As an increasingly popular source of renewable energy, an Air Source Heat Pump could provide you with the solution you have been looking for. Reducing your carbon footprint and providing effective heating / cooling within your home, this type of energy is an affordable solution to your energy needs.
An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) works by using natural warmth from the air. It absorbs this from the air outside your home and then introduces this as heat into your house, just like a fridge takes heat from its inside and transfers this outside. The heat produced can then be used to provide heating through radiators and underfloor heating and will also produce hot water.
As it extracts heat from the outside air, these pumps are said to be more efficient in warmer climates but as they still work effectively when the heat outside drops below 10°C, they are still an effective source of energy. The ASHP does still require some electricity to function but as it also utilises warm air, a natural source, it is still an incredibly green solution.
What are the Advantages of an Air Source Heat Pump?
• Lower fuel bills when used as an alternative to traditional heating systems.
• Is eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which was set up by the government to help supplement costs.
• Lower carbon footprint.
• Heats your home and your water.
• Requires a small amount of up-keep.
• An incredibly efficient energy source.
• Can provide heat at a lower temperature and for longer periods than standard gas / oil boilers.
How does an Air Source Heat Pump Work?
The easiest way to understand how an ASHP works is by thinking of it working in the same way as your fridge at home does. Firstly, the pump works by extracting heat from the air outside, which is then absorbed into a liquid. This is then transferred through a compressor and has more heat added to it before it is used within your water and heating system in your home.
An Air Source Heat Pump can be found in two forms:
Air to Water Heat Pump – this system works alongside a wet central heating system.
Air to Air Heat Pump – using fans, this distributes warm air around the home.
How do I Know if an Air Source Heat Pump is Suitable for My Property?
If you’re thinking about investing in an Air Source Heat Pump, you will need to consider several things before proceeding. Below are just some of the points that will need taking into consideration:
- What fuel is an air source heat pump best for replacing? In order to see the benefits of installing this renewable energy source, it is best to install it in place of a coal or electric heating system. When this is done, you will soon find that the air source heat pump recovers its cost far quicker.
- Have you got the correct insulation in your home? Installing an air source heat pump without already having sufficient insulation in your property would be a waste of time. In order to achieve maximum efficiency out of your pump, you’ll need to invest in full insulation within your home.
- Do you have enough space for an ASHP? As these are fitted to the outside of your property, you will need to ensure that you have enough space for it. It can be fitted onto a wall or installed on the ground, but will need to have a good amount of space so as to benefit from a decent air flow. If you can place the pump onto or near to a sunny wall, this would be very advantageous.
- What type of heating systems work best with an air pump? This type of pump works best with warm air heating or underfloor heating as these require a lower temperature.
- Can I afford to install and run an Air Source Heat Pump at my property? It’s always vital to consider the costs involved with installing an ASHP at your home. The average costs for installation and running one are approximately £7,000 to £14,000 depending on your property size, the insulation in your home and what kind of temperatures you are wanting to achieve. One way of cutting down on the costs of having one of these installed is by having it done at a time when other building work is being carried out.
What are your thoughts on heat pumps? have you an heat pump installed or thinking about purchasing? we would love to hear your thoughts below or on our heat pump forum.
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