Heat pumps – find manufacturers and suppliers

Heat pumps are devices that take thermal energy from a natural heat source, such as the outside air, the ground or water, and raise it to a higher temperature level to make it usable for heating, cooling and hot water in buildings.

Heat pumps use the principle of reversing the refrigeration cycle, which is also used in refrigerators, and offer an efficient way of using energy as they generate more heat than they consume in electrical energy.

Below you will find how heat pumps work, an overview of different types, their areas of application and their advantages and disadvantages, along with the challenges that need to be considered when operating them:

How heat pumps work:

Heat pumps work on the principle of thermodynamic conversion. They use a working fluid (refrigerant) that is evaporated, compressed and condensed in a circuit to transfer heat from a lower temperature level to a higher one.

The process involves four main steps:

1. Evaporator:
   The refrigerant evaporates at a low temperature by absorbing heat from the environment (air, water, ground).
2. Compressor:
   The vapor is compressed, which increases its pressure and temperature.
3. Condenser:
   The now hot refrigerant releases the absorbed heat to the heating system and condenses back into a liquid.
4. Expansion valve:
   The refrigerant is expanded and cooled before entering the evaporator again.

Types of heat pumps:

Heat pumps can be categorized into different types based on the heat source:

1. Air-to-water heat pump:
   Extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to the heating system (water). This type is easy to install and particularly popular in temperate climates, but less efficient at very low outside temperatures.
2. Air-to-air heat pump:
   Takes heat from the outside air and transfers it directly to the inside of the building as warm air. This type is often used in smaller buildings or for renovations and can also be used for cooling.
3. Brine-to-water heat pump (geothermal heat pump):
   Uses geothermal heat as a source, which is absorbed by geothermal probes or flat-plate collectors. It is more efficient than air heat pumps, as the ground temperature remains relatively constant, but installation is more complex and expensive.
4. Water-to-water heat pump:
   Uses groundwater as a heat source. This type is very efficient as the groundwater remains relatively warm even in winter, but requires a permit and access to suitable groundwater.

Areas of application for heat pumps:

Heat pumps are used in various areas, including:

1. Heating and domestic hot water in residential buildings:
Heat pumps are a popular choice for heating homes and providing hot water. They are particularly suitable for new builds and well-insulated buildings.

2. Cooling and air conditioning:
Some heat pumps can work in reverse and cool in summer by removing heat from the building.

3. Commercial and industrial applications:
In industry, heat pumps are used for process heat supply, waste heat recovery and room air conditioning.

4. Local heating networks:
In heating networks that supply several buildings, large heat pumps can be used to generate and distribute heat energy centrally.

Advantages of heat pumps:

• Depending on the type and operating conditions, heat pumps can deliver more than three times the electrical energy used as thermal energy. This means they are extremely efficient and reduce heating costs.
• As heat pumps use renewable energy sources (air, water, earth), they help to reduce CO₂ emissions and are an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
• Heat pumps can be used for heating, hot water and cooling and are therefore versatile.
• In many countries, there are government subsidy programs and grants for the installation of heat pumps, which reduce investment costs.

Challenges and disadvantages of operating heat pumps:

• The initial investment for installing a heat pump is often higher than for conventional heating systems, but can be offset by savings in operating costs and subsidies.
• Air source heat pumps can be less efficient at very low outside temperatures, which must be taken into account in particularly cold climates.
• Ground source heat pumps require space for geothermal probes or flat plate collectors. Air source heat pumps require a suitable location for the outdoor unit.

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution for heating and cooling buildings. They are particularly suitable for new builds and well-insulated buildings, but also for renovation projects, depending on the local conditions and the existing heating system. Choosing the right heat pump depends on several factors, including the type of heat source available, the efficiency requirements and the specific conditions of the installation site.

Here you will find an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when purchasing heat pumps:

When purchasing a heat pump, there are numerous factors that should be considered to ensure that the heat pump is efficient, economical and suitable for the specific requirements of the building and environment. Careful selection can help reduce running costs, increase comfort and maximize the life of the system.

