Rebecca Ferris
A heat pump can generate space heating, hot water, and cooling in a home. A heat pump is often combined with underfloor heating to distribute the heat but it can also be combined with radiators.
Heat pumps are replacing boilers, as they rely on electricity instead of fossil fuels, to heat homes in Munster.
Heat pumps use one unit of electricity to produce on average four units of heating or cooling. Heat pumps use a refrigerant to achieve this high efficiency, and work much like a fridge in reverse.
There are three main types of heat pumps; we look at what they are and which ones are available in Munster:
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air and use it to warm or cool indoor spaces. They are the most cost effective heat pumps and relatively easy to install, making them a popular choice in Munster. Check out a couple of examples below:
Air-to-water heat pumps
There are two main types of air-to-water heat pumps, ‘Split’ and ‘Monobloc’.
The primary distinction between split and monobloc heat pumps lies in their setup and required units.
A monobloc heat pump uses only one outdoor unit, while a split system needs both indoor and outdoor units. In a monobloc system, water heating occurs outdoors, whereas in a split system, the heated water remains contained within the house.
Check out a couple of options below:
The brand new Daikin Altherma 3 ‘Integrated Split’ combines sleek design with top notch performance, featuring an integrated high resolution colour user interface.
Available at Unitherm Heating systems: Daikin Air to Water Heat Pump | Unitherm Residential (unithermhs.ie)
The Solis Eco Monobloc Heat Pump system has a dedicated internal unit with remote management, suitable for both new build homes and home heating retrofits.
Available at Waterford Stanley: Heat Pump Models | Waterford Stanley
The Ecodan R32 Monobloc Air Source Heat Pump is a stylish, compact single fan outdoor unit utilizing advanced R32 refrigerant technology for improved efficiencies. Tailored for smaller heat demand domestic premises, its market-leading low noise levels minimize the need for planning permission and expand installation options.
Available at IITC: Ecodan R32 Monobloc Air Source Heat Pump – Irish International Trading Corporation (iitc.ie)
For high performance in limited space, opt for the Firebird Enviroair Air Source Heat Pump, requiring only one external module for your heating needs. It efficiently spreads heat through existing systems like heated floors, low-temp radiators, or convector fans, offering a cost-effective solution. Using 70 per cent free power from the air and just 30 per cent electricity, it ensures efficient operation.
Available at Firebird: Air Source Heat Pumps in Ireland- Enviroair by Firebird
With the Thermia Atec Air-Source there is no need to dig or drill. Instead the energy is sourced straight from the surrounding air. With maximum efficiency and minimal energy consumption/
Learn more here: Heat Pumps – Cremur Heating and Plumbing Centre Tralee and Newcastle West
The Zeno Air Source Heat Pump is a uniquely designed air source heat pump that harnesses natural heat energy from the air by blowing it through a highly finned evaporator coil.
Learn more here: Zeno Air Source Heat Pumps – Warmflow
Air-to-Air heat pumps
These heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outdoor air and distributing it indoors using fans and ductwork – there are no radiators or underfloor heating system. They are primarily used for space heating but can also provide cooling during warmer months by reversing the refrigeration cycle.
Air-to-air heat pumps are typically easier and less expensive to install than air-to-water systems, as they do not provide hot water and do not feed radiators/underfloor heating. However, they tend to be less efficient than air-to-water and the space they can heat or cool may be limited, which means they are mostly used in small homes or apartments.
See an example of an air-to-air heat pump:
Daikin Altherma air-to-air heat pumps boast high energy efficiency and offer substantial savings on energy costs compared to alternative electric heating systems.
Find out more here: Air to air heat pumps – Energywise Ireland | Renewable Energy Heating | Heat Pumps Cork | Solar PV Cork
Exhaust air heat pumps
These combine a heat pump with a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR), and can heat hot water too. Suited to smaller properties, they work by boosting the heat supplied through the MVHR system (no underfloor heating or radiators required).
The NIBE F470 is a packaged all-in-one solution for heating, hot water and ventilation. This product is ideal for smaller homes and apartments.
Find out more here: NIBE Exhaust Air Heat Pumps | NIBE
The ComfortZone RXC35 is adapted for a living area of approx. 60-120 m². Comforzone RXC35 is a reliable exhaust air heat pump with cooling function.
Learn more here: ComfortZone RXC35 | Exhaust air heat pumps | ComfortZone™
Ground source heat pumps
Ground source heat pumps tap into the stable temperature of the ground to provide heating and cooling. While installation can be more complex, these systems are highly efficient .
We have assembled a couple of examples of products available below:
The Daikin Altherma GEO – EGSQH-A9W offers efficient heating and hot water solutions with its advanced ground source heat pump technology. Its streamlined installation process ensures convenience, while its user-friendly interface ensures optimal comfort and minimal energy expenses. Combining heating and domestic hot water functions in a single indoor unit, it is equipped with inverter control, making it adaptable and efficient throughout the year.
Available at Daikin: Daikin Altherma Ground Source Heat Pumps | Daikin
The ecoGEO Basic is a domestic ground source heat pump series incorporating Inverter technology. With power options ranging from 1-9 kW, 3-12 kW, to 5-22 kW, it offers versatile heating, cooling, and preparation for domestic hot water. Its ecoSMART easynet feature enables remote control over home settings via the internet, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
Available at O’Regan Renewables: Ground Source Heat Pump Ireland (oreganrenewables.com)
Water source heat pumps
Water source heat pumps are very efficient and use heat from a water source, such as a river or lake, to regulate indoor temperatures. These systems are worth exploring in areas with access to water bodies.
Browse an example of a water source heat pump available below:
The AquaMaster Inverter heat pump using state-of-the-art BLDC compressors and electronic injection, elevates the performance and efficiency of heat pump technology. Utilising a quiet and reliable operation along with comprehensive equipment, including technology for efficient TV heating and a sophisticated control system. Along with customisable options to find the best water source heat pump for your house.
Available at Mastertherm Heat Pumps: AquaMaster Inverter heat pump MasterTherm.ie
Other types
Less common but also available are heat pumps that extract heat from the sun, via solar panels, and hybrid systems such as those the combine a heat pump with a fossil fuel boiler. Cascaded heat pumps combine multiple units for homes that have a very high energy demand.
For more information or advice on heat pumps, check out our Selfbuild ‘Renewables, Heating & Ventilation’ advice zone here.
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