Lämmityspumppu

A lämmityspumppu, or heating pump, is a device that transfers thermal energy from a source of heat to a heat sink. In most domestic applications, it refers to a heat pump used for space heating and sometimes hot water. These systems are energy-efficient as they move heat rather than generating it directly, which requires a significant amount of electricity or fuel.

There are several types of lämmityspumppu systems. Air-source heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air, even in cold temperatures, and transfer it inside. Ground-source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps, utilize the stable temperature of the earth or groundwater to exchange heat. Air-to-water heat pumps heat water that circulates through radiators or underfloor heating systems.

The operation of a heat pump involves a refrigerant cycle. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the source, is compressed, which increases its temperature, and then releases the heat to the indoor environment or water. Finally, the refrigerant is expanded, lowering its temperature and pressure, and the cycle repeats. The efficiency of a lämmityspumppu is measured by its Coefficient of Performance (COP), which is the ratio of heat output to energy input. Higher COP values indicate greater efficiency. Lämmityspumppu systems can also often be reversed to provide cooling during warmer months.