UPDATED: Air Source Heat Pumps/Air Con - Full Info & Guide, is it cheaper to run than mains gas?

richardc1983
richardc1983 Posts: 2,157
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edited 23 January at 2:29PM in Heat pumps
I have put together with information on reverse cycle air conditioning (heat pumps), where people can ask questions, chat about heat pumps, discuss experiences, installs, electricity usage & anything else heat pumps related.

There's a lot of info here to take in, please do read it all as this may just help. However, if you are currently on mains gas or have the option to use mains gas then please read this first paragraph first as it will be cheaper for you to fit a modern condensing boiler running on mains gas:

There is a target of 600,000 heat pump installations by 2028! Whilst I am all for supporting heat pumps as the main source of heat, until they bring down the cost of electricity per kWh it is not worth the investment and extra running costs over mains gas. Gas is very cheap so if you have a high efficiency condensing boiler running on mains gas then you are better off with that for your heat than going for a heat pump.

A heat pump produces heat more efficiently and cleanly but the electricity costs more to do so: If we consider my own energy tariff that is a current fixed rate deal 1kWh of electricity costs 13p and the equivalent in gas is just over 2p. If we for argument's sake say that a heat pump is 300% efficient meaning for 1kw of energy used (13p) we are getting 3kw heat from it. On my tariff, for it to break even the heat pump system needs to be about 700% efficient.

A modern condensing gas boiler maybe 98% efficient meaning 3kw of heat generated by mains gas is costing about 7p a heat pump is double. Even the standing charge for gas is considerably less at 9p than electricity which is nearly 3 times as much at 23p.

Homeowners being sold heat pump systems over a new modern condensing boiler are being missold if they have mains gas. The number of people I have come across who have ripped out a condensing boiler and put one of these systems only for operating costs to go through the roof only to rip it all back out and start again is crazy.

If you are on mains gas and looking to replace an older gas boiler, fit a new gas condensing boiler, if you don't have mains gas and are using oil or electrical resistive heating (fan heaters, convectors etc) then fit some form of heat pump. Electrical resistive heating is 100% efficient. Meaning that you get 1kWh of heat out for every 1kWh you use, in my tariff example above that is 13p, so a 3kw fan heater will cost you 39p an hour to run whereas a heat pump will produce 3kw of heat for that hour using 1kw of electricity and cost 13p to do so. The equivalent 3kWh from mains gas is approx 7p.

https://www.acrjournal.uk/heat-pumps/uk-targets-600-000-heat-pump-installations-a-year-by-2028/

If you are still interested in having a heat pump to heat your home please continue reading:

How does it work?
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It's actually quite simple. Air conditioners work in much the same way as your refrigerator except there are two separate, but integral, parts to the system. There is an outside unit housing the compressor that is similar to the exterior back of your fridge. It draws warmth from the outside air in even the coldest of weather. That warmth is then transferred inside the home using a refrigerant process through a piping system powered by an indoor fan unit that is typically mounted to the wall. This is why the system is also often referred to as a heat pump rather than air conditioning. Both are in fact the same. Similarly, in summer, the reverse happens. Warm air is drawn from the interior room and expelled by the outside unit.

Heat Pumps are capable of transferring up to 3kW of heat into space while only consuming 1kW of electrical energy. The energy efficiency of a heat pump will decrease as the temperature difference between inside and outside becomes greater, even at low temperatures, a heat pump can provide 3 times as much heat as a normal electric space heater would provide with the same amount of electricity input. This makes Heat pumps extremely energy efficient.

The principle of air conditioning always comes down to the same:
absorb energy in one place and release it in another place

The process requires an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and copper piping to connect both. Through the piping, the refrigerant flows from one unit to another. It is the refrigerant that absorbs the energy in one unit and releases it in the other.

1 Indoor unit
A fan blows the hot indoor air over a heat exchanging coil through which cold refrigerant flows. The cold refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and cooled air is blown into the room.
2 Copper piping
The refrigerant circulates through the units and the piping and takes the heat from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.
3 Outdoor unit
Through compression, the refrigerant gas is heated and its boiling point increases. In the outdoor unit, the obtained heat through compression is released to the outdoor air by means of a fan which blows the outdoor air over a heat exchanging coil.
4 Refrigerant
The liquid refrigerant flows back to the indoor unit.
5 Indoor unit
Back in the indoor unit, the refrigerant is decompressed and thus enabled to extract heat from the indoor air.


