What are Air Source Heat Pumps?
Air Source Heat pumps are a form of renewable energy technology which take the warmth from the air outside (even when it’s quite cold) and use it to heat the home. There are two types of air source heat pump.
- Air-To-Water systems heat water which is then circulated around the home via radiators or an underfloor heating system. They can also be used to heat water in a storage tank for the bathroom or kitchen.
- Air-to-air systems typically use fans to circulate warm air around the home and cannot be used to heat water.
How do they work?
Using various pieces of technology – namely an evaporator coil full of refrigerant fluid, a type of pump called a compressor and a heat exchanger – heat pumps absorb the warmth in the air outside and release this heat into air or water, which is then distributed around the home. They can do this even when the temperature outside is very low. Fridges work in the same way, only in reverse. They use the same technology to draw heat out of the air in the fridge, which is why the space behind fridges feels warm.
Where do Air Source Heat Pumps work best?
A well insulated home with high standards of air-tightness is preferable to get the most of your air source heat pump. This is because heat pumps are most effective in homes which warm up quickly and are good at keeping heat in. Please be aware that air source heat pumps therefore aren’t for every home. A tech survey by a qualified assessor is essential before install as it could have a detrimental effect on your electric bills if your house isn’t correctly insulated.
Urban Energy Solutions has funding grants ready to share with eligible households to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Low-income households (under £31,000) or in receipt of benefits are eligible for funding grants under the scheme that aims to improve low energy performance certificate (EPC) E to G rated Electric heated homes through energy efficiency measures including Solar PV, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) , Home Insulation and First Time central heating.
