| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| JB |
Anyone here use heat pumps for home heating?Are they really practical?The energy saving trust web site seems to suggest that they cost a fortune to install and only save about £20 a year over oil heating. The first I have no idea about but the second doesn't seem right given that they're supposed to be about 300 - 400% efficient. Anyone got any real world experience? |
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| mihto |
I installed a heat pump in 2005. The use of electicity has not changed much, but I suppose I have a house which is warmer than before. I do use a woodburning stove during weekends in mid-winter.
I have no oil and always relayed on electicity for the main heating. |
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| RichardW |
Just about the ONLY times to use one is when you only have electric heating available OR you have FREE electric.
Yes you get 4 units of heat for every unit of elec but as gas is less than 1/4 of the price of elec per unit you dont save anything. Oh & you have to watch out for using them in an under insulated house as then in the depths of winter they tend not to be able to cope so the installers will install a cassett or two or three but dont tell you that they are 3kw heaters to boost the performance. If your not careful they will eat up any saving you make. Best to either not have them or turn them off. |
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| welshboy454 |
We have one remote location -Gas not available Oil future uncertain.
DIY installed last year. Cost - Heat pump £2200 Groundloop pipes £700 Self drive Digger 3 days £300 4X150metre slinky trenches Antifreeze £80 Connect groundloop flow/return to pump- vented system Connect to electric Connect HP to house wet system U/F Job Done |
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| Behemoth |
A mate works with renewables and puts them at the bottom of the list for most people. Good insulation and an efficient boiler was his recomendations. If you have a field, the money and the patience to greatly modify the house or a new build, then maybe. | ||
| JB |
What drew my attention to it was reading "Sustainable Energy without the hot air" by David MacKay in which he seems to conclude that the greenest heating systems are not condensing boilers or CHP but heat pumps. OK he is only looking at the enrgy consumption and not the economics but the discrepancy between his conclusion and the energysaving trust web site seemed odd.
(Actually his main conclusions seem to be stop buying junk, build nuclear reactors and never miss a chance to insult Americans) |
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| ros |
Love the precis  - good sig or T-shirt slogan
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| Green Rosie |
What about if you have a woodburner and no other heating? |