Basic thermodynamics says that the efficiency of a heat pump falls as the temperature difference between input and output increases. So its less efficient in winter than in summer. As Paul F points out, a min efficiency ( in his case 3.6) is necessary to make a heat pump cheaper than simply having electric radiators.
I doubt the complexity argument. Basically a heat pump is simply a fridge turned inside out ( ie the hot bit at the back of the fridge is inside your house and the cold bit of the fridge is outside trying to cool the atmosphere) which is well established technology. I dont see why it would have any fancier control systems than a modern condensing boiler.
As the erudite Luddite suggests, insulation is the real key. A human being generates roughly 2kwh per 24 hours which is why some modern offices dont have heating systems but rely on the occupants. So start off by insulating to such a level that you keep that heat inside. Plus the heat of cooking etc. Even the dog!. No draughts. Small windows.
I would give serious consideration to pure electric heating - the likely extra running cost could well be less than the repair/ mainetnance / installation cost of a warm water system whether gas or heat pump. They dont need moving parts
Dont get advice from a plumber. Chose an engineer ( proper degree type not an uprated plumber) to understand the nackground
Last edited by howard; 08/04/24 03:25 PM.
