How efficient is a heat pump system?
A. Modern systems are very energy efficient. For each kilowatt of electricity used to run the heat pump, three to four kilowatts of heat are delivered to the building. Q. Why have I never heard of these systems before? Are they new? A. Around the world, particularly in the USA and several parts of Europe, the use of heat pump systems is common. The ground source heat pump was actually invented more than 50 years ago, and continuous development has greatly improved its efficiency and reliability. It is now a proven, cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Q. How large are these units? A. A typical heat pump unit for a domestic dwelling is about the same size as a large fridge. Q. Can it supply hot water for the house? A. Yes. Virtually all heat pump are able to heat domestic hot water via a modern high efficiency indirect water cylinder either built in to the unit or as a separate cylinder. Q. Can the systems provide cooling? A. Yes. There are reve