1. What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an electrical unit that is capable of heating and cooling.

2. How does a heat pump work?
The most common type of heat pump is referred to as a split system as it comprises an indoor and outdoor section. Heat pumps (like refrigerators) have a system of pipes containing gas (refrigerant) that continuously expands in one part of the system and compresses in another. When the gas is being compressed, it gets hot. The outdoor section of the heat pump compresses the gas, then pumps it to the indoor unit where the gas runs through a heat exchanger, thereby giving off heat into the room. The gas is returned to the outdoor unit, where it expands and runs through another heat exchanger that becomes cold. The cold gas is then recompressed and the cycle continues. For summer cooling, the refrigerant flow is reversed, so the indoor unit blows cold air while the outdoor unit blows hot.

3. Are they economical to operate?
Heat pumps shift more heat than the electrical energy consumed in compressing the refrigerant and running the fans, making them highly efficient methods of heating. Typically for every kW of power consumed they will produce 3 kW's of heat or, if inverter models, up to 4 kW.

4. Is the refrigerant gas safe?
The gas or refrigerant used in the systems is now ozone friendly and safe to use in the home or office. Compared to gas heaters, there are no ongoing gas charges.

5. Are they noisy?
Provided the outdoor unit is sited correctly and the indoor unit has a range of fan speed options (Daikin have an ultra low fan seed on their models) noise will not be an issue. We recommend checking the decibel rating before purchase to avoid any concerns.

6. Do they operate in low temperatures?
Heat pumps loose efficiency once the outside temperature drops below 0°C. Look on the manufacturer’s data sheet to see if they can operate in sub-zero temperatures. The lower the temperature the better the performance.

7. Is there an air filter available?
Unlike most heating systems, all heat pumps incorporate a washable filter that removes dust and particles from the air - with some also having a deodorising function as well. While filters do require regular cleaning they are an important feature for regulating air quality for those suffering from asthma and other allergies.

8. Will my power bill drop?
Heat pumps provide convenient, thermostatically controlled heating and cooling. If you operate your heat pump for the same sized area at the same temperature as you would with other methods you could save a reasonable amount in heating costs. However a number of heat pump owners not only heat a larger area but also to a higher temperature than before, so their heating bills are not altered greatly. A warm and comfortable home is worth the extra expense.

9. Should I have my heat pump on 24 hours?
In the winter months of May to August we recommend units be left on constantly, just as a hot water cylinder is left on to get maximum efficiency. Once a house is warm it is more economical to maintain temperature rather than heat from the beginning each time. However there is no need to heat the house to your normal occupied temperature when sleeping or house is unoccupied. A temperature for these periods of 16°C is quite satisfactory.

10. Can I install into an existing home?
Whilst there are more location options available and greater flexibility when installing in new homes, a large number of heat pump installations involves placement into existing homes.

11. Should I insulate before I get a heat pump?
Definitely. In older houses the quality of insulation deteriorates over time so it pays to check it is adequate. Double-glazing windows is also worth consideration for older homes.

Contact us for a free copy of: The Hartnell Coolheat Home Heating Booklet. This Heating Guide offers an easy, understandable comparative approach and a step-by-step guide to choosing what best suits you. It also has many practical ideas on how to easily (and economically) keep your home warm and dry.