Appliances & Lighting
By HDK / Published on Tue, 2009-06-09 11:32
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By Bruno De Wachter / Published on Thu, 2008-09-04 05:30
Heat pump reduces energy and water consumption dramatically
When talking about a heat pump, most people will think of a system taking heat at low temperature from the ground, the air, or a water reservoir. However, other configurations are possible. Sony City, the new Sony headquarters in Tokyo, receives heating and cooling from a heat pump connected to a nearby sewage water treatment plant.
By recycling the heat from the sewage plant, the system achieves a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 5.19, which is exceptionally high. It means that the building receives 5.19 units of energy for each unit of primary energy that is consumed.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Thu, 2008-05-22 15:46
What is a Heat Pump?
Does it really provide heating and cooling to my house?
Is it a reliable technology and powerful enough to provide enough comfort to my house, yet using less energy than a conventional heating and/or cooling technology?
These are some of the questions for which the following How to Manual tries to provide answers.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Thu, 2008-05-22 13:17
Assess your knowledge of Heat Pump technology in just a few minutes. If you want to learn more, or gain a better understanding of the correct answers, you can find additional resources on the Heat Pumps microsite (“How To” Manual and Frequently Asked Questions.)
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:29
Yes. If the cover is far enough above the top of the unit as to not impede the air flow discharging from it, and if it doesn't interfere with servicing of the unit, then it could help protect the unit from the elements like snow, ice, falling branches and leaves. However, it is not really necessary. Heat Pumps are designed for outdoor use.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:27
Check it at least every month during peak use, and replace it when it looks dirty enough to impair the air flow through it. Some filters, such as media filters or electronic air cleaners, are washable; others are disposable and must be replaced. You should clean the filters on your Heat Pump depending on how dusty your house is. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:26
In most cases, no. Heat Pumps are on a 230 volt circuit. Severe shock or electrocution is possible without a thorough understanding of electricity. Also, Cooling systems today are more complicated to service than ever with solid state circuit boards and sensors.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:25
It can vary, depending on how much the system is used and how regularly it is checked or serviced. Generally, the average life-span of units built in the 1970s and 1980s is about 15 years, but individual units may vary and last much longer depending on use and how well they are maintained. Newer units are expected to last even longer. Air source units usually have a shorter life since they have to work out in the elements.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:22
When the system starts giving you more problems than seem cost-effective to fix.
If the unit is approaching 10 years in age and major components such as the compressor, reversing valve, accumulator or outdoor coil go wrong, it might make sense to replace instead of fixing. When faced with major repairs, we can help you make the right choice. Replacing a compressor is somewhat less expensive than replacing the entire unit, but new units may give you greater efficiency, lower operating costs and a brand new warranty on the whole unit, not just the part to be replaced.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:18
Heat pumps are driven by fairly large electric motors. Such motors work best with a 3-phase electrical supply. Unfortunately, this supply is not common for most houses in Europe. Having said that, small heat pumps (say up to 8 kW output) work just as well on single phase. Multiple compressor systems are available.
A 3-phase unit will arguably last longer, or may be a little more reliable than a single phase unit, so we favour that type.
It may be worthwhile asking your electricity supplier the cost of installing a 3-phase supply.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:14
Yes, you can.
A hydro-powered heat pump is probably the most viable renewable power-source since it is fairly constant. Solar or wind inputs would be difficult, especially on a small scale. The outputs are variable and dependent on the weather so there can be problems matching the input power requirements. The very large number of photo-electric cells required to power a heat pump would probably make this option impractical.
Powering a heat pump from grid electricity derived from a renewable source (e.g. wind-farm or hydro) is a good option for the environment.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:12
Heat pumps offer many more benefits than any other heating systems. They do not burn oxygen or create stuffiness like open fires. They are designed for year-round comfort, not just the four months of winter. They produce low density heat, unlike fires or electric heaters. They are unmatched for convenience and ease of use (remotely controlled). They do not pollute our atmosphere like combustion heating sources. They also filter the air in your home with their filtration systems.
Heat pumps are three units in one. They will heat, cool and de-humidify.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:11
Like a car, heat pumps should be serviced regularly for optimum performance. This involves cleaning the air filter and perhaps checking that the refrigeration charge is correct. It is also good to service the heat pump before each extreme season, i.e. before winter and summer.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:10
Yes. Heat pumps are reliable. They use the same process as a home fridge or freezer and have the same level of dependability and life expectancy.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:09
No. Heat Pumps are generally not noisy. The source of noise in a heat pump is usually the air being blown through the grill as it is forced out of the unit. Air noise is marginally higher than ambient background noise and is usually not distracting.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:08
It certainly can, but whilst heating to the high temperatures required, the efficiency reduces. However, even low efficiencies are far better than an electric immersion heater. Most of the latest heat pump units have the hot water function built in, so it is usual to use this facility.
As the insulation levels in buildings increases, the heat demand drops, but the hot water demand is, if anything, increasing. It is therefore becoming more important to optimise the hot water facility, i.e. the size and design of the hot water cylinder are very important.
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