Inverter Technology:

Here's some info about inverters, the same applies across all manufacturers however efficiency levels are different but the operation side of things is the same. There is an article at the bottom from Mitsubishi Electric where they have done a comparison test for a fan heater and heat pump. This is not unique to Mitsubishi Electric, similar costs will be seen across all heat pumps... it's a very efficient technology. Different manufacturers will have different efficiencies. The best manufacturers are Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Fujitsu, Sanyo, LG, any other manufactures are entry-level and will not offer as good quality systems or efficiencies.
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Inverter systems save energy by using a variable controlled Compressor. The output is controlled to only provide the energy required to keep the room to the set temperature. By reducing the output the required less power is used and this substantially reduces power consumption. Inverter control not only saves you money but also keeps you more comfortable.

What does Inverter Mean?
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Inverter technology uses a variable speed compressor motor similar to a car. It simply slows down and speeds up as needed to hold a selected comfort setting.
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Inverter technology provides a more precise room temperature without the temperature fluctuations of fixed speed systems.

Inverter vs Fixed Speed:
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Inverter Systems are Approximately 30% more efficient than fixed speed systems.
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Inverter systems reach the desired room temperature quicker.
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The speed control of the outdoor unit also means quieter operation, this is important especially at night in residential areas.

Inverter Systems
  • Increased output to achieve set temperature faster.
  • Then varies the output to maintain a constant room temperature.

Fixed Speed Type
  • Slowly gets to temperature as output rating is fixed.
  • Then turns on and off to maintain room temperature.
Sizing of units:

What type of unit is best suited for your property:

Heat Pumps / Air Conditioners are manufactured with various indoor unit options. High Wall Type, Ceiling Cassette Type, Floor Mounted Type, Concealed Ducted Type, and Under Ceiling Type.

Multiple Indoor Units can be Connected to a Single Outdoor
  • Connect from 2 to 8 Indoor Units
  • Many Combination Patterns to choose
  • Energy Saving and Quiet Operation
  • Five Multi-Split Systems from 6.4kW to 16.0kW (Heating)
Inverter Multi-Split system models are designed to allow several indoor units (regardless of capacity or type) to be connected to a single outdoor unit. This allows you to select the model best suited to each and every room in your property.

Try to locate the indoor unit where the airflow is pointing to the other areas of the house that may require residual heating/cooling.

Outdoors:
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Avoid paved areas unless a drain kit is fitted. Result: Units condensate and drip water. May cause slime build-up or ice. If no other place please advise the customer.

Noise:
Outdoor inverter units are very quiet, watch the following video and you will see mine in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mUzYHEfQEY


Defrost Cycles & Correct Sizing of Outdoor Unit:
Defrost will happen in all climates, however the lower the humidity the less frequent it will defrost as it takes longer for it to build up on the outdoor coil.

You will probably not even notice it defrosting, if you buy a decent brand system you will find that the defrost strategy is very good so that it doesn’t take long to defrost.

When they defrost you will find that the system goes into reverse, taking heat from the inside circuit to the outdoor unit so it defrosts. This will last about 5 minutes depending on how much ice has built up but you have to look at the unit to notice it doing it as it doesn’t start making things cold inside. The unit just doesn’t heat during that time.

The best method for new builds is underfloor heating, nice even temps throughout, however longer warm-up times due to the lower water temperature but if left on during cold weather you will be fine.

I personally prefer fan coil units as these double up as cooling/ac for the summer and provide very fast warm-up times.

Most air to water outdoor units can be used with fan coil units... you just use a fan coil instead of a water coil in the floor.

Mounting of the unit... must be installed in the open, no enclosure, so no garages, lofts or corners the unit must be in the open air.

A user in another post:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=29040015#post29040015

He installed it in the loft and it froze the loft in the cold weather and thawed and caused leaks into the house below, this happened twice and after this he decided to mount the unit outside and it performed better as it was effectively turning the loft into a giant fridge/freezer.

Here’s some more info on heat pumps:



Defrost Strategy

When the outside temperature drops below zero all heat pumps must perform a “defrost cycle” to remove ice build up on their outdoor coils.

