Lämpöpumppujen

Lämpöpumppu is the Finnish term for heat pump. A heat pump is a device that transfers thermal energy from a heat source to a heat sink. This process can be used for heating or cooling. Heat pumps work by utilizing a refrigeration cycle, which involves a refrigerant that circulates through a series of components. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the source, such as the outside air, ground, or water, and then releases it to the destination, typically the inside of a building.

There are several types of heat pumps, including air-source, ground-source (geothermal), and water-source heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps are the most common and extract heat from the outdoor air. Ground-source heat pumps use the stable temperature of the earth as their heat source or sink, making them highly efficient. Water-source heat pumps utilize bodies of water like lakes or rivers.

The primary advantage of heat pumps is their energy efficiency. They can provide more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume, often achieving efficiency ratios (COP) of 3 or higher. This means for every unit of electricity used, they can deliver three units of heat. This makes them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for heating and cooling. Heat pumps can also be reversible, meaning they can provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Their use is increasing in residential and commercial buildings as a sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems.