Residential and commercial buildings generate 30% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, any cost-effective equipment that improves energy efficiency and reduces emissions, while enhancing comfort is a huge plus. Heat pumps provide these benefits. Renewable energy sources – such as air, water, or ground (geothermal) – power heat pumps, making them the green option for new construction.
Global warming has prioritized decarbonization and electrification, thus prompting investment in heat pump technology. Costly retrofitting for older construction is a hurdle to heat pump adoption. Low temperature performance (sub 5 degrees) is also a challenge.
Retrofitting might require modifications to electrical and piping systems, storage, and insulation. However reduced maintenance costs, cleaner energy supplies, improved energy efficiency and tax incentives have been high enough to warrant the investment.
So, how do heat pumps work?
The Urban Green Council offers a detailed explanation which is paraphrased below:
“Heat pumps electrically move heat from one place to another. Each heat pump system contains at least one loop of copper tubing containing a fluid that carries heat. During the summer, the system absorbs heat from inside and releases it outside. During the winter, it does the reverse.
Heat pumps are typically split into two main components, outdoor and indoor. The units are connected by wiring and tubing containing compressors, valves, and fans. The vapor compression cycle process transfers more thermal energy than it consumes in electrical energy. That means heat pumps are over 100 percent efficient”.
Energy-efficient heat pump systems often include filtration systems that reduce pollutants, allergens, and airborne particles, promoting better indoor air quality.
What are three popular types of heat pumps?
Heat pumps draw energy from the air, in the ground or immersed in water – like Earth, Wind and (Fire) Water.
Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) are the most widely used heat pump systems. ASHP extracts heat from outside air and transfers it indoors. Moving heat requires less energy than generating heat. For larger installations, the unit dumping heat to the outside can be called the cooling tower.
Compared to traditional electric heaters, energy savings can exceed 50%. ASHP have a lower carbon footprint since they are not powered by fossil fuels.
ASHP feature reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance costs. Climate change concerns have prompted government incentives for renewable energy systems. Lowering the switching cost to heat pump systems has accelerated adoption.
Most systems have temperature controls which can be set based on a schedule. Partitioned zones offer additional control and savings. Heat pumps can be bi-directional for cooling or heating, in to and out of buildings.
Air source heat pumps are less expensive and easier to install compared to water or geothermal systems. However, their effectiveness diminishes below 5°C.
Thermodynamix specializes in ASHP installation while referring GSHP to trusted providers such as Dandelion Energy.
Ground Source Heat Pumps (“GSHP” or “geothermal” heat pumps) exhaust heat or cooling to the ground. GSHPs are similar to radiant heat systems that pump fluids through horizontal or vertical loops of pipe in the ground. “Horizontal” systems are shallow but wide while “vertical” systems are deep but narrow. The system chosen is influenced by costs, land and performance.
GSHPs are more efficient at heating water or providing HVAC than boilers, furnaces, or electric heaters. GSHPS boast a CoP (coefficient of performance) ranging from 3-6:
“meaning that the devices provide 3 – 6 units of heat for each unit of electricity used. Setup costs are higher due to the requirement of ground installation over large or deep areas; GSHP is [better suited for new construction]”.
Water-source heat pumps’ performance is comparable to ground-source heat pumps. Installation costs are typically lower. However, they require water proximity and must operate within a delicate ecosystem.
Global warming and the electric grid
Demand for heat pumps grows because homeowners, businesses and governments want to lower costs and reduce carbon impact. NYS Clean Heat is promoted by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), many energy companies, and equipment installers.
Heat pumps are powered by electricity and the electric grid is strained in New York. As a result, dual fuel systems might be implemented providing flexibility on days of heavy electricity usage or low temperatures. Heat pumps have improved to perform even to the negative Fahrenheit range. For instance, Mitsubishi Electric’s all-climate Hyper-Heating INVERTER heat pumps offer 100% capacity at outdoor temperature of -5° F and operate in environments below -20° F.
Ductless heat options, including a mini-split heat pump are available. Heat pumps can be paired with radiant floor heating systems.
If your family or your business wants to find out more about heat pumps systems, give us a call on (914) 909 4108. We will begin by conducting an energy audit and intelligently designing and sizing your system. If we cannot help you, we will point you in the right direction.
