HOW CAN FAN CONVECTORS BOOST HEAT PUMP EFFICIENCY?
August 2024
As the demand for energy-efficient and low-carbon heating solutions grows, heat pumps are becoming a popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings. However, to truly maximise the efficiency of a heat pump system, the right complementary technology is crucial.
Due perhaps to limited product awareness, the energy savings potential of heat pumps is often not fully realised. This is because they are frequently paired with oversized steel panel radiators, instead of heat emitters that are specifically designed to complement and support the optimal performance of the heat pump.
Emitters are crucial to the performance of heat pump systems, and fan convectors can be an excellent partner for low temperature systems. In this blog, we’ll explore how fan convectors can enhance your heat pump’s efficiency while contributing to a more comfortable and sustainable environment.
WHAT ARE FAN CONVECTORS?
Hydronic fan convectors are a type of emitter that uses a fan to blow air over a heat exchanger. This air is then circulated throughout a room or building, providing consistent and even heating, or, in some cases, cooling. Unlike traditional steel panel radiators, fan convectors operate effectively with lower water temperatures, making them an ideal match for heat pumps, which operate most efficiently at lower temperatures.
Here are some of the key benefits:
1. OPTIMAL TEMPERATURE OPERATION
Heat pumps are designed to operate most efficiently at lower temperatures, typically between 30°C and 45°C. Traditional steel panel radiators, however, require much higher water temperatures, typically around 60°C to 70°C or a much larger surface area if working with lower temperatures, to heat a space effectively, which can lead to inefficiencies when used with heat pumps.
Fan convectors, such as Jaga’s brand-new, slimline Briza Net Zero range, are specifically designed to work efficiently at these lower temperatures. They can deliver the required heat output at temperatures of 35°C or even 30°C allowing the heat pump to stay within its optimal operating range. This synergy reduces energy consumption and enhances the overall efficiency of the system.
2. YEAR-ROUND CLIMATE COMFORT
As summers become increasingly hotter and buildings are better insulated, the demand for space cooling is rocketing. Instead of installing separate high-energy air-conditioning units, a fan convector that offers both heating and cooling—when paired with a reversible heat pump or another cooling source—is an excellent alternative. This setup maximises heat pump technology, ensuring optimal thermal comfort throughout the year.
Jaga’s Briza Net Zero provides options for both light cooling, a gentle, non-condensing method that reduces the temperature by 3°C to 5°C, and deep cooling, a more powerful condensing approach similar to air conditioning. Additionally, the latest modulating fan technology ensures ultra-quiet operation, so whether it’s providing heating or cooling, the Briza Net Zero operates whisper-quietly.
3. IMPROVED HEAT DISTRIBUTION
Traditional steel panel radiators can often lead to uneven heat distribution, creating hot and cold spots within a room. This unevenness can cause discomfort, prompting occupants to increase the thermostat setting, which in turn lowers the system’s efficiency.
Fan convectors offer a solution by using a fan to circulate air, ensuring consistent and even heat distribution throughout the space. This eliminates cold spots, creating a more comfortable environment. As a result, the overall thermostat can be set lower at a consistent temperature, reducing the workload on the heat pump and further improving its efficiency.
Jaga’s Briza Net Zero range is particularly effective in this regard. It’s designed to provide rapid and consistent heat distribution, even at low water temperatures, ensuring both comfort and efficiency are maintained.
4. FASTER RESPONSE TIMES
One of the key advantages of fan convectors is their quick response time. They begin delivering warm air almost immediately after being activated, unlike traditional steel panel radiators and underfloor heating systems, which take longer to heat up and can result in higher energy wastage. This rapid heating is due to their low water content— for instance, Jaga’s Low-H2O heat exchanger uses 90% less water than a traditional steel panel radiator.
This fast response time is particularly beneficial in spaces that are used intermittently or require rapid temperature adjustments. Because fan convectors heat the space more quickly, the heat pump doesn’t have to run as hard to achieve the desired temperature. As a result, energy consumption is reduced, and the system’s overall efficiency is enhanced. Additionally, the quick responsiveness of fan convectors allows for more effective use of programmable thermostats and smart controls, further optimising the system’s performance.
5. VERSATILE APPLICATIONS
Fan convectors are versatile and can be installed in various configurations, including wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or built-in options. This flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of building types and room layouts, ensuring that the heat pump’s efficiency is maximised regardless of the specific application.
In larger spaces or commercial settings, multiple fan convectors can be used to create heating zones, each with its own temperature control. This zoning capability allows the heat pump to deliver heat only where and when it’s needed, avoiding energy waste and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Jaga’s Briza Net Zero fan convector is an excellent example of this versatility. As one of the slimmest on the market, its sleek design and adaptability make it easy to integrate into different environments, offering both aesthetic appeal and high functional efficiency.
CONCLUSION: A WINNING COMBINATION
The combination of heat pumps and fan convectors, such as Jaga’s Briza Net Zero, offers a powerful solution for maximising heating system efficiency while enhancing occupant comfort. Fan convectors provide consistent, evenly distributed heating or cooling and quick response times, which help maintain a comfortable indoor environment. This synergy not only improves comfort but also reduces energy consumption and operational costs.
By operating effectively at lower temperatures, fan convectors complement the efficiency of heat pumps, leading to significant energy savings and a smaller environmental footprint. For building owners and managers, this translates to lower energy bills and a more sustainable solution for heating and cooling.
Whether you’re installing a new heat pump system or optimising an existing one, exploring the benefits of fan convectors could be a game-changer. In both residential and commercial settings, this combination proves to be an efficient, effective, and eco-friendly choice for modern heating and cooling needs.
GET IN TOUCH
Visit the Briza Net Zero website to learn more about Jaga’s new range or if you’d like to discuss if fan convectors would be suitable for your upcoming project, please contact us.
📞 01531 631533
✉️ jaga@jaga.co.uk
