Air Source Heat Pumps, Explained
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) have been around since the 1800s, but have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their low carbon impact and money-saving potential.
Here, we have created the ultimate guide for air source heat pumps explained, including what they are, how they work for, air source heat pump cooling, and the benefits of installing one in your home.
What are Air Source Heat Pumps?
ASHPs work like a fridge in reverse - they warm homes by transferring heat from the outside air.
There are two main types of ASHP:
- Air-to-air heat pumps, which transfer heat from the outside air into a fan system to warm or cool your home.
- Air-to-water heat pumps, which transfer heat from the outside air into your radiator, underfloor heating, or hot water cylinder.
How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?
Unlike ground source heat pumps, which absorb heat from the ground, ASHPs absorb heat from the air outside.
Read through our guide to heat pumps for an overview of how both air and ground source heat pumps work.
Below the workings of an air source heat pump is explained:
- Ambient air is blown over a series of tubes filled with a refrigerant fluid. The air heats the fluid, turning it into a gas.
- The gas is passed through a compressor, which adds heat and increases the pressure.
- The hot gas moves into a heat exchanger. The heat from the gas transfers into the cool air or water surrounding the exchanger. This heat is then circulated around your home, either via a fan circuit or through your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water cylinder.
- The gas refrigerant condenses back into a liquid, ready to be heated once more.
Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps
Replacing your oil, gas, coal, or electric heating system with an ASHP comes with a wealth of benefits.
Low Carbon Footprint
Rather than running on fossil fuels, ASHPs generate renewable heat energy through the air.
ASHPs only use 1 unit of electricity for every 3 to 4 units of energy produced. This means that switching from a coal, oil, or electricity-based heating system to an ASHP will massively cut down on your carbon emissions.
Cost-Efficiency
ASHPs require very little electricity to run, meaning you reduce your reliance on the National Grid. This can lower your energy bills considerably.
Recent research suggests that an ASHP could save more than 50% on running costs compared to a gas boiler.
Air Source Heat Pump Cooling
Despite the name, ASHPs aren’t just for heating. Depending on the model you install, you could get an ASHP cooling system too.
This would mean that one ASHP system would be able to cool the space in the summer, when the air is warm and heat a space in winter when the air is colder.
ASHPs have an exceptional SCOP (seasonal coefficient of performance), meaning they can run regardless of the season.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Installing an ASHP cooler and heater is much less complex and disruptive than other types of boilers or renewable energy pumps. Typically, the whole installation process only takes 2 to 5 days.
ASHPs also require very little maintenance, and have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
Air Source Heat Pumps by Explained Meridian Cooling
In this blog, we have explained Air Source Heat Pumps, giving you everything you need to know, from how it works, to their versatility thanks to their cooling abilities too.
At Meridian Cooling, we specialise in installing bespoke ASHPs in houses, offices, and commercial buildings across the south of England.
Beyond installation, we also offer planned maintenance services and 24/7 technical assistance to keep your heater running in perfect condition.
To request a free survey of your property, get in touch through our online contact form or by calling our friendly team at 01202 658254!
