OUR SERVICES
WHAT IS AN AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP?
Heating systems often burn fuel or transform electricity into heat. But heat pumps work differently than usual, as they draw outside heat energy into your home.
When Your Windows And Doors Are Energy-efficient, It Can Grossly Reduce The Amount Of Draughts And Cold Spots.
Glazing Helps Reduce The Heat Lost Through Your Windows And Creates A Warmer And More Comfortable Home.
As Well As Holding Heat In, Energy-efficient Windows Can Help To Insulate Your Home Against External Noise.
CONDENSATION REDUCTION
Having Energy-efficient Glazing Can Help With Condensation That Builds Up Inside The Window.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
THE PROCESS
An air source heat pump works similarly to a fridge but in reverse!
Heat pumps usually cost less to run than traditional fossil fuel heating systems. They’re more efficient as they deliver more heat than the electrical energy they consume.
STEP 1
Air from outside is blown over refrigerant-filled tubes, which warms the refrigerant and turns the liquid into gas.
STEP 2
The gas then passes through a compressor which increases the pressure. The pump compresses the gas to increase its temperature. It then condenses back into a liquid to release its stored heat.
STEP 3
Heat is sent to your radiators or underfloor heating. The remainder can be stored in your hot water cylinder, and you can use your stored hot water for showers, baths and taps.
WHAT ARE THE
DIFFERENT TYPES
The two main types of air source heat pumps are air-to-air and air-to-water. However, the most common installation in the UK is the air-to-water.
Nearly all of the air source heat pumps in the UK are known as air-to-water systems. This system transfers heat into the traditional wet heating system, allowing access to hot water and central heating.
More commonly known as air conditioning units, air-to-air source heat pumps allow you to control your home’s temperature. Depending on the season and your needs, you can switch between heating and cooling your home.
Only a minority of the UK has an air-to-air source heat pump. As the name suggests, this system transfers heat into the air, then distributed around the home. However, they don’t provide hot water to your home.
Hybrid air source heat pumps are available, combined with an existing central heating system and boiler. With the hybrid option, the heat pump provides the primary heating and hot water source. However, the boiler will only come into play when extra hot water is needed or on a particularly cold day.
Want to find out which system is best for you? Speak to one of our specialist advisors. We’re always happy to help!
SOURCE COMPARISON
EFFECIENCY
One of the most economical ways to heat your home is by using an air source heat pump.
TRADITIONAL BOILERS
LOSS OF HEAT BY BURNING FOSSIL FUELS
HEAT PUMPS ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING
Make your home’s overall running cost on par or even cheaper than what you would pay for your regular heating system. Heat pumps are very beneficial when you weigh environmental benefits against fossil fuel options.
FOUR BEDROOM HOUSE
RUNNING COSTS
We all know energy prices can vary due to our lifestyles and activities.
It can take time to pinpoint precisely how much you may save annually. Based on industry-wide figures, we’ve put together an example of what it may look like. A modern four-bedroom house may need around 19,000kWh of heat per year (this may vary)
Air source heat pump and electricity priced at £20.06 per kWh, the cost would be £1,089 (20.06p/kWh divided by the coefficient of heat pump performance of 3.5, multiplied by 19,000kWh).
This would cost around £884 in gas (90% efficient; gas cost of 4.65kWh multiplied by 19,000kWh).
Around £916 for an oil-fueled home (90% efficient oil boiler; oil cost of 4.82kWh multiplied by 19,000kWh)
Around £1,463 for an LPG home (90% efficient boiler; LPG costs of 7.70kWh multiplied by 19,000kWh)
CONSIDERATIONS
FOR IN HOME USE
Air source heat pumps work great for heating your home and water.
Unsure if this is the service for you? Speak to a professional today!
Heat pumps work at optimum capacity when the temperature outside and inside is similar, like a fridge having to work harder on a hot day making them suitable for underfloor heating systems. Flooring covers a larger area than regular radiators, so they don’t need to reach as high of a temperature to provide the same level of heat.
Suppose you’re looking to switch to an air source heat pump but already have radiators in your home. In that case, you may need to invest in larger radiators to keep your home toasty and warm for longer.
Heat pumps can also heat your hot water, although they don’t work as effectively as a regular boiler. If you’re running a bath, you may require more hot water than usual. When considering an air source heat pump, you may want to invest in a larger hot water tank to meet your needs.
Air source heat pumps have a lower output than gas or oil-fired boilers, which means they can’t deliver heat to your home as quickly. They are best used to heat your home slowly over an extended period.
