Air source heat pumps are becoming popular in the UK, mainly because of the lucrative Renewable Heat Incentive, which will earn you thousands of pounds in a very short period of time. <\/p>\n
Typically, heat pumps are used to help with your home\u2019s heating, which covers 60% of the annual fuel bill, but the question is, can they be used for hot water as well? <\/p>\n
If you want the quick answer, it\u2019s yes. So you can go away now knowing the truth, but if you want a little more info, stick around and we\u2019ll provide it to you. <\/p>\n
Ok, so it\u2019s all well and good saying you can benefit from hot water with an air source pump, but should you use it in such a way? If you\u2019re keen on renewables, solar thermal panels will be much more efficient at providing your hot water. However, in the winter when there are fewer daylight hours, heat pumps can do the trick. <\/p>\n
How about the temperature? Will this be up to the heat we need? Well, if you think about it, the water won\u2019t need to be particularly hot. We shower and bath in water between 38 and 42 degrees and heat pumps won\u2019t have a problem supplying this. <\/p>\n
So what\u2019s the downside? <\/p>\n
As with everything, there is a downfall that you need to note if thinking about hot water for your heat pumps. In this case, the problem is that water won\u2019t be heated above 60 degrees when it\u2019s stored and ready for your use. <\/p>\n
What\u2019s the problem we hear you ask. As already discussed, the water won\u2019t need to be 60 degrees for our baths and showers. <\/p>\n
This is all well and good, but there\u2019s also the factor of a bacteria known as Legionella. This bacteria breeds in warm water and can be a fatal illness if inhaled. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to kill the bacteria off by heating water above 60 degrees before it\u2019s stored. <\/p>\n
What does this mean for your vision of heating water with the pump? Nothing changes and you can still do this. However, installers will arrange for the water to be heated above 60 degrees once a day, with an immersion timer.
\nOf course, your heat pump can do the first 45 degrees, with the immersion heater providing the rest. <\/p>\n
By doing this, you\u2019ll have a safe system that\u2019s killing any bacteria that could breed. <\/p>\n
Now the safety precaution is out of the way, next we\u2019d advise having specific controls for your heat pump. That means when the heat pump has done its job of killing off the Legionella, you\u2019ll have full control. Lower temperature heating is more efficient, so always bear this in mind. <\/p>\n
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