Exploring the Superiority of Underfloor Heating Over Radiators in Conjunction with Heat Pumps
Heat pumps represent one of the most efficient heating methods, offering exceptional comfort alongside substantial energy savings. We’ve previously delved into what heat pumps are, how they operate, and the various types available HERE. What’s characteristic across all heat pumps is their ability to achieve significant reductions in electricity consumption compared to conventional electric heating systems.
How Do Heat Pumps Save Electricity?
For many, the notion that a heat pump can produce 4 kW of thermal energy while consuming only 1 kW of electrical energy may sound like a fairy tale or clever marketing ploy. However, it’s entirely true, with no gimmicks involved. The key lies in a fundamentally different operating principle. Conventional electric heating systems like Norwegian radiators or storage heaters utilize an electric heater, which, to produce one kilowatt of thermal energy, simply consumes one kilowatt of electrical energy.
In contrast, heat pumps operate on an entirely different principle, akin to that of a refrigerator. They extract thermal energy from the surroundings and convert it into heat for heating purposes. For example, a heat pump that draws thermal energy from underground water functions as follows: underground water maintains a constant temperature. Refrigerant within pipes evaporates at a much lower temperature, absorbing thermal energy from the underground water, which is at a higher temperature.
This absorbed thermal energy is essentially “stolen” from the surroundings. The warmed-up refrigerant then passes through a compressor, raising its temperature to a level suitable for heating spaces. Thus, thermal energy isn’t generated from nothing but is rather extracted from the surroundings, with energy consumption limited to powering the compressor and the system itself, which is significantly lower.
Why Are Heat Pumps a Great Match with Underfloor Heating?
Due to their method of producing thermal energy, heat pumps are compatible with underfloor heating systems. Of course, heat pumps can heat spaces in various ways. One method is by blowing warm air into the room, which is the simplest approach but may not provide the most comfortable environment.
Installing radiators isn’t the most optimal solution. Compared to underfloor heating, radiators transfer heat over a smaller surface area at higher temperatures. Radiators require water temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) to function effectively.
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However, heat pumps aren’t ideally suited for achieving such high temperatures, often necessitating the addition of supplementary electric heaters, significantly reducing energy efficiency. Another option is installing larger radiators, which can heat the space at lower operating temperatures. However, this isn’t aesthetically pleasing or cost-effective.
Underfloor heating emerges as the ideal match for heat pumps. Hydronic underfloor heating operates at lower temperatures, utilizing water below 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing the heat pump to consistently provide adequate water temperature for system operation. This is particularly significant because not all heat pumps extract energy from underground water, which is one of the more expensive solutions.
The most accessible heat pumps are those that extract thermal energy from the surrounding air. They can operate even when the ambient air temperature drops to 20 degrees below zero. However, it’s unrealistic to expect them to raise water temperature to 60 or 70 degrees Celsius, as required by radiators. Therefore, underfloor heating presents an ideal combination with heat pump systems.