Heat pumps are one of the most economical and environmentally friendly ways of heating buildings. There are various types of these modern devices available on the market, so every investor can choose a solution that is ideally suited to their requirements. The most popular are ground and air heat pumps. How do they differ from each other and which is better to choose?
In this article you will learn:
- how air and ground heat pumps work,
- what are the advantages of a ground heat pump and an air heat pump,
- when is it better to choose an air or ground heat pump?
How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump is a device that draws energy from a renewable source (air, ground or water) and, with the help of electric current, transfers it to the heating system in the building. It can be used both for heating rooms and for preparing domestic hot water.
Since the share of electricity in the heat production process is relatively small (approx. 20-25%), heat pumps are considered a very economical and environmentally friendly solution. Investors are increasingly deciding to install them, because these devices:
- do not require fuel storage,
- they do not generate exhaust fumes (which allows the chimney to be omitted at the construction stage),
- they do not require regular maintenance (e.g. removing ash, cleaning, etc.),
- they allow for a significant reduction in heating bills (the electricity needed to power them can be obtained, for example, from a photovoltaic installation),
- cooperate with other heat sources (such as underfloor heating),
- are easy to use.
A heat pump can also come with additional benefits that are unique to its specific type. That’s why we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of air and ground heat pumps below.
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Air Source Heat Pumps – Advantages and Disadvantages
Air source heat pumps draw energy from the air around the building. The higher the temperature, the less electricity is needed to process it. This device works best in relatively stable weather conditions, and its efficiency drops significantly during severe frosts, for example.
Air pumps come in two basic variants:
- Air-to-air heat pump – extracts heat from the environment and transfers it to the internal (supply) unit, which directly heats the building. It can also be used to cool rooms.
- Air-to-water heat pump – also extracts heat from the outside air, but transfers it via the system to the upper source, i.e. the heating system in the building (radiators, underfloor heating, domestic hot water system). In the summer, it can cool rooms.
One of the most important advantages of air heat pumps is the relatively low investment costs. Both the purchase of the device itself and its installation are incomparably cheaper than in the case of ground heat pumps. What is more, the installation process is quick and easy, and the interference with the house and plot is minimal. Thanks to this, air heat pumps are characterized by a very wide range of applications and can be used on any plot, regardless of its specificity.
However, one should not forget about the disadvantages of air heat pumps, which primarily include large fluctuations in their efficiency. This is because it depends directly on the temperature difference between the lower and upper source. This means that in winter - especially in larger buildings - an air heat pump will not cope with heating the house and water on its own. It will require support in the form of an additional heating system.
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Ground Source Heat Pump – Advantages and Disadvantages
Ground source heat pumps draw energy from underground. Since the ground temperature is much more stable, their efficiency is not as dependent on current weather conditions. They are therefore characterized by high and constant efficiency, as well as low operating costs.
Due to the method of installation, ground heat pumps are distinguished on the market:
- with a vertical collector – installed at a depth of several dozen meters. This variant is characterized by higher efficiency and stability, but its installation is definitely more expensive,
- with a horizontal collector – installed at a depth of 1.5 - 2 m, but occupying up to several hundred square meters of surface. Installation of this variant is cheaper, but the ground subject to the influence of solar radiation and precipitation is characterized by greater temperature fluctuations.
As you can see, both types of ground heat pumps have their advantages and disadvantages, but the installation of a vertical collector is undoubtedly the more beneficial solution. It takes up less space on the plot, draws energy from an environment with a stable temperature and conducts heat better than a horizontal collector. Unfortunately, the costs of such an investment may be unaffordable for many people. It is therefore worth encouraging them to use various subsidy programs for renewable energy sources.
A plot that is too small may also be a factor that hinders investors. Ground pumps are intended exclusively for owners of large areas who are just planning a heating system in a newly constructed building. Installing an exchanger requires a lot of interference in the surroundings. It takes the form of expensive drilling (vertical collector) or extensive excavations (horizontal collector).
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Air or ground heat pump – which to choose?
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of both types of heat pumps, we can state with full certainty that there is no universal solution that will work in every case. The selection of such a device should depend on both the needs of the investor and their possibilities. We are talking primarily about such parameters as:
- building size,
- plot area,
- available budget,
- climatic conditions,
- individual preferences regarding heat demand,
- possible cooperation with another heat source.
To sum up, one might be tempted to conclude that ground pumps are intended for the most demanding investors who have a sufficiently high budget and a sufficiently large plot. Importantly, such a solution should be decided at the construction stage!
In the case of air heat pumps, the requirements are not so strict. A device of this type can be installed on any plot, but it must be remembered to support it with an additional heating system. It will be necessary in large buildings, where the installation is to provide not only home heating, but also domestic hot water preparation.
Air and ground heat pumps can be found at Onninen!
When looking for ideal solutions for your customers, take a look at the Wolf brand, available in our online wholesale offer. Here you will find both air and ground heat pumps. Among the available devices, you can mention such models as:
- split air pump 9.6 kW, without electric heater ,
- air-water split pump 9.6 kW, with electric heater ,
- air-water pump, monoblock type 10 kW, for indoor installation ,
- ground heat pump, brine-water 6 kW .
As you can see, in the Wolf brand offer you will easily find heat pumps perfectly suited to the needs of your customers!