Air source heat pumps

Are you thinking about embarking on a renewable heating journey?

Air source heat pumps are fast becoming a popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a renewable heating solution. Air source heat pumps are one of the most economical and eco-friendly solutions available.

If you are considering installing an air source heat pump, we have everything you need to know about this low carbon heating alternative.

Air source heat pump

There are three types of heat pumps on the market: air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and water source heat pumps. They work in different ways and are compatible with different types of heating systems. 

Air source heat pumps are fast becoming a popular choice for homeowners who want to decrease their carbon footprint. Air source heat pumps use the environment to generate 75% of the heating and hot water needed for your home, meaning that you do not need gas and the reliance on electricity is significantly less. Not only does this allow you to reduce your carbon footprint, but you can also decrease your heating bills.

What is an air source heat pump?

Air source heat pumps utilise heat from the outside air and convert it into heat which can be used with a standard heating and hot water system (usually underfloor heating or oversized radiators).

Air source heat pumps utilise a refrigerant circuit (like a fridge) to increase the temperatures to a level that can be utilised to provide heating and hot water for your home. Air source heat pumps are so effective they can extract heat from the air even at temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees centigrade.

The heat pump uses electricity, so it is not free to use and it is not yet carbon neutral. If it runs efficiently, it can be cheap to use and will likely be a low carbon heating option in comparison to a gas boiler for your home.

What are the benefits of an air source heat pump?

• Minimal maintenance required
• Lower carbon emissions
• Likely to reduce your fuel bills (if replacing a g-rated boiler)
• No solid fuel deliveries needed
• Can heat your home and water

How does a heat pump work?

An air-source heat pump starts with its source, which is the outside air. It is then either blown or pumped over the heat exchange surface of the outside part of the heat pump. This air, although colder than the air in your home, is warm enough to cause a special refrigerant liquid to evaporate and turn into a gas.

This gas is then put through a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas, which causes its temperature to rise. Once heated, this gas is passed over the internal heat exchange surface. This heat can be transferred into your home’s central heating or water system.

Once the heat is transferred into the home, the gas falls in temperature and returns to a liquid state. The refrigerant returns to the outside heat exchange surface, and the process repeats until sufficient heat is passed into the home.

Before installing an air source heat pump, you should consider the following:

• You will need a place outside your home where a unit can be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground. It will need plenty of space around it to get a good flow of air. 
• Air source heat pumps perform particularly well with underfloor heating systems or warm air heating because they operate at low temperatures. Homes without an existing central heating system will require one to be installed for an air source heat pump to work.
• It is important that your home is well insulated and draught-proofed to minimise heat-loss as air source heat pumps work best when producing heat at a lower temperature than traditional boilers.

How much does an air source heat pump cost?

Air source heat pump installations vary in price. There are many factors that can contribute, including the size of the property, EPC rating and the type and size of heat pump you require.

If you want to embark on a renewable heating journey but are worried about the initial cost, you could look into an air source heat pump grant. The government offer a domestic renewable heat incentive, which is a grant to support renewable options, including biomass boilers, solar water heating and certain heat pumps. You can find out about the domestic renewable heat incentive here. Please note, that this grant is in no way associated or in partnership with Swale Heating.

Our expert engineers will carry out the work to the highest standard.

All of our renewable engineers are MCS Certified. MCS is an industry-led quality assurance scheme, which demonstrates the quality and reliability of approved products and installation companies. With years of experience in installing heat pumps we can deliver the best air source heat pump system for your home.

If you would like to know more about air source heat pumps and get a personalised quote, then please call Swale Heating on free phone on 0800 731 33 44 or complete the contact form on the right-hand side.