When it comes to heating your home the most efficient heating solution has to be a hydronic heating system. Even better though is a hydronic heating solution which uses an air to water heat pump. But what exactly are they and why are they becoming increasingly popular?
What is a Hydronic Heating System?
Hydronic heating uses hot water to heat your home rather than heat pumps, electric heaters, wood burners or gas. The water is held in a storage tank and can be heated in a number of ways including gas or diesel fuelled boilers or heat pumps. Once heated the water is then distributed through your home via a system of insulated pipes and then is released via radiators, towel rails or underfloor heating throughout your home.
What are the Benefits of a Hydronic Heating System ?
More Cost Efficient
As Matt Lewis of AMP’T Electrical says ‘hydronic heating systems are much more efficient in energy usage’. Whilst installation costs can be higher, once installed, because water is a better conductor of heat than air, it’s estimated that the cost to operate a hydronic heating system can be up to 35% less than other heating systems such as gas or direct electric systems. Plus unlike forced-air heat pumps, hydronic heating systems don’t increase the air pressure and waste heat by pushing heated air out through holes or gaps in the insulation.
Eco-Friendly
Hydronic heating systems are already more eco-friendly than other forms of heating systems, but choosing an air-to-water pump to heat the water makes it even more so since it only uses renewable energy. Rather like a fridge in reverse, the air-to-water pump cools the environment down outside and draws warm air in to heat the water. ‘Using an air-to-water heat pump means you’re not relying on non-renewable resources unlike when you use say a gas-based hydronic underfloor system,’ explains Matt. Certain models such as the new Altherma R HW from leading brand Daikin, use 85% hydropower for a more energy efficient approach and they can be connected to solar panels to further increase energy saving.
Safer, Cleaner and Healthier
Not only are hydronic heating systems safer because there are no exposed flames or electrical connections, but they can also be cleaner and healthier as they aren’t moving around dirt particles, dust or pollen in the air which affect those with asthma and allergies. They can also help to keep your skin and hair from drying out by balancing the humidity in the room as they don’t dry out the air as they heat the room. Daikin’s Altherma R HW heat pump offers a further hygienic solution as the domestic hot water circuit is kept separate to the water storage and the continuous hot water flow in the INOX heat exchange means that scale can’t build up and there is no corrosion.
Flexibility
Unlike wood burners or electric heaters which only heat the room where they are located, hydronic heating systems run throughout your home meaning that you can heat the whole house or room by room as and when it is needed. ‘With just one system you can take care of hydronic underfloor heating, domestic hot water heating and convector heating,’ explains Matt. And since the temperature can be adjusted in each room, it makes it a much more flexible option than other heating options.
Silent
And finally hydronic heating systems are silent, meaning that you can heat your home without the continual sound of an air heat pump!
If you’re looking to move to a hydronic heating system or you’re looking to update your existing system with an air to water heat pump, then contact AMP’T. Their trained HVAC experts can design, supply and install units for new builds, existing builds or commercial projects and they only supply the top brands such as Daikin.
To find out more or obtain a quote please contact our team on 0508 222 678 or email
matt@amptsales.co.nz