The latest trend in domestic heating circles – low-carbon gas absorption technology that heats and cools buildings with claimed significant cost and environmental benefits – has taken a further step forward with the launch of gas absorption heat pump (GAHP) solutions for UK consumers.

ENER-G, a Manchester-based sustainable power business has teamed up with Italian manufacturer Robur, to market GAHP systems. The fans of GAHP systems claim they are far better than traditional boiler technologies, because they offer a significantly improved environmental performance.

The principle behind a GAHP system is simple. It works by removing energy from a low temperature heat source – in this case the outside air – and then upgrading it within the heat pump to either heat, or cool water inside a building. The power to run the whole process comes from natural gas, or LPG.

And ironically, this is not exactly a 21st Century technology, having been pioneered in the late 1700s.

Andrew Hill, ENER-G product manager, said:
“GAHP’s harness the properties of refrigerants to change from liquid to gas and back again in order to transfer heat. The technology provides sustainable solutions for a wide range of businesses and households.”

The benefits in operational terms include security of energy supply because there’s less dependency on electricity, there’s no maintenance, and easy installation.

The Robur manufactured systems work up to 165% efficiency.
“Our heat pump solution, in partnership with Robur, provides a reliable, cost-effective, and constant energy source that is highly effective for industrial, commercial and residential use. This is due to the system’s ability both to save energy and increase the value of the building with its A+++ classification issued by the European Commission.” Added Mr Hill.

And GAHPs are suitable as a direct replacement for gas-fired traditional and condensing boilers. They can reach temperatures over 65C and also produce hot water.

The systems can be purchased outright, or rented.

Guest Article by Neil Camp