The way forward in home heating...

Today I took a trip to Mitsubishi's Dublin offices in Ballymount to learn a little more about how heat-pumps work.

We are all aware of the current global warming crisis and how we should all educate ourselves and future generations in making small changes to improve our carbon footprint.

Home heating is one such big change we can all make. the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) have great incentives and grants to help us all fulfil our wishes for a better future. From grants on electric cars to home heating systems and insulation/A-rating, the SEAI is there to help. 

Mitsubishi Heat pumps are a leader in this technology and we are proud here at Liffey Providers to be providing these heat pumps to sites all over Dublin.

If you are thinking of changing your heating system please do contact us about Mitsubishi Heat pumps, our sales representatives are very knowledgeable and we have several recommendable trade professionals who operate directly with the SEAI and Mitsubishi.

So How does it work?

The ingenuity of an air-to-water heat pump lies in the fact that it makes use of renewable solar energy in outdoor air and transfers it to the waterborne heating system in the property. This is how the heat pump converts outdoor air into hot shower water and heated radiators.  

An air-to-water heat pump normally consists of two parts: an indoor module and an outdoor unit as demonstrated in the image above.

The heating process begins in the heat pump’s outdoor unit which is placed outside the house. The unit draws outdoor air into the heat pump. 

The refrigerant contained in the heat pump’s closed system plays a key role. All machines that carry heat from cool to warm areas, such as refrigerators and air conditioning, contain refrigerant.  

The refrigerant is exposed to different pressures and temperatures in the closed system. It is a way of harnessing and pushing the limits of the laws of thermodynamics. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed – it can only change form.  

When the refrigerant is subjected to pressure created by the heat pump compressor, the temperature increases considerably and, by means of the heat pump’s condenser, the hot gas that forms can be used to heat the water. The process requires a supply of electricity – to power the compressor and fan, for instance – but it is only a fraction of the thermal energy that is provided.  

Water that is heated is transported to the indoor module inside the property, and is used in showers, taps, radiators and/or floor heating. At the same time, the refrigerant in the heat pump reverts to liquid form and can be reused in the process. 

Simply put, the heat pump has taken thermal energy from outdoor air and concentrated it. It is then used to heat your home and supply you with hot water.