Residential Heat Pumps: A Technology to Save Energy and Environment Together

With changing climatic conditions globally, we all are aware of using advanced electronic appliances like air conditioners, heaters, and others, to beat the adverse effect of outside atmospheric conditions and get comfortable in our homes. However, residential heat pumps are something new to the market. The functioning of residential heat pumps is similar to the old equipment such as boilers, split system air conditioners, or gas furnaces, but these work more energy-efficiently. Before moving ahead with the pros, cons, and functionalities of residential heat pumps, let’s start with the fundamentals first.

What is a Residential Heat Pump?

Basically, a heat pump is a type of high-voltage-alternative currents (HVAC) equipment that can act as both heating and cooling systems, and usually, this is installed outside of the home. A heat pump uses mechanical energy to remove heat from the air and then accordingly move it either inside or outside based upon the requirement of the people using it. As the heat pumps handle both heating and cooling of the air, it helps individuals to install two different equipment separately. Furthermore, a heat pump is more environment-friendly, as it does not burn any kind of fossil fuels as traditionally furnaces do.

How does a Residential Heat Pump Work?

Usually, the heat pumps do not produce heat. Simply, they redistribute the heat from the air or ground. They use a refrigerant that transmits the air between the indoor fan coil and the outdoor compressor to remove the heat.

For cooling, heat pumps simply absorb the heat from the room and release it outside to the atmosphere, and for heating purpose, the heat pumps pull out heat from the outdoor environment or from the ground and spread it inside the room.  

What are the Pros and Cons of Using Residential Heat Pumps?

Before making decisions about purchasing a heat pump, it is important to know about the positives as well as the negatives of using a piece of equipment. It helps you better to make a decisive investment. Let’s start with the advantages first:

• Heat pumps cause lower energy expenses, it helps in reducing your high electric bills in peak climates.
• Heat pumps acquire lower maintenance and repair costs
• They are much environment-friendly, by checking high carbon emissions
• The heat pumps are eligible for Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which allows social or private landlords, or house-owners, and self-builders to use them.  
• They equipped with better safety measures
• They have a long life-span

Cons of Using Residential Heat Pumps

Though heat pumps have numerous benefits of using, at the same time they have some disadvantages which are listed below:

• Heat pumps have huge upfront cost that restricts a maximum individual to opt for
• They can get damaged in extreme cold weathers
• The installation process of residential heat pumps requires outside space, so, special planning is required.
• Before installation, they need special permissions too, which is a major restraining factor.

The Future Forecast of Residential Heat Pump Market

Due to the increasing demand for using sustainable energy sources and the growing popularity of using energy efficiently, there is a tremendous rise in the usage of residential heat pumps globally. The impressive efficiency, smooth operations, and versatility are some key components boosting the growth of the global residential heat pump market at a faster pace. The major benefit of using heat pumps is to concentrate the naturally existing heat instead of generating heat from burning fossil fuels. The market is anticipated to grow at a rate of CAGR of 10.3%, by generating revenue of $62,388.0 million by 2028. However, because of the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the residential heat pump market has had a negative impact due to the unavailability of raw materials like iron casting, aluminum tubing, stainless steel components, and many other substances.

Key Take Away Message

The global electronic industry is working hard to bring innovation in producing better electronic equipment consuming less energy. More emphasis on energy consumption and make use of renewable sources of energy, will soon going to make tremendous growth in the usage of residential heat pumps worldwide.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.