It’s roasting outside, your house feels like one big oven, and getting a decent night’s sleep is a distant memory. A heat pump probably isn’t top of your summer wish list.
Turns out, however, that they might be exactly what you need for an infamous British Summer. Some modern heat pumps, known as ‘reversible’ heat pumps, can keep your house cool as well as warm. The name comes from the idea that they can reverse their flow and act just like an air con, pushing the warm air outside. This can be handy, given how homes in the UK are usually geared up to stay warm, not cool down.
If you’re looking into a heat pump or you already have one installed, here’s the rundown on how cooling works, and why it might be your new favourite feature.
How does a heat pump cool my house?
Keeping things simple, a heat pump usually works by pulling heat from outside and moving it into your home. With a modern reversible model, you’re able to flip the system the other way. It takes the warmth from inside your home and moves it outside instead.
The result? A cooler, comfier home. Like air con, but with fewer moving parts, and lower running costs.
A heat pump can cool your house by:
Passive cooling – Ground source heat pumps can use the naturally cooler ground to gently cool your home without using the full compressor. It’s low energy and subtle but effective.
Active cooling – More like traditional air conditioning. Most commonly used by air source heat pumps, the compressor is reversed to properly lower your indoor temperature.
Can all heat pumps cool too?
If you’re thinking of getting a heat pump and fancy the cooling feature, don’t assume it comes as standard.
Only modern reversible systems offer cooling. Some older or economic models won’t have the set up for it. If you already have a heat pump system, it’s worth checking with your installer in case you need any additional setup.
We always design with comfort in mind, so if cooling’s a must for you, we’ll make sure your system is equipped for it.
Why this matters more in the UK than you’d think
As scorching summers become more and more common in the UK, it seems that most of our homes just aren’t built to cope with the heat.
We insulate for warmth, not cooling. We’ve got small windows, thick walls, and very little ventilation. Unless you’re in a chic new build or a corporate office, chances are you don’t have air con.
That’s where a reversible heat pump really earns its keep. It uses the same system to cool your home in summer as it does in winter; no extra kit, no clunky wall units. Just one system doing two jobs, all year round.
With changes like the Future Homes Standard on the horizon, heat pumps are quickly becoming the go-to way to futureproof your home. Not only do they cut down your carbon footprint, they can also bump up your property’s value, especially with cooling thrown in as a bonus.
Heat pump cooling vs traditional air con
So how does a reversible heat pump stack up against the usual air con setup?
A heat pump that cools does the job of two systems in one. It heats in winter and cools in summer without the need to invest in a whole new kit. It usually runs more efficiently too, which means lower energy bills and less impact on the planet. Plus, it tends to be quieter, neater and easier to integrate into your existing setup, with no bulky wall units to take up room.
This isn’t to say that air con doesn’t have its place – especially in big commercial buildings. But for more homes and small businesses, a heat pump that can cool just makes more sense. One system, year round comfort, and less fuss.
Is cooling with a heat pump right for every home?
Great news, if your home has underfloor heating or fan coil units you’ll experience the best results. These features are designed to move air at lower temperatures, which works well for gentle cooling. Traditional radiators, however, aren’t really built for the job. But with the right setup, a reversible heat pump can work brilliantly in most properties.
It’s worth noting that cooling works best in well-insulated homes that don’t only keep the heat in, but keep cool air from escaping too. If your home holds warmth a little too well in the summer, a reversible pump might be the right option.
Some setups may need a change to how the heat pump is controlled or how the cooler air is distributed. Here’s where design matters, and where we come in. We’ll work with the design of your home or business – no cookie-cutter installs or overpromises. Just proper planning to get things working right.
A simple way to future proof your home
With reliable heating, low carbon credentials, and the added comfort of summer cooling, a reversible heat pump provides a two-in-one-system that genuinely adds value.
Want to stay a bit cooler too? Let’s have a chat about what could work for your place. Get in touch through our online form, or by giving us a call on 01603 406052.