The efficient solution for home heating and cooling
If you are looking for a way to heat (and cool) your home efficiently, reducing your energy bills and respecting the environment, heat pumps could be the perfect solution for you. In recent years, more and more people are choosing to replace or supplement their traditional boiler with heat pumps for their various advantages, both in terms of energy savings and sustainability.
But how do they work? Which model should you choose between monoblock, split or without external unit? Let's see it together!
How do heat pumps work?
Heat pumps heat and cool rooms by utilising heat from the air, water or ground. Unlike traditional boilers that generate heat by burning fuels, heat pumps transfer heat from a natural source to the interior of the house through a thermodynamic cycle. This process is done by a refrigerant fluid that absorbs the heat, compresses to increase its temperature, and then releases it into the home heating system.
There are three types of heat pumps:
Air-to-water heat pump. This is the most common and uses outside air to heat water for domestic heating systems such as radiators, underfloor heating or fan coils. It is a versatile and cost-effective solution with simple installation and low costs.
Water-to-water heat pump. This type exploits the heat present in aquifers, lakes or underground water basins. Thanks to the stable water temperature, it guarantees very high efficiency in all seasons, making it ideal for buildings with high energy consumption.
Geothermal heat pump. The geothermal pump utilises heat stored underground through vertical or horizontal geothermal probes. This technology offers maximum efficiency, as the ground maintains a constant temperature all year round, allowing stable operation in all weather conditions.
Heat pump system: advantages and disadvantages
Heat pumps are an efficient and sustainable solution for heating and cooling the home. They provide energy savings of up to 60 % compared to traditional boilers, as they exploit renewable sources such as air, water or soil, and have a lower environmental impact. They are very versatile, adapting to both winter heating and summer air conditioning, and can be integrated with a photovoltaic system to maximise savings.
However, there are some disadvantages to consider. Firstly, the initial cost is generally higher than that of a conventional boiler. Furthermore, in particularly cold climates their efficiency may be limited and a hybrid heat pump with a back-up boiler may be required.
Heat pump for radiators: make the right choice
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the compatibility of heat pumps for radiators with existing systems. In general, traditional radiators require higher water temperatures than other heating systems, so it is essential to choose a high-temperature heat pump (i.e. capable of generating hot water up to 70°C) in order to achieve effective heating without having to replace radiators.
If you are looking for a heat pump for radiators, you can opt for monoblock or split models with inverter technology, designed to guarantee high performance even in the coldest climates. If, on the other hand, you want a more modern and efficient alternative, you could consider an underfloor heating system with a heat pump, which operates at lower temperatures and ensures uniform thermal comfort.
Differences between packaged and split heat pump
The packaged heat pump is a system with a single external unit that integrates all the main components, making it easy to install and without the need for internal refrigerant piping. This feature reduces the risk of refrigerant gas leakage, however, as it is fully exposed to climatic conditions, its efficiency may decrease in colder periods.
The split heat pump consists of an outdoor unit, which contains the compressor, and an indoor unit, which exchanges heat with the domestic system. This system is very efficient, especially in cold climates, as the most sensitive components are protected inside.
Heat pumps without an outdoor unit are ideal for buildings with architectural constraints (such as historic centres or flats) where it is not possible to install a unit visible from the outside. All components are enclosed in a single indoor unit, offering a discrete solution. Their efficiency may be lower than that of conventional models, because heat is exchanged through integrated air vents, which may reduce system performance.
R32 or R290 gas? Which to choose?
Modern heat pumps use environmentally friendly refrigerant gases to reduce environmental impact, including R32 and R290. R32 gas is currently the most widely used in air-conditioning systems due to its low environmental impact and excellent energy efficiency. R290 (propane) gas, on the other hand, is even more sustainable and efficient, but being highly flammable requires special precautions for safe installation and use. The choice between the two depends on the needs of the installation and the applicable safety regulations.
Discover the ideal solution for your home! Contact us for a personal consultation and get all the information on the products best suited to your needs.