Which heating system?
Air or ground-source Heat pumps work with underfloor heating and radiator systems. What are the pros and cons of each system?
Both air and ground source heat pumps work best with underfloor heating as heat pumps are at their most efficient when operating at lower flow temperatures.
Underfloor
Heat pumps operate at much lower flow temperatures than gas boilers making heat pump technology a perfect partner for underfloor heating.
While underfloor heating systems are slower to react when turning the thermostat up, they retain heat for longer and distribute heat more evenly and are therefore more compatible with the lower flow energy temperatures of 35-45°C provided by a heat pump. Underfloor heating also frees up your wall space and has a typical lifespan of 50 years or more.
Radiators
Heating radiators with a heat pump is possible, however, to enable the lower temperature (of around 35-45°C) to heat the room effectively, the radiators must have a larger surface area than radiators used with a gas or oil boiler.
Radiators heated by a gas or oil boiler typically use very hot water (of around 65-70°C) which means they are far less efficient than underfloor heating, and being very hot to the touch, can be dangerous if you have young children.
Radiators have a smaller surface area than the heated floor of an underfloor system, which means the heat is not distributed as evenly and can leave cold spots in the room.
Ideally, radiators used with a heat pump will not only be larger, but they should also be made out of more expensive metals or alloys, such as aluminium, which conduct heat more quickly than steel.
Radiators can also influence where you can place furniture in the room, restrict the length of curtains and spoil your décor
By choosing heat pump technology, you’ll enjoy a warm home and reduce your carbon emissions at the same time.
Stiebel Eltron heat pumps operate almost silently and with their sleek, modern design, make the perfect fit for any home. All Stiebel Eltron heat pumps are inverter heat pumps.