Air Source Heat Pumps are heralded as way to heat your home sustainably and seem to offer an eco-friendly alternative to other methods of heating your home and your water. Air source heat pumps work by harnessing the ambient temperature of the air outside and converting it to heat and many people are switching to air source heat pump installation as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
In the same category of heat pumps there are also ground source heat pumps which use the ambient air temperature of the ground that has been warmed by the sun.
West Sussex Heating installs this innovative form of heating which looks to become increasingly popular with customers looking to reduce their carbon foot print. That said this is very new technology so very few people in the UK have direct experience of living with it yet.
An air source heat pump is a heating and cooling system that uses the principles of thermodynamics to extract heat from the surrounding air, even in cold weather, and transfer it indoors for heating purposes. It essentially acts as a heat exchanger, absorbing heat from the outdoor air and converting it into usable heat for buildings. It works in a similar way to a fridge which extracts the heat from within itself.
There are three components to an air source heat pump system: There is a unit containing a fan, compressor, and heat exchanger which is situated outside. There is an indoor unit comprising the distribution system (such as radiators or underfloor heating) and there is a controller.
The outdoor unit extracts heat from the air and transfers it to the indoor unit, which then distributes it throughout the building.
Although the principles of air source heat pumps are the same in that they all use the outdoor ambient temperature to heat indoor spaces , there are a couple of different ways to achieve this aim.
These heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it to a water-based central heating system, which can include radiators, underfloor heating, or even a combination of both. The heated water is circulated through the system, providing warmth to the building.
These distribute heat directly into the building through the use of fans and air handlers. They can act as both heating and cooling systems, as they can reverse the process and extract heat from indoor air to provide cooling during hot weather.
with this system the heat pump extracts renewable solar energy from the ground
and directs it into your home. This option requires some excavation but is easy to install. With a ground source heat pump, loops of piping are placed in the ground at a depth of around 1 metre. Because this top layer of soil is warmed by the sun, it maintains a stable temperature of between 8 – 12 degrees C and this can be extracted for your heating.
At present, West Sussex Heating installs ground source heat pump systems from British company Alto Energy. The units are manufactured by Bosch so you can rely on their quality and functionality.
These terms refer to how the heat pump is installed.
A split heat pump is comprised of two units. The outside unit has the heat exchanger and a refrigerant. The indoors unit works in a similar way to a boiler.
A monobloc has all the components situated in one unit which is situated outside. However you will need an additional hot water cylinder installed indoors to provide the hot water.
Air source heat pumps are highly energy-efficient. For every unit of electricity consumed by the heat pump, several units of heat are produced, resulting in significant energy savings. This efficiency can translate into reduced heating bills and lower carbon emissions.
Some air source heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling so are suitable for various climate conditions. With the increase in temperature of the average UK summer they can provide much needed air conditioning.
Air source heat pumps have lower operating costs than many other heating methods. Although installation is more expensive than traditional heating methods, they are often far cheaper to run.
Air source heat pumps produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional heating systems, so may help combat climate change and create a more sustainable future.
You still need to use electricity to power an air source heat pump and as we all know electricity is the most expensive utility when compared with gas. So you will notice an increase in your electric bills.
If you live in a very cold climate you may find that your heating is impacted. That said with the technological advances of the industry, air source heat pumps are becoming more efficient at utilising lower temperatures and converting them to heating.
You will need to install a unit outside your home which may have a negative effect upon the appearance of your house.
Air source heat pump installation is generally far more expensive than other heating methods. With a ground source air pump, you will need to dig up your garden in order to site the heating pipes so it is important to consider whether you have sufficient space for the installation.
Some heat pumps are noisy. Although the technology is improving, you may find the noise of your heat pump disruptive.
This type of heating installation can be a good system both for your bills and the planet but it is not suitable for all types of home installation. And with the advances in other forms of heating, making them more environmentally sustainable, such as condensing boilers, air source heat pumps are not the only way to help the environment.
To find out more contact West Sussex Heating and let us help you make the best decision for your home requirements.
Call West Sussex Heating today to arrange a free Air Source Heat Pump Quote and for advice on how to manage your air source heat pump installation. It is always important to call in a trusted and accredited professional for genuine honest advice.
For customers in the West Sussex area, West Sussex Heating is a local company you can trust. Check out our excellent reviews on Checkatrade and Trustpilot and get in touch to book your free quote today!
