A quick guide to Air Source Heat Pumps
It’s a burning issue - homeowners are seeking alternative ways to heat their homes in a bid to save cash and reduce carbon emissions.
If you’re looking for a renewable substitute to oil when it comes to heating your home, an air source heat pump (ASHP) could be the solution.
An air source heat pump system can help to lower your carbon footprint and plays its part in creating a sustainable self-build by using a renewable, natural source of heat – air.
eHome2, Saint-Gobain’s experimental eco home, features an air source heat pump and a host of innovative solutions. It’s part of Saint-Gobain’s quest to create homes that meet and exceed the Future Homes Standard while addressing critical climate challenges.
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump uses heat energy from the air and converts it into energy to heat homes. ASHPs resemble air conditioning units, and their size depends on how much heat is required for your home. In short, the more heat, the bigger the heat pump.
There are two types of air-source heat pumps, air-to-water systems, and air-to-air systems.
Air-to-water pumps
Air-to-water heat pumps take heat from the outside air and feed it into your wet central heating system. They're suitable for larger radiators or water underfloor heating because the heat they produce is cooler than that from a conventional gas or oil boiler.
Air-to-air pumps
Air-to-air heat pumps take heat from the outside air and feed it into your home through fans. You need a warm air circulation system to move the heat around your home.
These systems can’t produce hot water, so you'll need a separate immersion heater or other water heating system.
In the summer, the beauty of an air-to-air heat pump is that it can operate in reverse - you can use it like an air-conditioning unit to provide cool air for your home.
You’ll also find ground source heat pumps that take heat from underground by pumping water through it in pipes.
The efficiency of an ASHP is increased by building your home with a fabric first approach – using high performing materials and adapting air tightness and ventilation.
How much does it cost?
The cost of an air source heat pump depends on the size of heat pump, the size of the property, and whether it’s a new build or an existing property. According to the Energy Saving Trust, an ASHP can cost between £7,000 to £13,000. As always, it’s good practice to speak to at least three installers to provide a quote for your heat pump system to gather a better idea of the cost involved in your self-build. The UK Government offers grants of £5,000 to install air source heat pumps in England and Wales as part of their Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Is your house suitable for an ASHP?
Air source heat pumps are suitable for many types of homes but it’s worth considering a few things before deciding whether a heat pump is right for you.
A well-insulated home is a must otherwise you’ll find that the heat that the pump generates can escape easily. It is more straightforward to incorporate larger radiators or underfloor heating for a heat pump in a self-build property. It costs less than retrofitting underfloor heating further down the line.
To get the best from your heat pump, you'll need to know how to use it most effectively as well as ensuring it is serviced every two to three years. Your installer can show you how to control your heat pump system.