Guide to Air Source Heat Pumps
An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside. Heat can be extracted from the air from as low as minus 15° C.
Unlike gas or oil boilers, heat pumps deliver heat at lower temperatures over much longer periods. This means that the running cost and the environmental impact are reduced significantly.
Heat pumps do have some impact on the environment as they need electricity to run, but the heat they extract from the air is constantly being renewed naturally.
Heat from the air is absorbed into a fluid which is pumped through a heat exchanger in the heat pump. Low grade heat is then extracted by the refrigeration system and, after passing through the heat pump compressor, is concentrated into a higher temperature useful heat capable of heating water for the heating and hot water circuits of the house.
What are the benefits?
· Can lower fuel bills, especially if you are using conventional electric heating.
· No fuel deliveries required.
· Can provide space heating and hot water
· It’s often classed as a ‘fit and forget’ technology because it needs little maintenance.
· Can be easier to install than a ground source heat pump, but efficiencies can be lower.
· Can reduce your carbon footprint: heat pumps can lower your home’s carbon emissions, depending on which fuel you are replacing.
Is it suitable for my home?
Before you purchase your air source heat pump there are a few things to consider:
· Do you have space? You will need some space outside the property to where you can place a unit either mounted on the wall or on the ground. You will need to allow 1 meter around the unit for airflow.
· What length of pipe will I need? All of the air source heat pumps that HeatersUK provide are easy install. The system consists of an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and the interconnect pipe work. The user must determine the distance between the indoor and the outdoor units in order to select the correct length of pipe. Easy install units come pre
· What type of heating system will you use? Air source heat pumps can perform better with underfloor heating systems or warm air heating than radiator-based systems because of the lower water temperatures required.
· Is the system intended for a new development? Combining the installation with other building work can reduce the cost of installing the system