Items Tagged with 'hydronic systems'

Most heat pumps in North America extract heat from outside air to warm interiors, which is why we call them "air-to-air" heat pumps. However, this term is incomplete, as heat pumps can also provide comfort without relying on forced air delivery.

GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, a producer of Uponor-branded products, is kicking off its Leading with Water Tour to bring products and services directly to the professional construction industry, according to a recent announcement.  

Last month, we started with an air-to-water heat pump for space heating and added an auxiliary heat source and chilled water cooling. This month, we’re adding domestic water heating, similar to last month’s setup.

Standardized piping layouts for air-to-water heat pumps can improve acceptance by facilitating a basic heating system that uses a monobloc heat pump with a 30% propylene glycol solution for freeze protection.

Hydronically-heated concrete floor slabs offer comfort but can be slow to warm up. A proposed solution uses a heat pump and variable-speed circulators to provide rapid heating through air handlers, ensuring quick warmth during cool days while maintaining energy efficiency.

Last week, we did a simple oil to gas steam boiler replacement. The customer (Mike) has been a family friend of my parents for more than 60 years. Mike’s grandfather built the house back in the 1920s. The home is currently occupied by Mike’s daughter and her two teenage grandchildren.

Education enhanced my earning potential. I became a more skilled technician, gained knowledge about new and emerging technologies, and became a much more valuable asset to my employers. Throughout my journey, I met numerous mentors in various aspects of the PHVAC trades and established insider contacts that proved to be invaluable.

In 1986, I installed a 1.5-ton geothermal heat pump in my home using two 500-foot horizontal HDPE earth loops. After digging a trench, I connected the loops to the pump and opted for a 2 HP swimming pool pump to fill and flush the system, as a garden hose couldn't provide the needed flow rate.

In 2024, the North American air-to-water heat pump market saw significant expansion, with nine new offerings introduced at the January AHR show by companies new to this category. By year's end, at least 18 companies either have or plan to offer these pumps in the U.S. Read the list of these companies as of mid-2024.

Air-to-water heat pumps and water-to-water geothermal heat pumps provide warm water for space heating, domestic water heating, and chilled water for cooling. Switching a hydronic heat pump system from space heating to cooling and vice versa seasonally is relatively simple. The system operating mode is changed at the thermostat or a dedicated system mode switch with heat, off, and cool settings.