Yes, that is possible. Systems with a cooling circuit reversal function like an air conditioning system. They provide a constant cooling capacity all year round and ensure a high level of comfort. Brine- and water-based heat pumps usually have a passive cooling function. They transfer heat from the house directly to the brine or groundwater. However, the output is lower and not constant throughout the year. The temperature of the ground or groundwater is decisive.
Cooling with the heat pump: Function and requirements
Can a heat pump also be used for cooling? Many people ask themselves this question before deciding on the technology. The simple answer: Yes! However, there are a few things to bear in mind if you want to cool with your Carrier heat pump. The following sections explain how you can use the cooling function and what requirements need to be met.
Functionality explained easily
Carrier heat pumps and air conditioners are based on the same operating principle. They transfer heat to a refrigerant in order to vaporise it. A compressor then uses the pressure to raise the temperature in order to transfer thermal energy to another system. The direction in which this process takes place is irrelevant – it is a reversible refrigerant process. The systems can harness heat from outside for heating or dissipate heat from inside to the outside. Modern heat pump systems can do both – they can be used for heating and cooling.
By the way: You can find out more about the individual steps of the refrigerant process in our guide to the function of the air-water heat pump.
Reversible cooling process allows cooling with Carrier heat pumps
In order for you to be able to use your Carrier heat pump as an air conditioning system, it has a reversible cooling process. This means that there are special switching valves in the system that “turn” the circuit described above as required. If you want to heat, the technology absorbs heat from the environment to supply it to the building. In cooling mode, it absorbs thermal energy from the heating water to dissipate it outside. The flow of heating water flows into the house at a lower temperature in order to absorb heat at the heating surfaces.
Natural cooling as an alternative to the active cooling function
The process described is active cooling with an air-water heat pump. Brine- and water-based heat pumps generally allow passive or natural cooling. The cooling circuit remains inactive and the system transfers heat from the house directly to the groundwater or brine. Compared to active cooling with a heat pump from Carrier, this saves electricity. However, the cooling capacity is limited. If the ground warms up over time, you can also expect performance values to drop. If you cool actively with a Carrier heat pump, on the other hand, the output remains constantly high throughout the year.
Requirements for cooling with heat pumps from Carrier
To be able to cool with a Carrier heat pump, the house must meet certain requirements. For example, large surface heating systems that can absorb and dissipate a lot of heat are advisable. Special sensors and control systems are also required to prevent the formation of condensation and puddles. The following overview summarises the most important technical requirements:
- Reversible cooling circuit: The first requirement is a reversible cooling circuit. Only with this can a heat pump actively heat and cool. If you want to use passive or natural cooling, you will need a brine- or water-based heat pump with wells, boreholes or ground collectors. However, these systems are more expensive and have a lower cooling capacity that fluctuates throughout the year.
- Suitable distribution system: If your heat pump heating system can cool, you need the right heating surfaces. Underfloor, wall or ceiling heating systems are ideal, as they can absorb large amounts of heat even with small temperature differences. The cooling function is theoretically also possible via large radiators, but then achieves a lower output. This also increases the risk of condensation.
- Optimum condensation protection: If warm air cools down on the heating and cooling surfaces, it can carry less water vapor. The result: condensation occurs and water droplets or even puddles form on cold surfaces. As this can cause structural damage and accidents, dew point control is required. This monitors the room air and limits the flow temperature downwards to prevent condensation.
- Insulated pipes: Condensation is also possible on pipes if cold water flows through them in cooling mode. This can be prevented by effectively insulating the pipes.
Would you like to install the technology in a new build or retrofit a heat pump? If you meet the requirements listed above, it doesn't matter. You can cool with the heat pump in both cases.
Benefits and downsides of the flexible cooling function
If you use the cooling function of your Carrier heat pump, you can make double use of the system. You save space and installation costs and ensure rooms are kept at a pleasant temperature all year round in an energy-efficient manner. On the other hand, the higher building requirements are a disadvantage. For example, you should have underfloor heating if you want to cool with a heat pump.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the heat pump with cooling function
The requirement for the active cooling function is a reversible heat pump heating system that can reverse its cooling cycle. You also need large heating surfaces (ideally panel heating), insulated pipes and a special dew point control system. Insulation and control prevent condensation from forming droplets or puddles in the house.
Cooling with a heat pump and radiator is technically possible, but not practical. The reason for this is the small heat exchanger surface. In order to achieve a significant cooling effect, this requires a very low temperature. Providing this costs more energy. In addition, condensation would form on the radiators. This damages the heating surfaces. It can lead to injuries (slipping on wet puddles on the floor) and cause mold problems.
Alternatively, you can install a split air conditioning system from Carrier. This also has a heating and cooling function. However, it transfers thermal energy via the air and therefore does not require any heating surfaces in the house. If you want to cool with a heat pump but do not want to retrofit a panel heating system, the split air conditioning system is recommended.
Tip: Find out more about heating with air conditioners in our guide.
