In pursuit of a more sustainable future

The way we provide heating in the UK is currently undergoing rapid changes as we strive to meet environmental targets and move towards net zero. Heat pumps have attracted a lot of attention in the national press in the past few years, but the renewable technology is not new. It has been used in commercial applications for a number of years and is a popular way to heat homes in others part of the world.

A heat pump works by transferring energy from the ambient air outside and rejecting that energy to the water that is used for heating our buildings or that we use from our taps and showers. This absorbed energy is transferred from outside to inside via a refrigerant circuit and the energy is boosted by a compressor. The ratio between the amount of energy absorbed from the air and the electrical energy used by the compressor determines the efficiency of the equipment, so understanding how to design heat pump systems is essential to their success.

Renewable technologies help building owners to reduce their carbon footprint, potentially reduce operating costs and improve Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). Furthermore, when applied in commercial applications or rented domestic properties, they can help building owners achieve legal Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Government incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers a £5,000 grant, and the availability of green mortgages and loans are key to the uptake of heat pumps, especially in the domestic market. Commercial sector funding is generally available through localised schemes.

Heat pumps certainly have a major role to play in the decarbonisation of our heating systems but correct design and application are crucial to their success. Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK offers industry-leading solutions across the heat pump and air conditioning markets, and is ideally placed to advise on heat pump design and application.

To discover more about the extensive Fujitsu product range, visit www.fujitsu-general.com/uk