In many ways, energy is like money. Using what we have as efficiently as we can is as important as trying to get some more. In fact in an age of climate change and depleting natural resources, using energy efficiently can only be a good thing.
Keeping a home in good repair is always a wise move. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing reduce heating bills while keeping the home warm. Having central heating systems and boilers regularly serviced saves more money that it costs. In fact there are many money saving tips for reducing energy consumption at work and in the home.
But imagine a heating system that produces two, three, four or even five times more energy than it consumes. Think of the financial and environmental savings that would bring.
Thermodynamic hot water systems do just that. By using heat exchange technology, thermodynamic hot water systems convert latent heat energy into useable home heating energy, heating water to 55C.
Thermodynamic hot water systems are more efficient that solar power or wind power. They produce hot water throughout the day and night, and carry on working even when the outside temperature is as low as minus 15C.
The principle is quite simple. Thermodynamic hot water systems use refrigerant liquids, expansion units and condensers to create heat energy. Liquid refrigerants are fed through a panel attached to the outside of the home. (A panel typically weighs less than 7kg and can be fitted horizontally or vertically to a wall or roof.) The refrigerant evaporates, creating a gas which is pumped around the system to a compressor. Compression raises the temperature of the gas, and this increased energy is used to heat water that is fed through the system. The refrigerant gas is condensed back to a liquid and the whole sequence continues once more.
As they are sealed units that use non corrosive chemicals, thermodynamic hot water systems are virtually maintenance free but as they are dependent upon refrigerant liquids and gases they must be installed by an F-Gas registered engineer.
Thermodynamic heating units available from companies such as the Magic Thermodynamic Box Company are available as retro-fit systems to be added to existing hot water cylinders or with replacement hot water cylinders. Thermodynamic hot water systems can be installed at any time or as an addition to a new kitchen or bathroom installation.