Homes and businesses would benefit from the installation of an air source heat pump because of the opportunity to reduce bills with environmentally friendly heat throughout the year. Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside down to temperatures of -15° C, which is then converted to radiators, underfloor heating and warm air convectors.
The heat pump is based upon the same mechanism as a fridge, which instead removes heat from inside the unit. The pump absorbs heat into a fluid which is then passed through a compressor to increase the temperature. Because heat can be taken at such low temperatures, heat pumps will operate at all times of the year.
For homes and businesses there are two types of air source pumps available:
- Air-to-water systems
- Air-to-air systems
The water system is by far the most popular in the UK. Effectively, it provides heat for water by converting energy extracted from the outside. Distributing heat at low temperatures, this system is particularly beneficial for underfloor heating.
The other option is an air-to-air system, which produces warm air for home heating. This heat will then normally be distributed by fans, but is unlikely to provide heat for hot water as well.
The benefits of air source heat pumps
Heat pumps are popular because of a number of benefits they provide homeowners and businesses alike. Easier to install, they are the preferred option over ground source heat pumps too.
- Energy bill reduction: For all renewables, the chief incentive for homeowners and businesses is to reduce energy bills. Heat pumps provide a route away from paying the ever-increasing gas and electricity prices through the National Grid. Air source heat pumps can produce as much as 60% of your property’s heat, which would see you save hundreds of pounds every year on fuel bills. With no maintenance needed you’ll be saving thousands of pounds over 25 years.
- Earn an extra income: Plans are ready to come into place whereby homeowners will be able to receive a set tariff rate for every unit of renewable heat produced. This would be under the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme and covers heat pumps, solar thermal panels and biomass boilers. Predictions suggest as much as £850 could be earned on a yearly basis with air source heat pumps.
- Slash CO2 emissions: Heat pumps are an environmentally friendly form of technology which will reduce carbon emissions and cut your home’s footprint. CO2 is a key contributor to global warming problems, and the amount you’ll cut depends entirely on which fuel is replaced.