What’s the difference between a hydronic heat pump and a hydronic boiler?

A heat pump uses refrigeration gases and a fan to transfer heat from the open air into the water for a hydronic system. This system solely relies on electricity to produce heat and operate. An additional advantage of a heat pump is its potential offset by a solar electrical system.

A hydronic gas boiler employs the combustion of gas to heat the water, followed by a pump to circulate the heated water. This system predominantly utilizes gas for water heating and a minimal amount of electricity for water circulation.

A heat pump is a larger unit (up to 2.5m long x 1.3m high x 1m deep) and is ground-mounted due to its weight. In contrast, a standard gas boiler is 902mm high, 425mm wide, and 312mm deep, typically wall-mounted.

What is a phase and what does it mean for a heat pump?

“Phase” is an electrical term that refers to the distinction between single-phase and three-phase, relating to the distribution of power load. In a single-phase system, a single wire supplies power to your home, while in a three-phase system, three wires deliver power. Both systems also incorporate an additional neutral wire.

In the past, most houses required a limited amount of electricity (for running the refrigerator, television, lights, and not much else), which was generally sufficient for residential properties.Three-phase power was predominantly utilised in commercial or industrial settings due to the higher demand for power and the increased efficiency of power distribution across the three wires. However, with changes over the past few decades and the increasing reliance on electricity for various household appliances, more properties are now investing in power supply upgrades during construction. This is why an increasing number of residences are opting for three-phase power connections.

Heat pumps are available in both single-phase and three-phase versions. Single-phase remains the more popular option and is the larger quantity imported into Australia. Three-phase heat pumps are slightly more expensive to purchase.

Are Hydronic Heat Pumps powered by gas or electricity?

Heat pumps only use electricity to operate, which can be sourced from the electrical grid or your home’s solar panels and batteries, if you have them. They function much like an air conditioning condenser set to warm rather than cool. By utilising a fan and refrigeration gases, they extract heat from the surrounding air, which is then transferred into the water, as opposed to being released into the air like an air conditioner.

The heated water is subsequently transferred from the heat pump and stored in a buffer tank for use as the hydronic heating system requires. This warmed water circulates throughout the hydronic pipe work and system with the assistance of a pump.

What is CoP and what does it mean?

CoP stands for Coefficient of Performance, which relates to the ratio of energy required to run a heat pump and the amount of heat it will produce. The higher the CoP, the more efficient the heat pump is, resulting in lower running costs. Considering the CoP is crucial when comparing different equipment or brands, as it provides a better understanding of their performance relative to each other.

Are hydronic heat pumps loud?

Heat pumps operate by drawing in air from behind the main outdoor unit and then having that air blow out the front using a fan. This fan does generate some noise. Our current models of heat pumps vary in sound from a standard running sound of 48dB to 68dB. To put that into context, the hum from a refrigerator is 45dB, and the average conversation between adults is 60dB. A shower or dishwasher produces about 70dB. So, while they are reasonably quiet, if you have the option of where to place the main unit outside the house, next to a bedroom wall is not the preferred choice.

How efficient is a hydronic heat pump?

Heat pumps have a CoP of approximately 5 (depending on the brand and model). This means that for every kilowatt of electricity you input into the heat pump, it will provide you with up to 5 kW of heating. This ratio is excellent, and the higher the CoP, the better.

Are Hydronic Heat Pumps good for the environment?

Heat pumps have the capability to run off sustainably sourced electricity. They can operate on the normal electrical grid or your home PV solar. They are much more energy-efficient than gas ducted heating, for example. They are also comparable to a higher-end split system when set to heating, as the heat transfer into the water is more effective than into the air. Hydronic heat pumps are constructed using the latest eco-friendly refrigerant gases to minimize their impact on the atmosphere.