Defrost strategy is determined by individual Heat Pump manufacturers. These strategies vary greatly between brands. Older style Heat Pumps initiated defrost by a fixed time or coil temperature. This system was not efficient as it often caused Heat Pumps to defrost too often or effected performance by not defrosting often enough. Defrost cycle is required when the outdoor coil is too cold or covered in ice preventing heat transfer and unit performance.

All Heat Pumps must defrost. heats pumps utilise a Fuzzy Logic software program, a form of Artificial Intelligence contained in the chip of the outdoor unit and typically lasts between 3 to 5 minutes.

The program measures and records:

- Ambient Temperature
- Outdoor Coil Temperature
- Accumulated Continuous Heating Running Times
- Defrost Initiation Time and Termination Times

The program optimises this data based on history to produce defrost initiation only when absolutely required.

This is important as Heat Pumps are unable to produce heat when they are in defrost mode. This is extremely important to real performance in low ambient conditions.

Defrost Cycle Management

Heat Pumps optimise its defrost cycle once selected in three ways:
When the outside temperature drops below zero all heat pumps must perform a “defrost cycle” to remove ice build up on their outdoor coils.

Defrost strategy is determined by individual Heat Pump manufacturers. These strategies vary greatly between brands. Older style Heat Pumps initiated defrost by a fixed time or coil temperature. This system was not efficient as it often caused Heat Pumps to defrost too often or effected performance by not defrosting often enough. Defrost cycle is required when the outdoor coil is too cold or covered in ice preventing heat transfer and unit performance.

The program measures and records:

- Ambient Temperature
- Outdoor Coil Temperature
- Accumulated Continuous Heating Running Times
- Defrost Initiation Time and Termination Times

The program optimises this data based on history to produce defrost initiation only when absolutely required.

This is important as Heat Pumps are unable to produce heat when they are in defrost mode. This is extremely important to real performance in low ambient conditions.



1. Compressor Control
When a Heat Pump is defrosting it is not providing heat to the controlled space. It runs the compressor(inverter drive) at maximum speed during defrost to bring the outdoor coil up to temperature as quickly as possible. This melts any ice formed on the coil fins quickly and minimises defrost time. Minimising defrost time maximises heat output per hour real-time.

2. Dry Coil Defrost Cycle
Once the outdoor coil is up to temperature and the compressor cycle has completed there is generally water between the outside coil fins. If the outdoor unit were to immediately resume heating the outdoor coil would freeze and prevent heat exchange. To prevent this the outdoor fan is run at maximum speed prior to the resumption of the heating cycle. This is often characterized by steam blowing from the outdoor unit. This ensures the coil is completely dry before the heating cycle resumes.

3. Time optimization through Fuzzy Logic
Time between defrost cycles is continually being reviewed and optimized by the Heat Pump microprocessor software. Algorithmic calculations based on previous history is used to calculate the next defrost period.

Fuzzy Logic or learning logic is a form of artificial intelligence. Defrost cycle termination is based on a combination of time and temperature. These parameters are used to calculate the next defrost period.

Outdoor Humidity
Outdoor humidity also affects heating performance. Areas that have a “dry cold” or low humidity such as “Mount Cook” will perform better at low ambient than say Taupo where ambient conditions can reach zero and “misty” moisture-laden air conditions exist. The more moisture in the air the more moisture will freeze on the outdoor coil.

Incorrect Unit Selection
If a unit is selected that is too small the Heat Pump will run continuously and never reach set point. This continuous running will increase defrost requirements by reducing the outdoor coil running temperature and driving it into sub-zero temperatures for excessive periods. The unit will defrost at the minimum intervals and may never catch up and achieve the set point.

Location of Outdoor Unit
Location of the outdoor unit is essential for low ambient performance. Units located under houses, decking and in areas where airflow is impeded may create their own microclimate (i.e. giant fridge/freezer or in summer oven) and reduce the effective outdoor ambient temperature that the units operate in. Locating the outdoor unit too close to a wall and not observing clearances will also prevent the unit from delivering full output.


Get the correct sized unit:
Choosing the right sized Heat Pump is key to ensuring optimum comfort levels. Every home is as individual as its owner. The key to selecting the right Heat Pump for heating your home is choosing the correct unit size. Choosing the wrong size can cost you more in power consumption.


