The heat pump is an increasingly popular heating system for both individuals and professionals. Its economical and ecological side makes it an excellent choice for preserving the environment while reducing energy bills considerably. Before installing this device, however, it is essential to know its advantages and disadvantages. Quite simply because it is a more or less expensive investment. So how does this equipment work and what makes it different from other heating systems? How to maintain it well?
How a heat pump works
There heat pump is a heating device that operates using renewable energy sources, including air, soil and groundwater. It consists of several elements guaranteeing heating. Its operation is based on the recovery of heat from the ground or the outside air, to return it to the interiors.
It is equipped with an evaporator which is responsible for capturing ambient calories from an energy source (water, earth or air), to promote the evaporation of the refrigerant. The compression and heating of this vapor by the vapor compressor will then cause its pressure and heat to rise. Once routed to the condenser, the latter is responsible for transferring this heat to the water in the heating circuit so that it then resumes its liquid state. The regulator will reduce the pressure of the fluid in order to transform it into gas and thus resume the heating cycle.
However, this equipment can produce cold air in the summer, such as a air conditioner. The operation of this equipment may therefore vary from one model to another. As part of an air-air heat pump, the heat is transmitted using fan coils instead of the circulation of heat transfer fluid for an air-water model.
If you are looking for a air conditioning solution in Lyon performance or heating, it is strongly recommended to call on professionals. They will be able to guide you towards the best models most suited to your needs. heat pump.
The benefits of a heat pump
If the heat pump is enjoying growing success, it is because it has many advantages. So what is the point of adopting this heating system ?
Significant energy savings
Installing a heat pump is an economical solution. Indeed, it allows you to reduce your energy consumption significantly. The heat pump does not need a lot of energy to operate. The heat is drawn from an inexhaustible and free source. One kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity used for its operation can generate up to 4 kWh of heat.
An ecological solution
At a time when global warming has become a concern, adopting a heat pump at home can only be beneficial for the planet. Indeed, the environmental impacts of this heating system are minimal, because it uses renewable and natural energies. Only the energy used to operate the installation is a source of pollution. The rate of CO2 generated at each kWh is 4 times lower than with a fuel boiler.
Optimum comfort
In addition to being easy to install, the heat pump provides optimal comfort. The heating of the interiors is done efficiently and the device maintains this heat in a sustainable manner. Unlike wood or oil boilers, this heating system emits no unpleasant odors during operation. More efficient models can be chosen to benefit from coolness in the summer season, thanks to an inverted system.
Equipment eligible for energy bonuses
The installation of a heat pump requires a more or less substantial cost. Although you can make the acquisition profitable in the long term thanks to the reduced invoices, this cost can weigh heavily on your budget. Fortunately, this equipment is eligible for financial aid offered by the State.
You can thus take advantage of a reduced VAT rate of 5.5% or even the recovery of the amount of acquisition and installation thanks to the tax credit. Do not hesitate to find out about these different bonuses to lighten your investment and make the most of your heat pump.
The disadvantages of a heat pump
As you can see, the heat pump has many advantages. However, this installation is not without drawbacks. It is essential to know them to weigh the pros and cons before making the decision to adopt this heating system in your home.
A significant investment
Purchasing and installing a heat pump can be very expensive. Some models are particularly very expensive because of the extent of the installation work to be carried out. This is for example the case of geothermal heat pumps.
It is therefore essential to define your budget well in order to choose the most appropriate model. An aerothermal model can for example be offered between 12,000 and 15,000 euros. Fortunately, you can recoup the installation costs thanks to the savings in energy consumption. In addition, financial aid will also reduce your expenses.
The heat pump makes loud noises
I’heat pump outdoor unit can cause significant noise pollution. This will not affect your comfort of life, but rather that of your neighborhood. This is also why this type of device is forbidden in some places. It is therefore essential to check this point before making the purchase.
Meteorological constraints
The weather can have a direct impact on the efficiency of this heating system. In effect, a temperature from -10°C affect the proper operation of this equipment. This will generate higher energy consumption to allow the pump to work well.
The installation of a back-up heater should then be considered. In cold regions, aerothermal models are therefore not to be favored since they use the outside air to draw heat. A geothermal heat pump will be more appropriate. However, its cost remains higher.
A location to be chosen with care
I’installation of a heat pump must be well thought out so that the outdoor unit does not harm the neighborhood due to noise. Other criteria must also be taken into consideration to optimize its effectiveness. It is strongly recommended to install the equipment in the sun, sheltered from the wind. The use of a professional is therefore essential to avoid errors. This implies an additional cost which is added to the price of the heat pump.
Good insulation is required
In addition to the installation conditions, the heat pump also requires good internal insulation. This is crucial to avoid significant heat loss, pushing the device to consume more energy to ensure the maintenance of the ideal temperature in the interiors. In other words, there is no point ininstall a heat pump in a poorly insulated building.
Comparison between traditional heating systems and heat pumps
Unlike gas, oil or wood-fired boilers, heat pumps supply the heating circuit using a renewable energy source. These devices thus represent an ecological and more respectful solution. So you don’t have to bear the price of gas, which can gradually rise, or install a tank to store fuel oil.
Unlike electric heating, the heat pump also generates even heat, sustainably maintained. In addition, electric heating is very energy-intensive.
Traditional heating systems do not depend on the outside temperature. Fortunately, a space heater can offset weather-related efficiency losses with a heat pump.
Proper maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency of your heat pump
A regular and correct maintenance is required to optimize the performance of a heat pump. It also guarantees the durability of your equipment for approximately 15 years, while minimizing the risk of malfunction.
All parts of the heat pump must be checked regularly. An overhaul carried out by a professional is also mandatory depending on the power of the equipment. For a heat pump from 4 kWh to 70 kWh, it must be serviced every 2 years minimum, against every 5 years for models over 70 kWh. Refrigerants must also be replaced every 5 years. These fluids can be dangerous for both health and the environment, nothing beats calling on experts.
If you choose a aerothermal heat pumpbe sure to remove any objects or leaves that may lead to the clogging of the outdoor unit.
The heat pump is thus an interesting heating system on several points. In addition to being more ecological, it helps you to minimize your energy expenses relating to heating. To reduce the cost of purchasing and installing this system, consider checking your eligibility for financial aid offered by the State. Remember to be accompanied by a professional at the time of purchase. He will advise you on the best model to adopt, and will be able to assist you until the maintenance of your device.