There are many technical terms used in the description of Heat Pump systems; most of them are self-explanatory, but a glossary of terms will help to explain what they mean.

Heat is extracted from ambient external air and transferred to another medium. The heat available reduces as the temperature of the air reduces reducing both performance duty and efficiency: See also [..]

A heat pump where the heat collecting medium is air and the destination medium is also air. Heat is extracted from ambient external air and transferred directly to the air circulating in the space bei [..]

A heat collection system whereby a pipe-work system is placed within the ground (or lake, river sea) and water/glycol mixed is circulated through it. A heat pump will then extract heat from the circul [..]

The ratio, CoP, is an expression of the output of a machine in heating mode as a proportion of input power (compressor and fans) and hence is the rated capacity divided by the rated power input. In pr [..]

In refrigeration systems the condenser is the heat exchanger where Hot, compressed refrigerant gas is condensed to a liquid and further cooled to recommence its journey around the circuit.

When air source heat pump systems operate at low ambient temperatures, the evaporator in the outdoor unit is likely to be below freezing point and moisture within the air will freeze on it’s surface f [..]

Describes the efficiency of a heat pump machine in cooling mode. The rated capacity is divided by the rated total power input. In practice this is expressed as a single figure or sometimes as a percen [..]

In the refrigeration cycle of heat pump systems the evaporator is the heat exchanger where refrigerant fluid is evaporated it absorbs heat from the surrounding air or water, thereby reducing its tempe [..]

Geothermal energy (so-called “hot rocks”) is obtained by deep drilling in suitable geological areas where volcanic activity can provide heat from the earths core. This is a separate and distinct techn [..]