Heat pumps work most efficiently when the water for heating is between 35 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius. Whilst this is great for underfloor heating, it is on the low side for radiators as a conventional radiator based central heating system typically needs water at around a nominal 65 degrees Celsius.
When running a central heating system at these lower temperatures, radiators will produce around 25% of their stated central heating output. A 1000 watt radiator (at delta t 60 degrees Celsius) will produce 256 watts output: Hence the need for larger than normal radiators. In reality, if your property is insulated to current standards your radiators will be smaller when compared to older less well-insulated properties.
Taking into consideration the need for larger radiators, the best radiators to use are those with high heat outputs, which will also help to minimise the radiator size required.
Popular radiators for use with heat pumps are aluminium radiators which have rapidly become the radiators of choice for many architects, developers and home owners alike due to their high performance capabilities, keen prices and eco-friendly properties. Aluminium radiators are efficient as they have a rapid reaction time, heating up three times faster than ordinary steel panel radiators. The rapid heat, precisely when needed, not only provides a more even temperature and greater comfort, but leads to significant saving in energy.
When considering a heat pump, we cannot recommend highly enough that you employ the services of a consultant design heating engineer to spec every aspect of your project. The cost savings projected by many heat pump designers are fairly impressive, but full system design is imperative if the full benefits are to be enjoyed.
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