Room-based heat pump
The Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Building Services, Third Edition (BG 31/2017), by David Bleicher, published by BSRIA in 2017, describes room-based heat pumps as:
‘Individual room units, which can be floor standing or concealed in a void, such as the ceiling, are all linked by a piped water circuit that runs around the building. Each unit operates independently and is able to heat or cool the air in the immediate area. This is achieved by means of a small heat pump in the unit which takes low grade heat from the water circuit and uses it to heat the room. To cool the room, the heat pump works in reverse to remove heat from the space and transfer it to the water circuit.
‘A key benefit of this type of system is the ability to save energy by transferring heat from an area where it is not needed to an area where it is. Any additional heating required by the system is provided by either a small boiler, electric heater or a link to a separate hot water circuit in the building. Any additional cooling is performed by one or more dry coolers or cooling towers which remove waste heat from the water circuit. As with fan coil systems, a separate ventilation system is be (sic) required.’
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Absorption heat pump.
- Air source heat pumps.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BSRIA definitions.
- BSRIA.
- Building services.
- Earth-to-air heat exchangers.
- Exhaust air heat pump.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Heat exchanger.
- Heat pump.
- Heat recovery.
- Solar-assisted heat pump.
- Water source heat pumps.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.