Heat pumps and ventilation: everything you need to know

Landlords and housing developers should not underestimate the importance of having efficient building technology in their properties. Ventilation and heating systems can ensure that a building is well-heated, ventilated and cost effective. Combining heat pumps and ventilation units is a great way to create a warm, airy environment that meets the needs of tenants and regulatory standards. 

Understanding heat pump systems 

A heat pump operates by transferring the heat from outside air into water, which is used to heat the pipes in radiators or underfloor heating. It can also heat water which is stored in a hot water cylinder, and can be used for showers and baths. Heat pumps work alongside Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems to keep a property warm and well ventilated. Heat pumps and heat recovery ventilation systems are a must-have for modern, well insulated buildings. Unlike older properties, new builds do not have the same naturally occurring gaps that older ventilation systems (like Positive Input Ventilation) rely on. Instead, contemporary homes use MVHR units and heat pumps to circulate air throughout the property with a system of ducts and fans. This system is not only more energy efficient, but can also lower your energy bills by up to 75%.

Heat pumps and ventilation units - the dream team

Heat pumps can work in cohesion with a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery system (MVHR) as an energy efficient heat and ventilation solution. By combining the two, you can create modern, quality living environments that are efficiently ventilated, heated and cooled. 

How it works

Combined ventilation with heat recovery is a system that ensures minimal heat loss when ventilating a property. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems work by extracting stale air inside the building (typically through the loft) and using it to heat the house. The stale air is filtered before being transferred back into the building, so as well as effectively heating a property it also improves the overall air quality. For example, heat pumps are optimised by MVHR systems recovering outgoing warm air and circulating it back into the property. With a system that re-uses heat that is typically lost, heat pumps are able to work more efficiently to keep a good temperature throughout the year. The heat recovery process utilises a DX register located between the heat recovery unit and the supply air fan to supply the ventilation unit with a warm medium in the winter and a cold medium in the summer. During installation, engineers will create a circuit between the DX register, the ventilation unit and the heat pump. 

Advantages of the combination

Combining heat pumps with an MVHR is a fantastic way to create a cost effective heating and ventilation solution that improves internal air quality, providing year-round comfort with consistent temperature adjustment. MVHR and heat pumps can work together seamlessly to heat a property during the winter, and keep it cool in the summer. The combination of ventilation and heat storage also contributes to better energy ratings and an overall increase in property value. By lowering the humidity in a property with continuous background ventilation, combined systems can improve air quality by reducing allergens like dust mites that can cause breathing conditions, or other potentially health damaging conditions like damp and mould. 

Integration options

Heat pumps can be introduced to a property in two ways: either as integrated systems (a heat pump within a ventilation unit) or as connected individual units. Integrated units are space saving and can look more attractive, whilst individual systems can be more bulky. However, individual units allow for faster hot water generation making them more energy efficient. The installation of individual units is typically cheaper but takes much longer to begin running than integrated options. Integrated systems are also smaller and therefore use less refrigerant, which is better for the environment. On the other hand, some individual units now use CO2 in their cooling systems, which is much less toxic than other traditional refrigerants. Both systems have compressor filters that need to be cleaned once a year, though individual units require regular maintenance after a few years to replace seals and top up refrigerants. With clear pros and cons for both systems, landlords or developers can choose the option that best suits the needs of individual properties.  

Considerations for installing an air source heat pump

When installing an air source heat pump, it’s important to consider how the system will integrate with a property. New builds generally make for an easier installation, as they are often designed with contemporary heating and ventilation systems in mind. However, retrofitting systems can be more complex, meaning property owners must consider how the size of a system can be effectively installed. Integrated units are typically smaller in width, so may be easier to fit into the existing space in a property. However, they are often taller in height as they have a heat pump on top of the tank. Working with professional installers will not only help you to navigate available options, but also ensure that new systems are safely fitted and ready to use. 

Airflow’s solutions

At Airflow, our team of professionals can help you choose the heating and ventilation systems that are best suited for your and your property. Our MVHR units offer exceptional heat recovery rates (up to 90%) and are compatible with a variety of heat pump types. Get in touch today to find out more.