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> Lord Kelvin proposed using heat pump systems for space heating way back in 1852. The first heat pump was designed and built a few years later That’s the kind

> Lord Kelvin proposed using heat pump systems for space heating way back in 1852. The first heat pump was designed and built a few years later That’s the kind of speed we need if this is going to be any help before everything’s on fire anyway. From what I can tell (in / for the UK at least) heat pumps currently aren’t that great - my dad’s boiler just died and every plumber he spoke to said heat pumps kinda suck and to just get a nice new gas boiler…

nerdface 4y ago
Usually because those contractors have zero experience with heat pumps and want to sell you what they offer.
zip1234 4y ago
In the US have started seeing them for heating water but mainly for household use (showers, general water heating) and not for a boiler replacement.
coder543 4y ago
If the only research you did is secondhand word of mouth, I think you need to do a little more research. Heat pumps are extremely excellent, and have been for years. We've even reached the point where heat pumps are able to work effectively in places like North Dakota. For reference, the UK doesn't even have the concept of weather like that.
Danieru 4y ago
"I talked to a bunch of horse tamers and they say cars are just no good. So I bought another horse. I don't see all the hype" Similar issue in the states. HVAC specialist trash talking mini splits because a mini split's advantage of cheaper maintenance and install is meaningless to the HVAC specialist. Instead they only see the trade offs. Then they quote a bill as if installing a mini split requires a diploma and point out just how uneconomical the farce is.
- jonplackett 4y ago
  This isn’t an appropriate analogy - the plumbers also fit the heat pumps. They just don’t recommend them
  - creativenolo 4y ago
    Horse tamers drive cars. I think the analogy is more about what you're set up to do, used to and profit from.
duckmysick 4y ago
> every plumber he spoke to said heat pumps kinda suck What did they say precisely?

nerdface 4y ago

Usually because those contractors have zero experience with heat pumps and want to sell you what they offer.

zip1234 4y ago

In the US have started seeing them for heating water but mainly for household use (showers, general water heating) and not for a boiler replacement.

coder543 4y ago

If the only research you did is secondhand word of mouth, I think you need to do a little more research. Heat pumps are extremely excellent, and have been for years. We've even reached the point where heat pumps are able to work effectively in places like North Dakota. For reference, the UK doesn't even have the concept of weather like that.

Danieru 4y ago

"I talked to a bunch of horse tamers and they say cars are just no good. So I bought another horse. I don't see all the hype" Similar issue in the states. HVAC specialist trash talking mini splits because a mini split's advantage of cheaper maintenance and install is meaningless to the HVAC specialist. Instead they only see the trade offs. Then they quote a bill as if installing a mini split requires a diploma and point out just how uneconomical the farce is.

jonplackett 4y ago
This isn’t an appropriate analogy - the plumbers also fit the heat pumps. They just don’t recommend them
- creativenolo 4y ago
  Horse tamers drive cars. I think the analogy is more about what you're set up to do, used to and profit from.

duckmysick 4y ago

> every plumber he spoke to said heat pumps kinda suck What did they say precisely?