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Heat distribution in the home

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

Last Post by JamesPa 3 years ago

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IanMK13

(@ianmk13)

Reputable Member Member

Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 195

Topic starter 24/02/2024 8:43 pm [#1399]

I read that best practice for domestic heat pumps is to operate a 'slow and steady' regime, running 24/7 and with no TRVs. Heat delivery to different rooms in the property being balanced by careful adjustment of UFH valves and radiator lockshield valves. I can imagine that the difficulty in optimisation will depend on the extent of room compartmentalisation, as opposed to an open-plan living arrangement. I am concerned by the potential effects that I would be likely to experience with my kitchen/diner and lounge, both of which have large expanses of glass on the east-facing walls. When the sun appears they warm up very quickly. Perhaps Air to Air heat pumps would offer a better solution (although my wife would be sensitive to any fan noise).

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JamesPa

(@jamespa)

Illustrious Member Moderator

Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 5530

24/02/2024 10:00 pm

Solar gain is definitely a control issue irrespective of the heat source. I have a south facing patio window in the room we spend most time in, and it does overheat a bit whatever I do when the sun comes out in winter.

The accepted solution with an ASHP seems to be to fit TRVs set a degree or two above the desired temperature, so they act as temperature limiters not temperature controllers. This shouldn't adversely affect COP because, when they do kick in, all rooms are still being heated by one means or another, so you are not suffering the problem that a small emitter area is being used to heat a larger area of the house than it was designed for (which means you have to increase flow temperature to compensate - the mechanism by which COP is reduced if you only heat part of the house).

4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.

👍

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