Tips for optimising the energy efficiency of your heating system

Choosing the right heating system: Tips for choosing the most efficient heating system

First things first: you must choose the right heating system for your needs and, of course, for your home.

Without this, it is difficult to ensure energy efficiency in your home.

So, if you are determined to achieve high efficiency and low environmental impact, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you choose the most efficient system.

Let’s look at them one by one.

Detailed home needs assessmen

As is the case whenever you have to install something that involves a change in your home, it is very important that you carry out a detailed assessment of your home’s specific needs.

In other words, take a look at the following:

• Getting the dimensions right: A system that is too large is not only more expensive initially, but will also operate inefficiently, switching on and off frequently because it will use a short cycle. A system that is too small, on the other hand, may be unable to reach the desired temperature on very cold days.
• Assess the home: It is important to consider the overall size of your home, the quality of insulation, the orientation of windows and doors, and the layout of spaces to find the system that best suits your situation. To do this, a specialist can perform an energy audit to determine areas that need insulation improvements or where air leakage is occurring.

We’ll talk more about insulation later.

For now, let’s move on to a very important section.

Types of heat pumps and their application

There are different types of heat pumps to suit different household needs and configurations and, as experts, we are sure there is one that will fit your needs:

• Air-to-air heat pumps: These are the most common and generally the easiest and cheapest to install. They are ideal for small spaces in climates that do not experience extremely low temperatures.
• Air-to-water or air-source heat pumps: Unlike air-to-water heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps heat a water circuit, so they can be connected to systems with radiators, underfloor heating or fan coils. Furthermore, unlike air-to-air heat pumps, they are also capable of producing domestic hot water (DHW). They are the ideal solution for homes or buildings that are looking for a complete, efficient and economical solution for heating, cooling and domestic hot water.
• Water-to-water or ground-source heat pumps: Although the initial investment is higher, these heat pumps are more energy efficient and have lower long-term operating costs. They use heat from the ground, which remains at a relatively constant temperature, making them efficient even in very cold climates. In addition, they are capable of producing heating, cooling and domestic hot water (DHW).

Energy efficiency factors

This is something that is often overlooked when buying many household appliances, but in this case it is crucial if we want to achieve the best possible results, either in our home environment or in our monthly bill.

That’s why you should consider the different ratings:

• SPF (Seasonal Performance Factor) and EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) coefficients: These ratings evaluate the efficiency of heat pumps in the production of heating and cooling, respectively. The higher the number, the more efficient the equipment is. Therefore, we would tell you to opt for units with the highest ratings within your budget.
• European Keymark certification: Look for systems that are Keymark certified. These systems meet the highest European quality standards.

In addition, Ecoforest equipment has certificates that are valid in other markets and certificates that assess the sustainability of the manufacturing process. You can consult them all here.

Additional considerations

To conclude this section, we would like you to take into account the following extra considerations when choosing the most compatible heating system for your home.

• Compatibility with renewable energy systems: If you are considering or already have renewable energy systems such as solar panels, some heat pumps can be seamlessly integrated with these systems. This allows you to further increase your energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Incentives and rebates: Investigate local, state or federal incentives or grants available for the installation of energy-efficient heating systems. These can significantly reduce the initial cost and improve the return on investment.

And now, with that in mind, let’s look at insulation.

Proper insulation: Importance of proper insulation in walls, ceilings, windows and doors

It is rarely considered, but it is essential to maintain the efficiency of any heating system and to ensure that the energy used to heat or cool a home is maximised.

Proper insulation minimises energy loss and allows you your heating system to achieve the best performance.

You will significantly reduce winter cold and summer heat.

So improving the insulation in your home means saving on energy bills and increasing the overall comfort of your home.

But, of course, how is this achieved?

We tell you:

Insulation of walls and ceilings

Poorly insulated walls and ceilings become major sources of heat loss during the winter and excessive heat during the summer.

And we don’t give them the importance they deserve because we take it for granted that they are doing their job: sheltering us from the weather.

But it is very easy to come across poorly insulated homes.

For this reason, we recommend that you use the following recommended materials:

• For walls, options such as rigid foam panels, fibreglass, or blown-in cellulose are recommended.
• For ceilings, it is effective to use mineral wool or spray foam, which offer a high R-value and are excellent for sealing air leaks.

Also, you should pay attention to the R-value.

The R-value measures the ability of the insulation material to resist heat flow.

The higher the R-value, the better the performance of the insulation.

That’s why selecting insulation with the right R-value for your climate and building type is crucial to maximising efficiency.

Insulation of windows and doors

You’ve felt it more than once.

A blast of air rushing through the room and you know it’s coming directly from the window… even though it’s closed.

Windows and doors are often the most challenging areas in terms of insulation.

But they are also crucial because of their potential for large energy losses.

