Heating accounts for around 37% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. For businesses, transitioning to energy-efficient technologies like heat pumps can help to decrease the carbon emissions associated with heating, and to reduce business energy costs.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at heat pumps, how they work, and why you should consider them for your business.
What is a heat pump and how does it work?
What types of commercial heat pumps are available for business?
Air Source Heat Pumps
These systems use the surrounding air to absorb heat. How it works: Heat from the air is absorbed into a fluid, which then passes through a heat exchanger. This warmed fluid is then used to heat water cylinders, radiators, and other heating systems commonly found in commercial buildings.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps use the consistent temperature of the earth to provide heating for commercial spaces.How it works: A mixture of water and antifreeze is circulated through a network of buried piping adjacent to the building. This fluid absorbs heat from the ground and is then transferred to the heat pump via a heat exchanger, providing a sustainable heating solution.
Water Source Heat Pumps
These systems are particularly beneficial for businesses located near large bodies of water.
Open-loop System
Suitability: Ideal for businesses with access to ponds or wells. How it works: Water is circulated through the pump, extracting heat from the source, before being returned to its original location.
Water Source Heat Pumps
These systems are particularly beneficial for businesses located near large bodies of water.
Closed-loop System
Suitability: Designed for areas with deep water bodies. How it works: Sealed pipes filled with antifreeze are installed below the water's surface. The antifreeze absorbs heat from the water, which is then transferred back to the heat pump for distribution.
What are the benefits of commercial heat pumps?
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Heat pumps play an important role in reducing a company’s carbon footprint, providing measurable efficiencies that reinforce Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and policy.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Further energy and financial savings could potentially be achieved by integrating other sustainable technologies such as solar PV, which provides electricity to power the heat pump's extraction process.
What are the disadvantages of commercial heat pumps?
How much does a heat pump cost?
Are heat pump grants available for business?
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Property owners in England or Wales may be eligible for grants of up to £7,500 to assist with the cost of installing a heat pump.
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)
Open to central government and local authorities in England, the scheme is designed to encourage emissions reduction in public buildings through the installation of net zero technologies, including heat pumps.
Scottish Government Heat Network Fund
Open to both public and private sector building, the £300 million fund aims to develop zero-emission heat networks across Scotland. The fund offers grants covering up to 50% of eligible capital costs for projects that demonstrate a funding gap.
Considering a heat pump for your property?
CQuel can help you find the perfect heat pump system for your property, and connect you with trusted installers for a smooth transition to energy savings.Explore our current openings and become a part of Team CQuel.
Do I need planning permission to install a commercial heat pump?
Before your business can get started with installing commercial heat pumps, you’ll need to get planning permission. This will mean checking local regulations to determine whether planning permission is required for installing a heat pump on your premises. It’s also important to note that compliance with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) standards is essential for eligibility for government incentives.
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