Insulation and building orientation are key aspects in terms of potential heat loss a home is affected by. An older style home with poor insulation will lose indoor heat much quicker than a modern well-insulated home that faces north.
The quicker a home loses its heat, the bigger the Heat Pump system will need to overcome this heat loss.
If you found my post helpful, please remember to press the THANKS button! --->
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Comments

  • richardc1983
    richardc1983 Posts: 2,157
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    edited 18 November 2020 at 5:57PM
    Manufacturer Websites & Further Info:

    http://www.bdt.co.nz/smarterheating/home.aspx : Contains all the info above plus lots more including sizing guide & running costs calculator on heat pumps... very useful however its an Australian site.

    http://www.mitsubishi-aircon.co.uk/ : Mitsubishi Electric UK Website -

    http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/aircon/index.html : Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Website

    www.daikin.co.uk: Daikin UK Website

    https://www.fujitsu-general.com/uk/ : Fujitsu Website

    http://uk.lge.com/products/category/list/airconditioning.jhtml : LG UK Website

    If you feel I have missed something out then let me know and I will add it to the main post.

    Mods it would be good if you can have this as a sticky topic so we can avoid duplicates and have all the info in one place.


    Air to Water Systems:

    Some users are looking to replace traditional gas heating & hot water for heat pumps:

    Heres some info on how this works:

    Many manufactures listed above are offering similar systems, so shop around to get the best prices, again however the efficiencies and capacities will differ.

    Here are 3 of the best systems:

    https://www.daikin.co.uk/en_gb/product-group/air-to-water-heat-pump-high-temperature.html- Daikins Altherma

    https://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/products/heating Mitsubishi Electrics Ecodan

    https://www.lg.com/uk/heating-awhp - LG's Therma V
    If you found my post helpful, please remember to press the THANKS button! --->
  • stevehead
    stevehead Posts: 215 Forumite
    Here are the developments made 2000 - 2007 to ASHP's which have resulted in a constantly improving performance:

    (1) Compressor

    a) High-efficient compression technology
    The Compressor is the heart of an air conditioner and requires high-precision
    processing technology.
    Although a rotary compressor with rotary method was widely adopted before, a
    twin rotary method or scroll method with better compression efficiency has now been
    developed and adopted.

    (2) Fan
    a) Indoor Fan
    Various types of fans are used for indoor units depending on unit form. A “cross
    flow fan” is used for most of the wall-hung type air conditioners.

    Although a cross flow fan was composed of blades that were processed metal
    sheets in the past, an attempt to increase air volume has been made through
    introduction of plastic blades having a wing-shaped section and growing size of fan
    diameter, while controlling noise.
    The layout and molding of a fan and blades have also been improved, by having
    random spacing between blades, angling a fan shaft, etc.

    b) Outdoor Fan
    In general, a propeller fan is used for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.
    Although it was made of processed metal sheets in the past, it is now made of plastics.
    An attempt to increase air volume has been made by improving a blade shape, while
    reducing noise.

    c) Fan motor
    For fan motors for both indoor and outdoor units, an efficient DC brushless
    motor has replaced a conventional AC motor.

    (3) Electronically controlled expansion valve
    A decompressor is a component to create high-pressure and low-pressure states in
    a refrigerant circuit. Until now a capillary tube has been used primarily. A capillary
    tube refers to a thin and long copper pipe being about 0.2 to 2 m long and having an
    inside diameter of 1 mm to 2mm. This pipe generates pipe resistance and achieves
    throttling action (decompression).
    A capillary tube has been widely used for a room-air conditioner as it can be
    implemented with a simple structure. However, adjustment of appropriate degree of
    throttling according to number of revolutions is not possible because the degree of
    throttling is constant even when the number of revolutions of a compressor varies.
    Thus, an electronically controlled expansion valve has become used, which
    enables appropriate degree of throttling based on an electronic signal from a
    microcomputer determining the operating state of an air conditioner. The valve is
    structured so that a pulse motor rotates based on an electronic signal, and a gap
    between the valve and the valve seat is adjusted by converting the rotation into
    up-and-down motion, thereby controlling the degree of throttling.
    This could achieve efficient control of refrigerant flow, depending on the operating
    state, such as changes in number of revolutions of a compressor used in an inverter air
    conditioner. Thus, the electronically controlled expansion valve has become mainly
    used.


