic Heat Pump the perfect dual-function heating and cooling systems.
