Many businesses are trying to reduce the number of carbon emissions they are causing and switching to be more energy efficient. This has come from the climate crisis we are facing in the world right now as well as the net-zero strategies the UK government wants businesses to begin meeting. Therefore, the efforts to go green are going to be a big part of every organization’s future for the next couple of years.
One way that you can reduce emissions and energy output in businesses could be heat pumps. Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to heat your buildings. They work by capturing the heat from an outside source and using electricity to move the heat inside your building. The heat however is a greater amount than the electricity that is used to power the system. Therefore, this is becoming more common than the usual gas heating systems.
What types of business heat pumps are there?
There are lots of different types of heat pumps. If you are considering introducing this into your business, you need to make sure you are getting the right one.
- Ground source- the ground below us stays at a fairly high temperature this is due to the core of the earth and the sun. Therefore, heat can be sourced from thermal boreholes. This gives a reliable source of heat all year round. Due to the recovery loop heat can be stored within the hotter months and drawn out during the cooler months
- Water source- Heat is extracted from a body of water that may be located near your business. This works by pipes being submerged in water and drawing out heat from the water. Different sources of water can be used for this. Either an open body of water, a flowing body of water, or underground water. This would depend on which one or if anywhere access to your building.
- Air source heat pumps- This type of heat pump is the most popular model. This is due to it being the least intrusive and most cost-effective option. These types of heat pumps can be fitted to the side or roofs of the building. This type of heat pump draws heat from the air by means of compression. This is a more cost-effective and reliable heat source.
Advantages
- Lower running costs- Although you might have to put a lot of your business money buying and installing heat pumps for your business which may seem more expensive. However, when these heat pumps begin to work you will see a drop in your energy bills.
- Reduced greenhouse gasses- one of the biggest advantages of heat pumps is they produce lower emissions than other heating systems. This will benefit your business as it will help your business lower emissions and try to become green.
- Durability- Heat pumps have a long life span and can run for many years before they need replacing. Also, during this time, they provide a steady source of heat. Therefore, they are considered more reliable for your business.
Disadvantages
- Difficult to install- depending on what type of heat pump you are considering for your business it can be difficult to install. Some heat pumps such as air-sourced heat pumps may be easy to install. Whereas other types may be more disruptive to business.
- Budget- at first heat pumps may require a bigger budget to install in your building. However once installed they could start saving you money on your heating bills for a long time.
- Planning permissions - heat pumps may require high planning permissions depending on which heat pump system you decide to get. Planning permissions will also be based on which part of the UK you are based in and the size of your property.
