Air source heat pumps (ASHP) explained.
Welcome to the world of air source heat pumps! If you’re curious about how to keep your home cosy in winter and cool in summer while being kind to the planet, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to share everything you need to know about these remarkable devices in a friendly, no-nonsense way. So, let’s dive in!
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a nifty piece of technology that can heat your home and provide hot water by extracting heat from the outside air—even when it’s chilly outside.
Think of it as a reverse refrigerator: instead of taking heat out of your fridge to keep your food cold, an ASHP pulls heat from the air outside and transfers it inside to keep you warm. It's a simple idea with a big impact on comfort and your carbon footprint.
How do air source heat pumps work?
Wondering how these home heat pumps work? It’s simpler than you might think. An air source heat pump has two main parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Outdoor unit.
This unit contains a fan that draws in air from the outside. Even when it’s cold, the air contains some heat. The heat pump extracts this heat using a refrigerant, which evaporates at low temperatures.
Compressor.
The refrigerant gas is then compressed, which increases its temperature.
Indoor unit.
The hot refrigerant gas is passed through a heat exchanger, where it transfers its heat to your home’s heating system, providing warm air or hot water. Some of our heat pumps are 'monoblocs', which means all components are in one unit, and an indoor unit isn't even needed!
Imagine it like this: your refrigerator extracts heat from inside and pushes it out, making the inside cold. An ASHP does the opposite—pulls heat from the air outside and brings it inside to warm you up. Clever, right? Find out more about how heat pumps work.
Types of air source heat pumps.
Now, let’s talk about the different types of ASHPs and what makes them tick.
Air-to-air heat pumps.
Air-to-air heat pumps are great for providing heating and cooling. They work by taking heat from the outside air and transferring it directly into your home via a fan system. These systems are perfect if you want an efficient way to manage indoor temperatures year-round.
Air-to-water heat pumps.
Air-to-water heat pumps, on the other hand, transfer the extracted heat to a water-based heating system. This could be your radiators, underfloor heating, or even your hot water taps. They’re versatile and efficient, making them a fantastic choice for comprehensive home heating solutions.
Hybrid systems.
Some systems combine both air-to-air and air-to-water functionalities, giving you the best of both worlds. These hybrid systems can switch between modes to provide optimal efficiency based on your home’s needs.
What size air source heat pump do I need?
Finding the right fit is crucial. Too small, and your home might not get warm enough. Too big, and you'll waste energy. Think of it like choosing the right size of coat for the weather. The perfect size depends on the size of your home, how well it's insulated, and how much heat you need. It's a bit of a puzzle, but our experts are here to help you find the Goldilocks solution that's "just right" for your home. Here are a few things to consider.
Heat pump size.
The size of the heat pump you need depends on the size of your home and your heating requirements. We’lll conduct a heat loss calculation to determine the right size. For example, a 4-bed house might need a larger unit compared to a smaller home.
Tank size.
If you’re opting for an air-to-water heat pump, you’ll also need to consider the size of the hot water tank. The tank size should match your household’s hot water usage to ensure you have enough hot water when you need it.
Air source heat pumps: Pros and cons for your home.
ASHPs offer a ton of benefits, but like any tech, there are a few things to consider.
The upsides.
Lower bills.
ASHPs could significantly reduce your heating costs, especially if you're replacing an old, inefficient boiler. They use less energy to produce heat, so you should see the difference in your bills. Read more about heat pump heating costs.
Energy efficiency.
ASHPs are highly efficient, using renewable energy from the air to heat your home. Plus, they have a handy metric called the Coefficient of Performance (COP), which tells you how much heat you get for every unit of electricity used. A higher COP means more warmth for your buck! More on heat pump efficiency.
Cleaner heating.
ASHPs help you shrink your carbon footprint by reducing your reliance on fossil fuels. That means you're doing your part for the planet while staying cosy.
Things to consider.
Upfront costs.
ASHPs can be more expensive to install than traditional boilers. But with government grants and potential long-term savings, they're a smart investment. Read more about how much heat pumps cost.
Space.
You'll need some outdoor space for the unit, and we can help you find the right spot.
Your home.
ASHPs work best in well-insulated homes. If your home's insulation is a bit draughty, we can help you improve it before installation.
Is an air source heat pump right for you?
Before jumping into an ASHP installation, consider the following factors:
Property type.
ASHPs are suitable for a variety of properties, but the type of home you have can affect performance. Larger homes or older properties with poor insulation may need more powerful systems.
Climate.
ASHPs work best in moderate climates but can still be effective in colder regions. However, their efficiency decreases as the outdoor temperature drops.
Existing heating system.
If you have an existing heating system, it’s important to determine how an ASHP will integrate with it. We can help assess this and recommend the best solution, and if you want to replace your boiler with a heat pump.
Maintenance and running costs.
ASHPs are relatively low-maintenance but do require regular servicing to ensure optimal performance. We recommend annual servicing with a professional heat pump engineer.
Air source heat pump grants.
We know that making the switch to renewable energy can be a big investment. That's why we want to help you make it more affordable. The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme*(BUS) offers heat pump grants of up to £7,500 for installing an air source heat pump. We can help you check your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
Air source heat pump installation with E.ON Next.
We’re big believers in making things simple. From the moment you get your heat pump quote, we'll guide you through every step of the ASHP installation process. Our team of experienced engineers will take care of everything, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Here’s what you can expect from our process:
Quality and efficiency.
Our installation process is designed to be smooth and efficient, ensuring minimal disruption to your home. We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch service from start to finish.
Experienced engineers.
Our team of qualified engineers brings years of experience to every installation. They’ll ensure your ASHP is installed correctly and efficiently, giving you peace of mind.
After-sales support.
We don’t just install your ASHP and leave you to it. We offer comprehensive after-sales support to help you get the most out of your new system. From regular maintenance to troubleshooting, we’re here to help. Read more about air source heat pump installation.
Air source heat pump costs with E.ON Next.
We know that costs are a big factor in any decision. That's why we offer free, no-obligation quotes, so you can see the potential costs and savings for your specific home.
