Dimensions
165 x 235 x 17mm
In recent years, heat pumps have emerged as a promising new form of technology with a relatively low environmental impact. Moreover, they have presented householders with an opportunity to reduce their heating bills. Heat pumps can heat a building by 'pumping' heat from either the ground or the air outside: an intriguing process which utilizes principles that are somewhat analogous to those employed in the domestic refrigerator. ?Describes what a heat pump is, how it works, the different methods of pumping heat and the importance of an appropriate and well-planned installation ?Examines the air, the ground and water as sources of heat and explains how to make an informed choice ?Considers the all-important subject of distributing the heat through radiators or through an under-floor system ?Covers hot water production and delivery to the taps ?Outlines environmental and financial issues associated with heat pumps ?Dispels some common misconceptions and presents a number of case studies AUTHOR: John Cantor studied mechanical engineering and started life in the refrigeration industry. A keen environmentalist and practical engineer, he became interested in heat pumps in the early 1980s and designed and built three ambitious projects heating community swimming pools. He was a heat pump inspector for the first round of government Clear Skies grant initiatives and has tutored a number of heat pump courses. Gavin Harper BSc (Hons), MSc, consults for the PURE Energy Centre in Shetland and has written for a variety of magazines and websites. His work has been featured in Science journal, he is a regular contributor to Green Building Magazine and is the author of the best-selling book Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius (Tab Electronics, 2007). ILLUSTRATIONS: 155 colour photographs diagrams
