What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump is a type of renewable energy system that uses the outside air to heat or cool your home. Air source heat pumps uses electricity to transfer the existing heat from outside into your home, reducing the need for traditional heating and cooling systems.
These systems can gain heat from the air even when the temperature is as low as -15 degrees helping home cut their energy costs throughout the cold winter months without compromising on the internal temperature.
There is an outdoor unit for every air source heat pump, which is mounted onto a wall or outside space, and an indoor unit which is connected to it. The indoor unit is where the warmth generated by the pump is distributed throughout your home.
Ever thought how an air source heat pump works?
- Outside air is drawn into a network of tubes filled with a refrigerant.
- The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and turns from a liquid into a gas.
- The heated gas is hen compressed, increasing its temperature further.
- The hot gas passes through coils in the indoor nit, releasing heat into the home.
- The refrigerant cools as it passes through the coils and returns to a liquid state, ready to start the process again.
What are the benefits of air source heat pumps?
- High energy efficiency, helping reduce energy bills by up to 40%, saving around £1,500 a year.
- Their ability to work in low and high temperatures, meaning you can keep your home warm no matter the weather.
- A strong lifespan of around 10 years, making them a much better long-term investment.
- The fact that air source heat pumps are a cost effective solution for heating and cooling your home all year round (including underfloor heating).
- Their ability to help you reduce your carbon footprint due to their low carbon emissions.
Where would the heat pumps go? Do I have somewhere suitable for it to go?
Air source heat pumps require an outdoor space to function, so you need to make sure there is enough space around the pump to allow a good flow of air.
These are two types of air source heat pump systems:
Monobloc System: These are a signal outdoor unit containing both the compressor and expansion vessel, with pipes carrying water to the central heating system and hot water cylinder inside your property. Monobloc systems are an ideal solution for properties with limited space outside.
Split System: Air source heat pumps can also be split into two components making them suitable for larger buildings. The outdoor component contains the compressor, while the inside component contains the expansion vessel.
4 Benefits from having a heat pump fitted.
- Highly energy-efficient system
Reduce your carbon footprint and cut your CO2 emissions - Save on your energy bills
Free home improvements will reduce your monthly energy bills. - Grant Free Home Upgrades
Improve the EPC rating of your home with the ECO 4 Scheme. - Add Value to your home
