How to Improve Your Comfort and Efficiency with Air Source Heat Pumps for use in a garage.
Are you thinking of switching from gas heating to air source heat pump to save energy and money? You might want to think twice before making the change, especially if your home is poorly insulated. A recent study by researchers from RMIT University in Australia found that some people who replaced their gas heaters with air source heat pumps felt colder and less comfortable in their homes.
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Air source heat pumps work by transferring heat from the outside air to the inside air, or vice versa, depending on the season. They are more energy-efficient than conventional heating systems, as they use electricity to move heat rather than generate it. However, they also have some limitations that may affect their performance and comfort level in poorly insulated spaces.
Limitations of Comfort for ASHP use in a: Cottage, Garage.
One of the limitations is that air source heat pumps produce warm air, not hot air, unlike gas or electric heaters. This means that the air coming out of the unit is not very hot, and it cools down quickly as it travels through the room. If the room is poorly insulated, the heat loss is high and the temperature difference between the air and the surfaces is large. This creates a “wind chill” effect, where the moving air feels colder than it actually is. It also causes our bodies to lose heat by radiating it to the cold walls and windows.
Another limitation is that air source heat pumps are usually installed high on the wall or ceiling, which is ideal for cooling but not for heating. When cooling, the unit blows cold air downwards, which mixes with the warm air near the floor and creates a pleasant breeze. When heating, however, the unit blows warm air upwards, which rises to the ceiling and does not reach the floor. This creates a temperature gradient in the room, where the upper part is warmer than the lower part. It also reduces the effectiveness of the heat pump, as it has to reheat the same air over and over again.
These limitations mean that air source heat pumps may not be able to provide enough heating for poorly insulated spaces, especially in cold climates. They may also make some people feel colder and less comfortable in their homes. Therefore, before switching from gas heating to air source heat pump heating, homeowners should consider improving their insulation and glazing levels, or using supplemental heating sources to enhance their comfort and efficiency.
This is especially important for spaces like garages, man caves, or studios, or three seasons rooms, which may not be well insulated or connected to the main heating system. These spaces may require additional heating sources to keep them comfortable and prevent freezing pipes or damage to equipment. However, if homeowners want to use air source heat pumps for these spaces, they should also upgrade their insulation levels to reduce heat loss and temperature fluctuations. This will improve the performance and comfort of the heat pump and save energy and money in the long run.
Many cottages in Ontario were built decades ago and may not have adequate insulation or glazing to meet the current Ontario Building Code requirements. This means that they are more prone to heat loss and temperature fluctuations, especially in the winter months. If you own or rent a cottage in Ontario, you may want to consider some supplemental heating options to improve your comfort and save on energy costs.
Supplemental Heating for Garages and Cottages
Supplemental heating refers to heating from sources other than your main furnace or heating system, such as fireplaces, space heaters, and radiators. These alternatives, when combined with furnaces, can ensure even heating across all the areas and spaces of a home. They can also be used to heat specific rooms or areas that are most often used, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. This way, you can avoid wasting energy and money by heating up the entire cottage when you only need to warm up a part of it.
Some of the best supplemental heating types for your cottage are:
Electric radiators: These are easy to install and can be controlled individually. They can provide sufficient heating for small to medium-sized spaces.
Electric fireplaces: These are attractive and realistic-looking alternatives to wood or gas fireplaces. They can create a cozy ambiance and provide supplemental heating for your living room or bedroom. They are also safer and cleaner than traditional fireplaces.
Wood fireplaces: These are classic and rustic options for cottages that have access to wood. They can create a warm and cozy atmosphere and provide supplemental heating for your living room or bedroom. However, they require more maintenance and cleaning than electric fireplaces.
If you are looking for a reliable and professional HVAC Design company in Ontario, you can check out Saltzberry Design or JSR Engineering . They offer a range of services and products to suit your needs and budget.
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Curtis Saltzberry is a happily married father of two.
Avid Recreational camper and Self employed
Residential HVAC Designer in Ontario, Canada
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