They absorb heat from the outside air and transfer into your home. Air source heat pumps are still able to extract heat from air temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius (more information here). This cost-effective and eco-friendly heating solution could make a big change to your home and we've gathered everything you need to know.
How do they work?
Heat from the outside air is absorbed into a fluid, which passes through a compressor increasing the temperature. The heat is then transferred from this liquid into the heating and hot water circuits of your household.
An air source heating pump does not require any fuel to run, which means if you are looking to replace a traditional heating system, you'll likely be cutting down on your greenhouse gases. You won't have to pay for gas to heat your home but you will still need to pay your electricity bill, because air source heat pumps run on electricity alone.
What will it cost?
Installing a typical system can cost anywhere from £9,000 to £11,000. How much a system costs to run will depend on a number of factors including how well insulated your home is, what size it is and what temperature you are aiming to achieve.
Can I get a grant for an air source heat pump?
Air source heat pumps are included in the government's Renewable Heat Incentive. The grant means home owners in the UK can be paid for the renewable heat they generate. Renewable Heat Incentive payments last for seven years and for the biggest systems, you could get up to £1,300 per. You can find out more about the scheme here.
What types of air source heat pumps are there?
There are two main types of air source heat pumps which are air to water and air to air. Which system you choose will depend on your heating needs.
Air to water
Air to water pumps are the most common model of air source heat pumps in the UK. Heat from the outside air and transfer it into water. An air to water system will distribute your heat via a wet central heating system. This type of pump will work much more efficiently at low temperatures than a standard boiler system. This makes them a much more sustainable option for underfloor heating systems and large radiators which operate at low temperatures over a long period of time.
Air-to-air
Air-to-air pumps will require a warm air circulation system to move warm air around your house. Air-to-air pumps will not provide hot water for your household. This type of pump is also not eligible for the UK government's renewable heat incentive.
What are the benefits of an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump could have a wide range of benefits for you and your household:
- It could lower your fuel bills, especially if you're replacing a conventional electric heating system
- It could provide you with an income if you choose to use the government's renewable heat initiative, although this only applies to certain kinds of pumps
- It could lower your household carbon emissions, making your home an eco-friendlier place
- It can help you sell your house fast, with air source heat pumps becoming increasingly desirable in the UK
- It can hear both your water and your home
- There is minimal maintenance required on an air source heat pump
Are there any disadvantages to an air source heat pump?
- Lower output temperature than conventional boilers – you may need to update your insulation and invest in bigger radiators too
- Need outdoor space, and can be noisy
- May work best in older homes as part of a hybrid system with a conventional boiler
- Expensive to install and works best with a water tank
- Don’t work as efficiently in extremely cold weather
