As winter draws in, the need for a reliable heating system inside becomes increasingly important. Along with this comes the desire for affordable running costs, energy efficiency, and a green alternative to traditional gas boilers. Enter air source heat pumps (also known as ASHPs), the modern heating system that’s changing the way we heat our homes.
What is an ASHP?
An air source heat pump is a renewable energy system that extracts heat from the ambient air outside and converts it to heat to distribute within your home. Even in colder weather, a professionally installed air source pump can produce up to 5 times more heat than an electric storage heater for plenty of cosy winter nights.
Compared to a gas or electric heating system, an air source heat pump is a renewable source of energy, reducing your carbon footprint and allowing you to save money on your utility bills. Overall, they are a modern, sustainable solution for heating homes with reduced carbon emissions and lower energy bills in the long term.
The benefits of air source
There are several renewable heating options available, but air source pumps come with their own unique alternatives.
Kind to the planet
Heat pumps have grown in popularity over recent years because they are a brilliant alternative to boilers powered by fossil fuels such as gas or oil – this makes fuelling them cheaper, and their carbon emissions are much lower. These devices are not reliant on non-renewable resources, meaning they are future-proofed and a valuable asset for potential environmental changes in the future.
Sustainability in heating technology is becoming more and more prevalent over the years as more environmental laws emerge. Besides – sometimes it’s just rewarding to know that your choice of heating system is kind to the earth.
Compact and quick installation
No heat pump is ‘plug and play’, but air source pumps have a much quicker installation process than that of a ground source pump. They don’t require any ground excavation, which greatly reduces costs and disruption on your home. ASHPs are also a lot more compact, and can be integrated into existing heating systems to optimise space. This makes them more adaptable to different property sizes, and easier to access in the case of requiring maintenance.
Economic
Compared to other heating systems, air source pumps are a cost effective choice whilst remaining reliable and robust. They present a much lower upfront cost compared to other devices, as their installation is quick and adaptable. ASHPs are renowned for their exceptional energy efficiency, making them a smart investment for your home. By taking in heat from the air, heat pumps can produce up to 5KW of heat energy for every IKW of electricity consumed. Heat pumps are a long-term investment; however, they provide lower energy bills over time, translating cost savings for homeowners long term.
How do they work?
The external element of an air source heat pump initially extracts heat from the surrounding ambient air. This ambient air is drawn through the evaporator, where refrigerant is circulated through. This heat from the air is then passed into the refrigerant circuit and directed to a compressor, where the refrigerant’s pressure is increased, causing the temperature to rise and the refrigerant to transition from a liquid to a gas state.
The hot gas passes through a condenser where the heat is passed into the heating system’s water. The heated water can then be used to provide heat to your heating system, whether it be radiators or underfloor heating. This heated water is distributed throughout your home for heating or into a hot water cylinder for use with your showers and sinks. Once the heat transfer stage is complete, the hot gas condenses back into a liquid to start the whole cycle again.
Installing an air source heat pump
Air is an ASHP’s ‘source’ of heat, meaning positioning it outdoors with a free flow of air is crucial for device performance and reliability. Alongside this, specialist equipment and knowledge are required for installation, making it a complex task. We always recommend hiring an experienced professional to install your heat pump. Our qualified engineers can ensure that your unit is fitted in an optimal position for maximum efficiency. Read more about the ideal location for your ASHP on our blog.
How much does it cost?
We’ll cut to the chase – air source heat pumps are a large long-term investment. The upfront cost includes the unit itself alongside the installation expenses. You’ll recuperate savings with reduced energy consumption, utility bills, maintenance and repairs in the long term, so make sure you install a heat pump into a home you’re not planning to part with any time soon.
Despite the initial investment, the overall cost-effectiveness of a heat pump often outweighs that of conventional heating systems, particularly in regions such as the UK with moderate climates where heat pumps can perform optimally.
It’s essential to evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI) over the lifespan of your heat pump, considering factors like energy efficiency, local climate conditions, and available financial incentives or rebates, such as the government’s boiler upgrade scheme.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and professional heat pump servicing are key to ensuring optimal performance and longevity. During servicing, we typically inspect and clean the outdoor and indoor units, check refrigerant levels, and lubricate moving parts to prevent wear and tear.
It is generally advised to schedule maintenance at least once a year to stop any potential issues before they become costly and ensure that the system continues to operate efficiently.
Properly maintaining your heat pump not only optimises its efficiency, but also helps prevent expensive repairs and extends its service life, ultimately ensuring continued comfort and reliability for your heating.
Norfolk’s leading heat pump installers
All in all, air source heat pumps offer a multitude of benefits that make them a great renewable option for many homeowners. From saving money on bills to reducing your carbon emissions, there really is no reason not to make the switch.
If you think an air source pump is the best option for you, get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quotation.