What Is An Integrated Heating System?
If you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient but are nervous about committing to renewable energy sources alone then an integrated heating system could well be your best option. If you’re not quite sure what is meant by an integrated heating system, allow us to explain in a little more detail.
An integrated heating system is a hybrid heating system that combines the use of a traditional boiler with a renewable system, such as an air to water heat pump. Integrated heating systems provide cost-effective heating all year round by switching between the boiler and heat pump, depending on which is the most energy efficient option at a given time. How does this work? Well, an air to water heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside air and turning it into usable heat whilst a boiler works by using gas, electric or oil to heat water inside the tank that is then supplied to the property via a network of pipes and radiators. The majority of the time, your heating will be supplied by the heat pump, which is great news as this is the more efficient option. However, on days when it is extremely cold outside, it may be more efficient for the boiler to be used. The beauty of an integrated heating system is that you have the reliability of two heating options, whilst making your home more energy efficient by relying less on the sole use of your boiler.
What Are The Benefits Of An Integrated Heating System?
More Cost-Effective:
Whilst you need to make an initial investment to install an air to water heat pump alongside your existing boiler, you’ll soon see a financial return as your integrated heating system is put to use. Traditional boilers, in particular those that are older, are far less efficient than heat pumps as they require a high amount of energy to create a minimal amount of heat. In fact by relying on a standalone boiler, your boiler could be contributing to as much as 60% of your overall energy bill. Reducing the amount you need to rely on your boiler by installing an air to water heat pump will therefore make you huge savings on your household energy costs.
Better For The Environment:
Traditional oil and gas boilers rely on fossil fuels that are not only becoming increasingly short in supply, but also produce significant amounts of C02 and other greenhouse gas emissions. So reducing the amount you need to rely on your boiler by installing a heat pump, will be much better for the environment. Your household will also become a lot greener by utilising the eco-friendly benefits of air to water heat pumps themselves. Air to water heat pumps don’t rely on an external fuel source, just the air that already exists outside, and they can also operate at temperatures as low as -15 °C. So by installing a heat pump you could reduce your household’s CO2 emissions by up to 50%.
Reliable:
For homeowners who are apprehensive about switching to a fully renewable household, an integrated heating system offers a great halfway house. You have the familiarity of a traditional boiler but with the environmental benefits of a renewable energy source. An air to water heat pump is incredibly reliable on its own, as shown by its ability to provide heating in winter and cooling in summer, whilst being able to operate at temperatures as low as -15°C. However, using an integrated heating system offers you the best of both worlds and is likely to extend the longevity of your boiler which you’ll no longer need to use as regularly.
How Do I Install An Integrated Heating System In My Home?
If you are considering an integrated heating system for your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Pipelife Eco who will be able to talk you through the most suitable options for your home. Once you’ve decided on the best option, we will guide you through the installation process of your integrated heating system from start to finish.