Heat Pumps: The Future of Energy-Efficient Heating – A Q&A with Mervin Tuscano, Senior Engineer at KRA Renewables

In this insightful Q&A, we sat down with Mervin to dive into the benefits, challenges, and future of heat pump technology. This revolutionary system is gaining momentum as a sustainable heating solution, especially as the world moves toward a low-carbon future.?

Q: What are the key benefits of heat pumps in improving energy efficiency, especially compared to traditional heating systems??

Mervin explains that traditional heating systems like diesel boilers, electric radiators, and even fireplaces in older homes work by transforming energy into heat. However, heat pumps operate on a different principle. Heat pumps, first introduced for heating in the 1950s, now also serve heating purposes by transferring heat from one place to another, following the laws of thermodynamics.?

“The key difference is that while electric radiators convert electricity into heat, heat pumps transfer heat. This makes them far more efficient,” Mervin notes. "The efficiency of heat pumps can exceed 300% (Coefficient of Performance, COP > 3) compared to conventional systems with efficiencies below 100%. Ground-based heat pumps are more efficient due to the constant ground temperature, further enhancing their appeal."?

Q: How do heat pumps perform in colder climates, and are they effective in extreme temperatures??

Mervin highlights that heat pump efficiency is linked to thermodynamic principles, like the Carnot cycle. The colder it gets, the harder the pump works to extract heat from the external environment. While this can cause a drop in efficiency, heat pumps are still remarkably effective in temperatures as low as -15°C to -25°C, as demonstrated in countries like Norway.?

“In Ireland, we rarely experience extreme cold,” Mervin adds. “With typical temperatures ranging between 0°C and 10°C, heat pumps are an excellent fit, maintaining efficiency across the majority of the heating season.”?

Q: What are the biggest challenges the heat pump industry faces in terms of adoption and scalability??

One of the primary challenges Mervin points to is cost. Heat pumps require significant investment in compressors, copper piping, and installation, making them financially inaccessible to many low-income households. “This is where government support, in the form of subsidies or low-interest financing, plays a critical role,” he emphasises.?

Another significant barrier is building suitability. “Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes,” Mervin says. “If the building has poor insulation or high U-values, heat loss can make the system inefficient.” The ideal approach is to first improve the building’s thermal efficiency and then install the heat pump, which can lead to substantial initial costs of up to €70,000.?

Additionally, grid infrastructure may not be ready to handle the increased electrical load heat pumps demand. “We need an overhaul of grid capacity, especially as more homes adopt this technology,” Mervin remarks. There’s also a skills gap in the workforce, especially in F-Gas qualifications necessary for installation, further driving up costs.?

Q: What infrastructure changes are required for heat pump installation, and what technical challenges do homeowners face??

Installation isn’t just about placing the heat pump in a home. As Mervin explains, many factors need to be considered, starting with building suitability. “Heat pumps need adequate airtightness and insulation to function efficiently,” he says. "Homeowners may also need to upgrade their electrical capacity or move the placement of outdoor units to ensure proper airflow."?

"Additionally, improper sizing of heat pumps can lead to inefficiency - either from being oversized, causing frequent cycling, or undersized, resulting in overuse. This, combined with the noise generated by the outdoor unit, can be another technical challenge."

Q: What is your vision for the future of heating systems in a fully decarbonised world? Do you think heat pumps will play a central role??

Mervin is optimistic about the future of heat pumps. He compares their evolution to that of the household refrigerator, which was once a luxury but is now a standard appliance. “Heat pumps are well on their way to becoming the norm in households,” he says. “They’re highly efficient, and as we move toward a decarbonised world, they will play an even more central role.”?

Mervin envisions air-source and ground-source heat pumps being used not just at a household level but also at a district level, integrated with solar PV technology to provide even more sustainable heating solutions. However, he acknowledges the long road ahead, especially with lead times, workforce availability, and the challenges in public awareness and trust.?

“I would love to see Ireland move in that direction,” Mervin says, “but it will require collective action - investment in infrastructure, skills, and public engagement.”?

Conclusion?

Heat pumps represent a promising step toward more sustainable and energy-efficient heating solutions. However, widespread adoption comes with challenges, including upfront costs, infrastructure needs, and technical complexities. As Mervin points out, overcoming these obstacles will require a concerted effort from governments, industry players, and consumers.?

But the future is bright for heat pumps. With continued advancements in technology, better policy support, and increasing public awareness, heat pumps could soon become as common as refrigerators in households, driving a more energy-efficient, low-carbon future.?

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