Types of heat pump
Heat pumps transfer heat from a lower temperature source to one of a higher temperature. This is the opposite of the natural flow of heat, and is similar to the process used in refrigeration.
Heat pumps can be used domestically or commercially to provide hot water, space heating (either by providing hot water for under-floor heating or radiators, or supplying hot air) or other applications such as heating swimming pools.
In the UK, heat pumps are most commonly air-source or ground-source heat pumps. However, the temperature of ground water sources in the UK tends to be fairly constant for most of the year, at between 8 and 12°C, and so water source heat pumps can be more efficient - but this requires access to a suitable water source.
For more information see: Heat pump.
There are a wide range of different types of heat pump. The list below summarises some of the main types, with links to articles providing more information.
- Absorption heat pump.
- Air source heat pumps.
- Ambient loop heat pump system.
- Closed loop heat pump system.
- Exhaust air heat pump.
- Gas absorption heat pump.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Hybrid heat pump electric panel heating.
- Open loop heat pump system.
- Reverse cycle heat pump system.
- Room-based heat pumps.
- Sewage heat pump.
- Solar-assisted heat pump.
- Water loop heat pump system.
- Water source heat pumps.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Absorption heat pump.
- A decade for heat pumps.
- Air source heat pumps.
- BSRIA domestic hot water heat pumps testing.
- Domestic heat pumps and the electricity supply system.
- Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems.
- Earth-to-air heat exchangers.
- Exhaust air heat pump.
- Ground energy options.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Heat exchanger.
- Heat pumps and heat waves: How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
- Heat recovery.
- Hybrid heat pump electric panel heating.
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
- Reversible heat pumps to provide comfort cooling.
- Room-based heat pumps.
- The different types of heat pumps and their uses.
- Water source heat pumps.
- What are the different types of heat pumps and where would you use them?
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.