When we get to the winter season, you could start wondering about updating your central heating boiler with something completely different. Let's be honest, boilers are usually enormous, erratic, eccentric pieces of machinery which are no friend to the environment. However, it's the 21st century, and there are actually numerous sustainable energy solutions to pick from. With that in mind, have you given any thought to buying some sort of environmentally friendly domestic hot water system, like the heat pump?
The hybrid heat pump is actually a solution which integrates a heat pump with a water storage tank, so it can heat water in a completely new way. It's actually solar-powered, however it is a totally different sort of solar technology to the individual panels you put on the roof. Basically, this is how it works - the heat pump makes use of all the energy in the air to heat your water. As a result it doesn't require direct sunlight, unlike solar power panels. This means it's effective even in wet, cloudy conditions - so it will be ideal for the winter months! After it has drawn the energy in, it's actually absorbed by a refrigerant, which then changes from a liquid to a gas. Once the gas is pressurised, it makes the heat that goes into your water tank, and there you are - hot water for your home when you need it.
So what makes hybrid heat pumps so different to solar-powered systems? Well, to begin with you won't need solar panels, as pointed out above. Solar panels can sometimes be difficult things to manage - as well as functioning only on sunny days, there's the worry that something could block your sunshine and stop the solar power panels working properly. Of course, there's nothing putting your property in the shade at the time you install your panels, but what will stop someone developing a ten-storey house next to yours? With solar energy panels cover from the sun equals catastrophe. Even something as simple as your roof alignment might prevent your panels working correctly.
Another difference is that there's no need for any kind of boost or backup with a heat pump. The unpredictable nature of our climate ensures that anybody using solar panel systems will have to have some sort of back-up, and with droughts, floods and cyclones to contend with Australia can be fairly unpredictable! The level of back-up you need can vary - it's possible to have an emergency power generator or you can use expensive battery power. Or there's a 3rd option in that you'll be able to get connected to the power grid and use their electrical power whenever needed, as well as supply electrical power back when you are able.
That could appear to be the ideal option, however, even this has its drawbacks. Your utility company may not consent to it, there may be government regulations which prohibit it and the buyback price may not be favourable. On top of that, you'll need to have specialist equipment. Should there be a power cut, it's possible that your system would continue to feed into a line that the power company thinks is dead - needless to say, that might be dangerous! So, that will be some more specialist kit you'll need to have.
How about heat pump systems? Very simple - you don't need to have any sort of back-up. This system will work all the time, cold and warm, even right down to freezing temperatures. Which makes them much more reliable, and in case you required a bit more reassurance, the top systems on the market feature a guarantee of as much as 15 years.
There you go, heat pumps will be as valuable an option for our environment as solar panels, but are significantly less challenging to setup, more dependable and even function in virtually any conditions. Solar energy panels were an amazing advancement, and a huge leap forward in the sustainable energy field, however, it appears that times have progressed yet again and heat pump systems could very well be the energy source for the future. If you happen to think that a Hydrotherm hot water system may be what you're after, you'll be able to find plenty more information and facts on the Internet.
No comments:
Post a Comment