    Heat exchanger
    A heat exchanger is one of the important components of an air conditioner. It
    exchanges heat between indoor air and refrigerant in an indoor unit, and between
    outdoor air and a refrigerant in an outdoor unit.
    A fin-tube-type heat exchanger, in which a copper tube for refrigerant penetrates
    a plate-form aluminum fin for air, is used for this heat exchange.

    Shape of heat exchanger
    In separate wall-hung type indoor units that account for most of the room-air
    conditioners, a cross section of the conventional heat exchanger was molded like a
    plate. However, in order to expand heat exchange area in a limited space, those of
    bent type and those molded in a curved surface have been developed.
    In addition, heat exchangers in an initial indoor unit were arranged in two
    columns. However, improvement has been on the way to increase the heat
    transmission area and to augment the heat exchange capacity by means of partially
    arranging them in three columns, as long as an indoor unit structure can afford
    enough space for it.
  • A lot of people are asking in the forums how noisy the units are:

    The indoor unit is very quiet, quieter than a desk fan.

    The outdoor unit noise has been captured in this video the best it can. Its in heat mode as this is when the outdoor unit has to work its hardest. In cooling mode the fan rotates much slower and the noise in general is hardly noticeable, I think you will agree in heating mode it is also very quiet...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mUzYHEfQEY&feature=channel_page
    If you found my post helpful, please remember to press the THANKS button! --->
  • aligloo
    aligloo Posts: 16 Forumite
    The unit we've had in the conservatory for 18 months has completely conked & have been told we need a new unit.
    Any opinions on Samsung units?
    Thanks
  • aligloo wrote: »
    The unit we've had in the conservatory for 18 months has completely conked & have been told we need a new unit.
    Any opinions on Samsung units?
    Thanks

    There ok, the very best systems are mitsubishi, daikin, sanyo, samsung.

    Mitsubishi and Daikin are very expensive however Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are cheaper and not the same company. They are still good though but a cheaper range. Mitsubishi cannot be beaten really!

    Out of interest what make unit is it in your conservatory at the moment? Is it fixed speed or inverter?
    If you found my post helpful, please remember to press the THANKS button! --->
  • i have a biggish old house with poor insulation and limited cost effective opportunities to improve this.

    Does this mean ASHP are not for me ??

    :confused:
  • Hermann
    Hermann Posts: 1,358
    First Post Name Dropper First Anniversary Combo Breaker
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    stubedoo wrote: »
    i have a biggish old house with poor insulation and limited cost effective opportunities to improve this.

    Does this mean ASHP are not for me ??

    :confused:
    Its never as simple as that!

    What are you using now? If it 's electric resistive heating then a heat pump would use less electricity to give the same heat. But thats not the whole picture.

    Do you have mains Gas and currently have an efficient gas boiler?

    Also if you have uninsulated old house and limited budget then insulate and draughtproof first. Everytime.
    The more expensive your heating is the more you'll save by cutting your heat loss by 50%!

    Paying for more efficient heat source just gives you slightly cheaper energy to throw away. So stop throwing the energy away first!
  • had ancient gas boiler that was condemed a while back (lovely cold winter living out of one room)so looking to replace/ install whole new system. have been advised that all plumbing will need replacement for a new gas boiler.

    looking at multi fuel with back boiler;, ASHP and any other innovative ideas for long term future proof option. no intention of moving for many years so will spend some but as always cash is tight

    cheers
  • stubedoo wrote: »
    i have a biggish old house with poor insulation and limited cost effective opportunities to improve this.

    Does this mean ASHP are not for me ??

    :confused:

    They are suitable for all types of properties and installations. My installation is in a 1920s victorian semi. Large rooms hgh ceilings no insulation and thick cold walls.

    I have multi split system installed with 2 indoor units.

    What part made you think they are not for you? Just so I can amend something if it gave that impression?
    If you found my post helpful, please remember to press the THANKS button! --->
  • TeeKay63
    TeeKay63 Posts: 5
    First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Forumite
    I've read this thread and others with great interest as I'm looking to install something like the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK25-ZGX Air Con unit primarily for heating. They seem to give a much higher COP than most others. My preferred installer likes Daikin but these are all around 3.5 COP versus Mitsubishi's 5 though all are A/A energy rated.

    What I'm trying to find out is whether the Mitsubishi really does deliver a COP of 5, how that changes with loading (if at all) and how the COP falls as o/s temperature drops to around freezing. Or is this the A/C world's equivalent of the car fuel consumption figures?
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