How do air source heat pumps work?
In its simple sense, an air source heat pump is a heat pump that creates energy from the air around it. Similar to an air conditioner in reverse, rather than an output of colder air it produces hotter air. In fact, an air source heat pump system works exactly like an air conditioner but with a few extra steps. The renewable experts at Pure Renewables are here to provide a little more of a detailed explanation in this article ‘How do air source heat pumps work?’
Firstly... What is a Heat Pump?
Simply put, a heat pump is a heating system that collects heat from either air, water, or the ground, and converts it into heating for your property. Heat pumps work in a similar way to an air conditioner, transferring thermal energy using a refrigeration cycle. Even in cold weather, heat pumps can draw heat from the cool outdoors into your house by using a high pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant is compressed so its pressure and temperature rise, at which point it flows into your house transferring it’s heat via a heat exchanger. During this process the gas refrigerant condenses into a liquid state after which it then flows into a the outdoor space where the pressure falls, the liquid evaporates, and the temperature of the gas falls. Because the temperature of the gas is lower than its surrounding environment it absorbs heat at which point it is then compressed back to release the heat back into your home. As so the cycle is repeated.
We asked our air source heat pump experts to give us all the details and hopefully you’ll find the answers to your questions below. If you still have questions please get in touch and speak to one of our heat pump professionals.
SO HOW DO AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS WORK?
There are two types of air source heat pump: air-to-water, and air-to-air.
- Air-to-water heat pumps are used to heat your property through a central heating system such as radiators or underfloor heating. Similar to a gas boiler, the water in the system is heated by the heat pump, travels through the pipes and back again to be reheated. They can be used for heating and hot water.
- Air-to-air heat pumps use fans and vents to pump the hot air they produce throughout the property. There is no central heating pipe system and so this type can only be used for heating, it can not produce hot water.
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) work great as part of an eco-friendly heating system and you may be able to receive a grant of up to £7,500 through the Governments Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
HOW DO AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS PRODUCE HEAT?
The pump pulls in the air around it, which is used to heat up a refrigerant liquid inside. As the liquid is so cold, even what we think of as cold air (up to -20c) will heat it up, and as it heats, it turns into a gas.
The gas created is moved along inside the air source heat pump and compressed. As the gas compresses, its heat increases as the molecules are forced into a smaller space and begin to move more rapidly, bouncing together. As they move more, and the extra energy has nowhere to go, heat is produced. The more compression, the more heat. This process is called ‘heat of compression’.
HOW DO AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS HEAT YOUR HOME?
This heat is transferred and heats up a secondary system of water, such as a central heating system. The now warm water inside the system is pushed through your pipes and radiators or underfloor heating to heat your home and hot water tank.
After the transfer of heat, the gas cools down and turns back into a liquid ready to start the process again.
Due to the slightly lower temperature (around 50 – 60c) of the water heated by an air source heat pump, it is often better to pair them with larger radiators or underfloor heating ideally. They are designed to run for longer periods of time than a gas boiler, producing a steady flow of heating and a stable, ambient temperature in your property.
Still looking for for more information on Heat Pumps?
Nesta and The MCS Foundation have teamed up to create a website that provides information, resources and guidance on heat pumps that can help you make well-informed choices about the future of your home heating. The website is supported by Which? and the Energy Saving Trust. It’s a great source of impartial information and you can check it out at getaheatpump.org.uk
If you would like to find out more about air source heat pumps, you can contact us. We’re alway happy to answer any questions or book you in for a quote to see how renewable energy could save you money. Please get in touch and speak to one of our heat pump experts.
Considering Heat Pumps?
If you think air source heat pumps are the right option for you, or your just not sure whether they would work in your home, get in touch with our heat pump experts and have a chat.
Heat pumps reduce carbon emissions whilst providing permanent heat that can be used for radiators, underfloor heating or warm air heating systems and hot water. They are ideal for well insulated properties, regardless of the age of your home and our engineers will design a solution specifically to maximise the efficiencies for your particular property. Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you could also be entitled to a grant to cover part of the costs of replacing your existing fossil fuel heating system with a heat pump.
Our team are dedicated to adding value to every project and our expert team take care of every aspect of the installation to give you peace of mind. We are passionate about combining our knowledge and experience with high quality products and excellent customer service to deliver specialist solutions.
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Heat Pumps Key Information
- Investment returned in around 12 years
- Permanent heat and hot water
- Bespoke solution designed for your home
- Heat pumps available with thermal outputs from 4kw – 87kw
- Air source, water source and ground source options
- Lifespan of 25 – 30 years
- We only use natural refrigerants which are non-toxic with zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and very low GWP (Global Warming Potential).
- Typical commercial boilers operate at 80-85% efficiencies compared to 320% for air source, 400% for ground source and 450% for water source heat pumps
- Can be integrated with residential solar panels to provide maximum efficiency
Questions? Get in touch today and talk to one of our heat pump experts!
We Are Here for You
At Pure Renewables, our dedication revolves around delivering state-of-the-art renewable energy systems to our customers. We harness the most recent innovations in heat pump technology to help empower you in producing hot water without a gas burning boiler, paving the way for numerous benefits and saving you money on your energy bills!
Be assured that our methodology revolves around a no-obligation quote policy, granting you the freedom from any undue pressure. Furthermore, our friendly team of experts based at our office in Hull are readily available to provide you with invaluable advice and answer any questions you may have.
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