• The heat pump should be correctly sized to meet the heating and cooling needs of the building. A pump that is too small will operate inefficiently and may not adequately heat or cool the space, while a pump that is too large will result in higher initial costs and unnecessary energy consumption.
• A modulating heat pump adjusts its output to the actual demand, which reduces energy consumption and increases comfort. This function is particularly useful in regions with strongly fluctuating outside temperatures.
• The COP value indicates the ratio of the heat output to the electrical energy consumed. The higher the COP value, the more efficient the heat pump. A COP value of 4 means that the heat pump generates four times as much heat as it consumes in electrical energy.
• The COP is an important indicator of the efficiency of a heat pump over an entire year. It takes into account the seasonal energy consumption and the actual heat output in practice. A higher SPF means a more efficient heat pump.
• Heat pumps are categorized into different energy classes (A+++ to D). A higher energy class indicates higher efficiency and can lead to lower operating costs.
• Air-to-water heat pumps are easy to install and inexpensive, but less efficient in extremely cold temperatures.
• Brine-to-water heat pumps (ground source heat pumps) are highly efficient as the ground temperature remains relatively constant, but they are more expensive to install (requires geothermal probes or flat plate collectors).
• Water-to-water heat pumps are very efficient, they use groundwater as a heat source, but this makes them subject to approval and dependent on the availability and quality of the groundwater.
• Air-to-air heat pumps are cheap and easy to install, they are suitable for smaller buildings, but they usually do not provide hot water.
• check the space required for installing the heat pump. Air-to-water heat pumps require a suitable location for the outdoor unit. Ground source heat pumps require space for boreholes (deep probes) or areas for collectors.
• The installation costs vary depending on the type of heat pump and the local conditions. A thorough analysis of the installation costs is necessary in order to obtain a realistic cost estimate.
• Heat pumps work most efficiently with low-temperature systems such as underfloor heating or wall heating. In the case of radiators, it must be checked whether they are compatible with the lower flow temperatures of the heat pump.
• If the heat pump alone is not sufficient, it can be combined with an existing heating system (e.g. gas heating) to cover the demand at extreme temperatures.
• Air source heat pumps in particular can generate noise. Pay attention to the sound power of the outdoor unit, which is given in decibels (dB). A quieter heat pump is preferable for residential areas to avoid noise nuisance.
• The location of the heat pump can have a significant impact on noise levels. A suitable location should be chosen to minimize noise problems.
• Consider the purchase cost of the heat pump itself as well as the cost of installation, groundwork (if required) and accessories.
• Operating costs will depend on the efficiency of the heat pump, local electricity tariffs and the average outdoor temperature. More efficient appliances may have higher purchase costs but offer lower running costs.
• Find out about possible government funding programs or local subsidies for heat pumps, which can reduce investment costs.
• Heat pumps generally require little maintenance, but regular inspections and servicing are important to maximize efficiency and lifespan.
• The average lifespan of a heat pump is between 15 and 25 years. Pay attention to the quality and durability of the components.
• Modern heat pumps offer intelligent control systems that allow the heating output to be adjusted to the actual demand, thereby increasing efficiency.
• Many heat pumps can be integrated into smart home systems to increase comfort and optimize energy consumption.
• Choose a trustworthy manufacturer with a good reputation and experience in producing heat pumps. Read customer reviews and ask for references.
• Check the warranty conditions and look for comprehensive warranties that cover both the heat pump and the installation. A longer warranty period offers additional protection.
• Pay attention to the refrigerant used. Environmentally friendly refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) are preferable.
• check the CO₂ balance of the heat pump. Heat pumps that use renewable energy sources help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

When purchasing a heat pump, the specific requirements of the building, the local conditions, the efficiency of the heat pump, the installation and operating costs as well as environmental aspects should be carefully considered. A well-chosen heat pump can achieve significant long-term savings in heating and cooling costs while reducing the environmental impact.

Heat pumps can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information on manufacturers and suppliers of heat pumps from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.