What Is An Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a type of heating system that uses the outside air as a source of heat. They offer a lot of benefits in comparison to more traditional heating methods, and grants to install air source heat pumps are available for homeowners and tenants across the UK under the ECO4 scheme.
Not only are air source heat pumps great for their energy efficiency, but they are also a renewable source of energy as they use the outside air as a heat source. Renewable energy sources like air source heat pumps are one of the solutions being used as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. They are a much more sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems that rely on fossil fuels like gas or oil, which are non-renewable and contribute to climate change.
How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?
You may be wondering how does an air source heat pump work? Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air outside and transferring it to the inside of a building to provide warmth. Here is a quick look at how they work:
- The air source heat pump unit contains a refrigerant fluid that absorbs heat from the outside air.
- The heat absorbed by the refrigerant causes it to evaporate into a gas.
- The gas is compressed, which increases its temperature even further.
- The hot gas is then passed through a heat exchanger, where its heat is transferred to the water that circulates through the heating system of the building.
- The now-cooled refrigerant gas returns to its liquid state and is circulated back outside to repeat the process.
These heat pumps use the principle of heat exchange to extract heat from the outside air and transfer it to the inside of a building to provide warmth. They are an extremely energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating systems and have the added bonus of also being able to be used for cooling in the summer.
Are Air Source Heat Pumps Worth It?
Air source heat pumps will save you money on your energy bills over the long term. They are more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems that use fossil fuels like gas or oil, which means they require less energy to generate the same amount of heat.
The amount of money you can save will vary depending on the size of the property, the existing heating system, and the energy efficiency of the building, but on average they can save homeowners between 20% to 40% on their energy bills compared to traditional heating systems.
They also have a longer lifespan than traditional heating systems, which means they require less maintenance and have lower repair costs over time. Overall, they are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for heating and cooling homes.
How Efficient Are Air Source Heat Pumps?
Air source heat pumps are highly efficient heating systems, with a typical efficiency rating of around 300%. This means that for every unit of electricity used to run the pump, it can produce up to three units of heat, making it a very energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating systems that use fossil fuels like gas or oil.
Their level of efficiency depends on several factors, including what size air source heat pump is, the size of the building, the insulation, and the outside temperature. A common question asked: do air source heat pumps work in winter? Yes! They can still operate efficiently in colder temperatures. In general, air-source heat pumps are more efficient when the outside temperature is above freezing.
It’s also worth noting that the efficiency of an air source heat pump can be improved by using smart controls and by combining it with other renewable energy sources like solar panels. Smart controls can help to optimize the performance of the pump by adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the water, while solar panels can provide the electricity needed to power the pump.
Are Air Source Heat Pumps Classed As Renewable Energy?
Yes, air source heat pumps are classed as a renewable energy source. This is because they extract heat from the air outside, which is a renewable resource. They use electricity to power the compressor and circulate the heat, but the amount of heat generated is typically much greater than the amount of electricity used, making them highly energy-efficient.
Renewable energy sources are increasingly being used as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. They are a far more sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems that rely on fossil fuels like gas or oil, which are non-renewable and contribute to climate change.
In addition to being classified as a renewable energy source, grants for air source heat pumps are available across the country as part of the government ECO4 scheme and commitment to reducing carbon emissions and reducing fuel poverty.
How Much Does An Air Source Heat Pump Cost?
Are air source heat pumps expensive to run? No! Air source heat pumps cost absolutely nothing through the use of a grant. The UK government is currently covering the cost of more efficient ways of heating households, through grants such as boiler grants and electric storage heater grants.
These grants cover the cost of the appliance, surveying the household to make sure it’s suitable, the labour involved with installing the appliance as well as the clean up afterward!
You will have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for a free air source heat pump grant. To find out if you qualify for a free air source heat pump grant, fill out our form and we will do the rest of the work for you!
