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Energy Efficiency & Net Zero
Heat Pump
Key takeaways
- A heat pump is an electric system that moves heat from outside air, ground or water into a building (or out of it for cooling).
- Because it moves heat rather than generating it from fuel, it can deliver several units of heat per unit of electricity — often a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3 or more.
- It electrifies heating, which shifts emissions from on-site gas to grid electricity (and to whatever your supply is matched to).
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a refrigerant-cycle system that extracts heat from a low-temperature source (outside air, ground loops, or a body of water) and concentrates it to a higher temperature suitable for heating a building or process. The same cycle can run in reverse to cool.
Because it moves heat rather than burning fuel, it delivers multiple units of heat per unit of electricity used. The ratio is the coefficient of performance (COP) and depends on the source temperature and the heat distribution system.
Considerations for a business replacement
- Building fabric and distribution — heat pumps work best in well-insulated buildings with low-temperature emitters.
- Electrical capacity — large heat pumps may need a supply upgrade.
- Tariff structure — running cost depends on electricity unit rate; consider time-of-use or load-shifting.
- Grant routes — government schemes (e.g. the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for eligible properties) may offset capital cost.
