How they work
Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air then boost it to a higher temperature using a heat pump. The heat generated can be used to heat radiators, under-floor heating and hot water. Usually positioned at the side or rear of a property, heat can be extracted even when the air temperature is as low as -20°C.
Great things about air source heat pumps
- Save money – You will significantly reduce your fuel bills. The size of the saving will depend on the type of fuel you are replacing. If you’re switching from a conventional electricity system, it’s likely you’ll see the most significant cost reduction.
- Energy efficient – Although you will still need to use electricity to power the pump, for every unit of electricity used by the pump you will get between two and four units of heat.
- Low maintenance – Air source heat pumps are virtually maintenance free.
- Reduce your carbon footprint – Air source heat pumps use mainly naturally occurring renewable energy and generate considerably less CO2 than conventional heating systems.
- An all-year-round technology – Some air source heat pumps can also be used for cooling in the summer.
Some considerations
- Do you have a suitable place to put it? You’ll need a place outside your property where it can be fitted to a wall or on the ground, that has plenty of space around it to ensure a good flow of air.
- Is your property well insulated? For the heating system to be effective, your property needs to be well insulated and draught proofed.
- What type of heating system do you plan to use? Air source heat pumps perform well with under-floor heating because they can operate at lower water temperatures than radiator systems. It’s fine if you have conventional radiators, however, because we’ll make sure they’re the right size to work at lower operating temperatures, maintaining the heat output required.
- Air source heat pumps can be cheaper and easier to install than ground source heat pumps but their efficiency levels can be lower.
- They can be the ideal option if you don’t have the land or the budget associated with installing ground source heat pumps.
There’s lots to think about here. Do give us a call, we’ll arrange to come and see you and answer all your questions!