Cooling Rads

Eldi_Dos

Is there any feasible system where central heating pipework and radiators can be switched over to a cooler for use in the summer months.

ComicGeek

An air source heat pump - all heat pumps can technically work in both heating and cooling functions, but most are sold locked as heating only so need 'adjusting'. Just a case of not running it so cold that condensation starts forming everywhere.

grumbler

Apart from condensation problems, you'll need fans to provide air circulation. Without it cool air will leak down to the floor and remain there (and down to the grownd floor from the first floor).

Install a split-system aircon. It's a small heat pump that you can use for both heating and cooling and without any problems.

Eldi_Dos

I was thinking of some way of drawing heat from sleeping areas especially, bit like flow and return temperatures on central heating,but taking heat away via the radiators.
Last night a five to eight degree drop would have been welcome.

ComicGeek

Eldi_Dos said:

I was thinking of some way of drawing heat from sleeping areas especially, bit like flow and return temperatures on central heating,but taking heat away via the radiators.
Last night a five to eight degree drop would have been welcome.

Typically you can run 'chilled' water down to around 14 degrees before you get a serious condensation issue. I've done it before with an underfloor heating system, as this gives a very large chilled area that can pick up room heat. But doing it with small modern radiators is unlikely to make more difference in a room. 

But you really can't beat an air con unit, everything else is likely to just be a disappointment.

FreeBear

grumbler said: Install a split-system aircon. It's a small heat pump that you can use for both heating and cooling and without any problems.

But do be aware that installing a heat pump that is used for cooling (as well as heat) is subject to planning permission. If it were heat only, it would fall under permitted development.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/heat-pumps/planning-permission-air-source-heat-pump

grumbler

FreeBear said:

grumbler said: Install a split-system aircon. It's a small heat pump that you can use for both heating and cooling and without any problems.

But do be aware that installing a heat pump that is used for cooling (as well as heat) is subject to planning permission. If it were heat only, it would fall under permitted development.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/heat-pumps/planning-permission-air-source-heat-pump

The link is about "air source heat pump". Does this really apply to split system air conditioners (that essentially are heat pumps, but hardly ever are called like that)? Most such aircons can be used for heating as well.

Most fridges are heat pumps too and installed "on domestic premises".

FreeBear

grumbler said:

FreeBear said:

grumbler said: Install a split-system aircon. It's a small heat pump that you can use for both heating and cooling and without any problems.

But do be aware that installing a heat pump that is used for cooling (as well as heat) is subject to planning permission. If it were heat only, it would fall under permitted development.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/heat-pumps/planning-permission-air-source-heat-pump

The link is about "air source heat pump". Does this really apply to split system air conditioners (that essentially are heat pumps, but hardly ever are called like that)? Most such aircons can be used for heating as well.

Most fridges are heat pumps too and installed "on domestic premises".

Fridges & freezers are self contained domestic appliances, and no part would be outside the building. So no planning permission or building control involvement required.

As for air conditioning units, many suppliers claim that they do not need planning permission. Camden council for one would disaggree - https://www.camden.gov.uk/plant-ventilation-extraction-air-conditioning-equipment-planning-permission - Although they do say a very small unit may not require PP, but don't give any guidance as to the actual size.

shinytop

grumbler said:

FreeBear said:

grumbler said: Install a split-system aircon. It's a small heat pump that you can use for both heating and cooling and without any problems.

But do be aware that installing a heat pump that is used for cooling (as well as heat) is subject to planning permission. If it were heat only, it would fall under permitted development.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/heat-pumps/planning-permission-air-source-heat-pump

The link is about "air source heat pump". Does this really apply to split system air conditioners (that essentially are heat pumps, but hardly ever are called like that)? Most such aircons can be used for heating as well.

Most fridges are heat pumps too and installed "on domestic premises".

Yes it does.  

ComicGeek

So use a condenserless packaged split unit from Powrmatic or others, and there is no external condenser to worry about.

Or use a cooling module connected to a mechanical ventilation unit, and again nothing external except a grille on the wall.

grumbler

ComicGeek said:

So use a condenserless packaged split unit from Powrmatic or others, and there is no external condenser to worry about.

I had a brief look and I'm no wiser how they work.

"A package HVAC unit combines multiple units, such as an air conditioner and heater, into a single unit. The unit is usually placed outside."

If it's placed outside I don't see any differenced from a split system in planning permission respect.

However, on most pictures I see the unit placed inside. In this case I don't see how it can pump the heat (in the cooling mode) from inside to outside.

ETA: I looked into installation manual. Basically, it's a common portable aircon, but fixed to a wall and not needing a huge hose, but still needing a big hole in the wall for blowing hot air outside. Still pretty noisy I guess.