Can Heat Pumps Be Installed Inside?

Heat pumps have gained popularity as both energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions and facilitators of a range of high-efficiency systems throughout the home and workplace.

While they are commonly installed outside where access to ample ambient air is guaranteed, advancements in technology have led to the development of heat pumps that can also – in specific contexts – be installed indoors.

In this article, we will compare three renowned heat pump brands – Reclaim Energy, Sanden, and Apricus – and focus on Stiebel Eltron, a leading brand that offers indoor installation options under specific circumstances.

By examining the features, benefits, and limitations of these heat pumps, we’ll help you make the best-possible decision for your needs, helping increase the energy-efficiency of your home as we go. In fact, installing a heat pump in your home is one of the best and most accessible first steps you can take towards an all-electric future for you and your household.

Ready? Let’s go!

What is a heat pump and how does it work?

A heat pump is a highly efficient heating and cooling system that utilises the principles of thermodynamics to transfer heat from one location to another.

Unlike conventional heating and cooling systems that generate heat or cool air, a heat pump simply moves heat from one place to another (i.e. generally from the ambient air outside your property), making it a more energy-efficient option than traditional gas or electric heaters/air conditioners.

A heat pump consists of four main components:

• Evaporator
• Compressor
• Condenser
• Expansion valve

Importantly, it operates in a closed-loop refrigeration cycle, allowing it to transfer heat efficiently with no loss of heat or energy – that’s energy-efficiency for you!

Let’s look at each of these stages in more detail:

Evaporation: The refrigerant in the heat pump evaporates at a low temperature, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment, such as outdoor air, water, or the ground. This phase change from a liquid to a gas allows the refrigerant to absorb heat energy.

Compression: The compressor within the heat pump increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant gas. This compression process significantly raises the temperature of the refrigerant, increasing its thermal energy.

Condensation: The hot, high-pressure refrigerant then flows into the condenser, where it releases heat to the desired location, such as a room or a water tank. The refrigerant undergoes a phase change from a gas to a liquid, releasing the absorbed heat energy.

Expansion: The liquid refrigerant then passes through the expansion valve, which reduces its pressure. As the pressure drops, the refrigerant returns to its initial state, ready to absorb heat again in the evaporator.

While a number of different types of heat pump exist (including air-source, ground-source, water-source and hybrids), air-source heat pumps are the most commonly available.

More on the pros and cons of this later.

Have you heard of a heat pump but aren’t sure how it compares to your current systems in terms of energy efficiency? Let’s take a look at that now.

When compared to more traditional gas or electric heating systems, heat pumps often outperform in terms of energy efficiency. According to the Australian government’s YourHome website, heat pumps can achieve an energy efficiency rating up to six times higher than gas systems, depending on the specific circumstances.

Importantly, this means that heat pumps can provide the same amount of heating or cooling using significantly less energy compared to gas systems, leading to reduced energy bills and significantly lower running costs over time.

At G Store, we’ve done all the hard work for you when it comes to selecting high-quality systems that are built to last and save you money. Let’s take a look at some of them now:

Benefits of Reclaim Energy heat pumps

Reclaim heat pumps are designed primarily for outdoor installation (using the ambient air to generate heat) and are generally not suitable for indoor use.

The major benefits of Reclaim heat pumps include:

• Highest efficiency
• Flexible installation options
• Quiet operation
• Low environmental impact
• Can be used for both heating and cooling applications
• Long lifespan (on average, 25+ years with proper maintenance)

While these heat pumps are known for their high energy efficiency, quiet operation, and durability, Reclaim heat pumps are not specifically designed or recommended for indoor installation due to ventilation requirements and potential issues related to noise and air quality.

It’s worth noting again that Reclaim heat pumps have one of the longest life expectancies on the market at 25 years, making them a wonderful option for customers with a long-term vision for bill reduction and value-add.

Take a look at the major benefits of Reclaim heat pumps by visiting our Reclaim heat pump webpage here.

Benefits of Sanden heat pumps

Sanden heat pumps are another popular choice for energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions in both home and workplace.

The major benefits of Sanden’s heat pumps include:

• Improved energy-efficiency
• Incredible Japanese technology
• Durable and reliable
• Flexible installation options
• Whisper-quiet operation

Similar to Reclaim, Sanden heat pumps are primarily intended for outdoor installation. They are widely recognised for their low noise levels, high performance, and low carbon footprint.

You may like to note that indoor installation of Sanden heat pumps may be possible under certain conditions, such as when a suitable indoor space with proper ventilation and access to outside air is available.

We can help you determine if a Sanden heat pump is right for you – just contact our friendly team today on 1300 137 567, or visit our Sanden heat pump webpage for more information here.

Benefits of Apricus heat pumps

Apricus heat pumps are known for their versatility, catering to both residential and commercial applications.

While primarily designed for outdoor installation, Apricus heat pumps offer optional ducted indoor units for specific models. These indoor units are designed to connect to the outdoor component, allowing for indoor installation in spaces with adequate ventilation and access to outside air.

Other major benefits of Apricus heat pump models include:

• Superior performance in comparison to other models
• Customisable installation options
• Beautiful design and aesthetics
• Impressive energy efficiency

Intrigued? Learn more about Apricus heat pumps here.

Benefits of the Stiebel Eltron heat pump

Stiebel Eltron, a leading heat pump manufacturer, offers a range of models that are specifically designed for indoor installation.

For example, the incredible Stiebel Eltron WPL series heat pumps are designed to be installed inside, providing a compact and efficient solution for residential heating and cooling. These heat pumps utilise advanced technology to extract heat from indoor air (air-source) or groundwater (water-source), making them suitable for indoor installation even in limited spaces.

Stiebel Eltron heat pumps even have built-in noise reduction features and are known for their energy efficiency and reliability.

It is important to note that installing a heat pump indoors requires careful consideration of various factors, including ventilation, available space, noise levels, and compliance with local building codes and regulations. Indoor installations may also require additional equipment, such as ductwork or air handling units, to distribute the conditioned air effectively.

You can learn more about Stiebel Elton’s heat pump technology here.

Unsure if an indoor or outdoor heat pump is best suited to your needs, and what your options are for each of these when it comes to installation?

With over 15 years of expertise in high-efficiency HVAC solutions, we’ve built a reputation on helping you out when it counts most. Just give our friendly team a call today on 1300 137 567!

Wrapping up

While heat pumps are traditionally installed outside, advancements in technology have allowed for indoor installation options under certain circumstances.

Reclaim, Sanden, and Apricus heat pumps are primarily designed for outdoor use but may offer limited indoor installation options for specific models. In contrast, Stiebel Eltron stands out as a leading brand that offers heat pumps specifically designed for indoor installation, providing efficient and space-saving solutions for residential heating and cooling.

Rest assured that at G Store, we only stock the highest quality heat pump and HVAC solutions, and that no matter your choice, you can’t go wrong.

To learn more about which heat pump options are available to you, visit our Learning Centre or give our friendly, award-winning G Store Hot Water Heat Pump team a call today on 1300 137 567.

We can’t wait to chat with you!