Energy-efficient low temperature radiators for heat pumps

A heat pump doesn’t automatically entail underfloor heating

Heat pumps are an increasingly popular solution to help improve a building’s energy efficiency. More and more, they use renewable energy sources for heating and cooling and, under ideal conditions, generate 3 to 5 kWh thermal energy from 1 kWh of electricity, depending on the design temperatures. This means users are able to save substantially on their energy consumption and minimise their heating costs, if, for example, they produce the electricity required for the heat pump themselves using a PV system and decentralised storage.

To optimise a heat pump’s efficiency, however, it needs to be combined with the right heat emitters. Most people still automatically link the installation of a heat pump with underfloor heating and a costly installation. Luckily, modern panel radiators or energy-efficient ultra-low temperature radiators provide a good alternative to transfer the required energy in properly insulated buildings.

Low temperature radiators for heat pumps as the energy-efficient alternative

A heat pump works most efficiently with low system temperatures and it’s true that radiant heating solutions such as underfloor heating or panel systems are a very good match for this. However, they are certainly not the only available options. A heat pump can, under certain conditions, also be operated efficiently in combination with low temperature radiators. It’s possible that the existing radiators are already correctly dimensioned. Nonetheless, when switching to low temperature heating in an existing building, the condition and lifespan as well as the performance of the old radiators should be checked and they should be renewed if necessary to allow for the flow temperatures to be lowered. Moreover, it’s important to ensure that areas such as the windows, roof and walls are sufficiently insulated to reduce heat loss and maximise energy efficiency.

The heat load must be recalculated for each room to determine the appropriate radiator. Depending on the degree of insulation and the newly calculated heat load, the lowest possible flow temperature can be determined. If the calculated temperature is higher than 45°C, modern panel radiators can be used. If it’s lower than 45°C, it’s best to use fan-supported panel radiators such as the Ulow E2 or fan convectors since there is increasingly less natural convection below this temperature level.

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Which low temperature radiators to match with a heat pump?

Here are a few radiators that are a perfect match for a heat pump in a modernised and properly insulated building: 

• The Compact, for example, is the most economical solution. The Plan Compact has a completely flat front panel that creates a sleek look for an easy integration in any décor. The Ramo Compact has a modern design with a decorative flat front panel that is embossed with fine lines. 
• If the pipe network is renewed, radiators that allow for an almost invisible connection are also suitable. Vertical designer radiators such as Faro V, Kos V, Paros V and Tinos V are a good example. Due to their height, these radiators offer a powerful heat source in interiors where there’s not much available wall space. 

For flow temperatures below 45°C, other heat emitters are more suitable.

• The Ulow E2, for example, is an ultra-low temperature panel radiator which is powered by innovative E2 technology that automatically switches on the integrated fans when needed to support the natural convection of the radiator. The increased performance of the Ulow E2 allows for both lower temperature settings and a reduced energy consumption.
• The iVector S2 offers high outputs in low temperature heating, but when paired with a reversible heat pump, also has full cooling functionalities. Thanks to its built-in controller that regulates the system’s parameters optimal indoor comfort is guaranteed all year round. The sleek Italian design and the various installation options, ranging from wall-mounted or in-wall to on or even in the ceiling, allow for a smooth integration in any interior.

Underfloor heating systems for renovations

In case there is a strong preference for only underfloor heating or the combination of underfloor heating and radiators when setting up a low temperature system in an existing building, our ts14R underfloor heating system offers a great solution. This system for dry construction is suitable for almost all renovation projects. It has a low weight and a total construction height of only 30 to 40 mm, including the floor covering laid directly on the system boards and the insulation layer. Thanks to its aluminium heat-conduction plates already factory-mounted on the insulation, the ts14R system offers a fast and even heat distribution on the floor.

If you have any questions or want to know more about our products and services, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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