Are Heat Pumps Suitable For Underfloor Heating?
The growing attention on carbon emissions and renewable heating sources is pushing more people to choose eco-friendly home heating solutions. Air-source and ground-source heat pumps are a sustainable method of home heating and an ideal pairing with underfloor heating. One common question surrounding renewable energy sources is: “How will homes cope with low-temperature heat sources?”. We’ll explore how underfloor heating complements a heat pump system, and why UFH is the preferred choice for low-temperature heating solutions.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump work by extracting heat energy from either the air or the ground to heat your home. The pump transfers this heat to a refrigerant fluid, which is compressed to boost its temperature. The pump then transfers this heat into your home or water system. Heat pumps run on electricity but generate three times more energy than they take in. This makes heat pumps more energy efficient than most boilers, with lower carbon emissions too.
How is a heat pump different to a boiler?
A heat pump differs from a boiler in how it operates and the temperatures it produces. Heat pumps, like air-source heat pumps (ASHPs), are ideal for providing consistent background heat, known as “low-temperature heating.” They run continuously at a lower output, with ASHPs achieving maximum efficiency at output temperatures as low as 35°C. On the other hand, traditional gas boilers can generate hot water at much higher temperatures, reaching up to 90°C.
Radiators or underfloor heating for a heat pump?
When deciding between radiators or underfloor heating for a heat pump, underfloor heating often emerges as the preferred option. When using radiators, homeowners may need multiple or larger units to effectively meet the room’s heat demand. However, by turning the entire floor into a radiator, underfloor heating maximizes the available area, meeting the room’s heat demands more efficiently. Underfloor heating systems typically operate at lower temperatures, between 30-50°C. This makes them an excellent match for heat pumps, as there’s no need to blend down the input temperature.
Does underfloor heating affect the efficiency of my ASHP?
One advantage of using underfloor heating with a heat pump is that it allows the user to lower the water temperature from their air source heat pump. This boosts the COP (coefficient of performance) making the system more economical to run. So, not only is it more feasible to run an ASHP with underfloor heating, but it is actually more cost-effective in addition.
Will a heat pump be enough for my property?
With traditional radiator systems, a heat pump can often be insufficient to heat entire properties. This is due to the lower water temperatures involved. When combined with an underfloor heating system the overall heat output is far greater because of the increased surface area. This would exceed that of an equivalent radiator system and effectively heat up a home to comfortable levels.
Does underfloor heating design change for a heat pump?
The overall design and installation remain the same. The system may need a few adaptations due to the lower input temperature:
- Reduced Pipe Spacing: A reduced pipe spacing is recommended when designing the system. We suggest a pipe spacing of 100 mm, 125 mm, or 150 mm for use with heat pumps to ensure optimal heat distribution and efficiency.
- Blending Valve: Unlike traditional heating systems, underfloor heating systems used with heat pumps typically don’t require a blending valve. This is because the heat pump can directly control the temperature of the water circulating through the underfloor pipes.
- Circulation Pump: Depending on the type and capacity of the heat pump being used, a separate circulation pump may not be required . Some heat pump systems have built-in circulation pumps or sufficient flow rates to circulate the water effectively through the underfloor pipes.
If you’re considering installing a heat pump, exploring the possibility of underfloor heating is a smart move. UFH and heat pumps make for the perfect partnership, offering efficient and comfortable heating for your home. For more information or to discuss your options, get in touch with us today.