Improving them will help you get better performance from your heat pump, so consider changing or upgrading them in the following ways:

• Double or triple-glazed windows: These windows are more efficient than single-pane windows because they have two or three layers of glass with air or inert gas between them, which significantly reduces heat transfer.
• Efficient window technology: In addition to double glazing, technologies such as Low-E glass and enhanced frames further insulate by reducing heat loss and blocking UV rays without reducing natural light.
• Sealing and weatherstripping for doors and windows: Effective sealing is essential to prevent cold draughts and heat loss. Weatherstripping can be applied to all moving joints and fixed components to close gaps where warm air can escape or cold air can enter.

Additional insulation improvements

In addition to everything we have told you about, there are other techniques and practices that can improve insulation in your home.

Take a look:

• Insulating curtains and blinds: Using thermal curtains or blinds can add an extra layer of insulation to windows, especially on cold nights or windows that face prevailing wind.
• Radiant barriers in ceilings: Installing radiant barriers under the ceiling can reflect heat inwards during winter and outwards during summer, significantly improving thermal comfort and reducing the load on the heating and cooling system.
• Sealing cracks and crevices: Using caulking to seal cracks and crevices in your home’s envelope can prevent significant air leakage and improve the overall efficiency of the heating system.

With all this in mind, it’s time to talk about another crucial heat pump issue.

Thermostat programming

Intelligent temperature management using a programmable or smart thermostat is an effective way to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

So don’t forget to consider optimal temperature settings.

When you are at home, set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature typically between 19°C and 21°C.

And remember to reduce it during your absence or at night. Lowering the temperature by 3°C to 5°C during these times can reduce your energy consumption by up to 10%..

Now, did you know that there are certain advantages if you decide to get a smart thermostat?

Take a look:

• Behaviour-based settings: They learn from your usage patterns and adjust temperatures more efficiently.
• Remote control: Change settings from anywhere using an internet-connected device.

Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Heating system maintenance

Do you want your heat pump to work as efficiently as possible? Then regular maintenance is a must.

This includes cleaning filters, checking ducts and ensuring that the system is correctly calibrated.

But, in addition:

Regular inspections

Have your system check by a professional at least once a year.

This can help identify problems before they become costly repairs.

Filter cleaning and replacement

Changing or cleaning your heat pump filters every few months can prevent performance problems and improve the air quality in your home.

Additional benefits of heat pumps

In addition to their outstanding energy efficiency, heat pumps offer a number of benefits that make them an attractive option for heating and cooling your home

If you want to know all of them, stay and we’ll tell you about them in detail:

Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Heat pumps are systems that rely mostly on electricity, which means that they can operate with energy from renewable sources such as solar or wind power.

In other words, forget traditional heating systems that burn fossil fuels and release CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

By using electricity from renewable sources, heat pumps can help to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to support global efforts against climate change.

In addition, by having a higher energy efficiency coefficient than fossil fuel boilers, heat pumps minimise their environmental impact, as they are able to multiply 1 kW of electricity by converting it into 3 to 6 kW of thermal energy. In contrast, fossil fuel boilers convert 1 kW of fuel into 1 kW of thermal energy.

Improved indoor and outdoor air quality

Unlike heating systems that rely on combustion, heat pumps do not produce fumes or release pollutants inside the house .

In other words, indoor air quality is significantly improved.

How does this benefit you?

If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or respiratory problems, you are making it much easier for them to live comfortably.

So, no indoor pollution, no outdoor pollution – what more could you want from a 21st century heating and cooling system?

Versatility and adaptability

Despite their name, heat pumps are not only used for heating.

And, as we have mentioned throughout the article, they can be reversed to be used as an air conditioning system during the hottest months of the year.

This versatility gives you year-round thermal comfort with a single system, which is both convenient and cost-effective.

In addition, modern technologies allow heat pumps to adapt to various home configurations and climates, ensuring efficiency regardless of outdoor conditions.

In short, they are the best of the best.

Long life and low maintenance costs

You know that thousand-year-old tortoise that’s always in the news?

Heat pumps are also famous for their durability.

They can have a lifespan of up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance.

Unlike combustion-based heating systems, heat pumps have fewer mechanical parts susceptible to wear and tear, resulting in lower maintenance costs over time.

This factor, combined with the reduction in operating costs due to their high energy efficiency, makes heat pumps a smart long-term investment for homeowners.

If your concern is monetary, heat pumps are your best ally.

Increase in property value

And wait, there’s more.

Installing a heat pump can increase the value of a property, as more and more buyers are looking for homes that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

The presence of a modern, efficient heating system such as a heat pump is a major attraction for prospective buyers, and you never know if you will ever decide to resell your home.

But if so, what better way to increase its value than to get more value for money?

Supporting grid stability

As more households adopt heat pumps, these systems can play an important role in stabilising the electricity grid through demand response and thermal storage programmes.

During periods of low electricity demand, bombas de calor can store thermal energy that can then be used during high peak demand, helping to balance the load on the grid and encouraging more efficient use of energy resources.

Have you considered all these advantages?

If thanks to this guide you have decided to include a heat pump in your home, let us know in the comments. And remember to write to us if you would like personalised advice on which type of ecological heating is best for your personal situation.