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Air Source Heat Pumps – How do they work and what are the benefits
By Eveco Solutions
Air source heat pumps. You’ve probably been hearing a lot more about them lately so we help take a look at just how they work, what they are and what the benefits could be to you. Air source heat pumps are designed to be a low-cost heating source for homes with proper insulation and well-maintained ventilation. These pumps serve as a renewable source of energy technology that absorb the heat from the outside air and increase its temperature to heat your home. Other alternatives to air source heat pumps use underground heat (known as ground source heat pumps) or heat from water such as a river or stream (water source heat pumps). However, these pumps do not serve a wider area of applications compared to air source heat pumps.
Despite heat pumps being fueled by electricity that may or may not come from a renewable source, the energy they create is still regarded as ‘renewable’ as the primary input to create the heat comes from using existing heat within the air, water, or ground.
An air-source heat pump can be of two types. The most common are air-to-water systems, which heat water and circulate it around the house via radiators or an underfloor heating system. They can also provide heat to a water cylinder or tank. This is similar to how existing wet heating systems work that are supplied by boilers. The main difference here is that a heat pump will operate at lower temperatures.
Air-to-air systems work differently and employ fans to move heated air around the house. This is less common within UK homes as they are not usually equipped with the fans, ducting and vents required to operate this system.
How do air source heat pumps operate?
Air source heat pumps function in a similar way to your refrigerator, but in reverse. A low-boiling-point liquid refrigerant is pumped in a loop between two heat exchangers. As the coolant warms up, it absorbs heat from the ambient temperature and converts it to a gas. This gas is then squeezed into a liquid, raising the temperature even higher. The warm refrigerant is then transferred to a different body of water and circulated throughout the central heating system via a heat exchanger. The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve in the last stage, lowering the pressure and temperature and repeating the cycle.
Heat pumps are helpful because of their Coefficient of Performance, or COP: if you put 1kWh of energy into a system, you will get even more than 1kWh of heat energy output. A heat pump’s highest CoP is 3 to 4, which means that for every 1 kWh of electricity used, 3 to 4 kWh of heat energy is produced. Over the year, the actual ratio of “electricity in” to “heat out” will alter. This is because the performance changes based on the outside air temperature.
- The air source heat pump collects heat from the outside air and transfers it to a low-temperature liquid refrigerant.
- The pump compresses the liquid and raises its temperature by using electricity. The heat is subsequently released as it condenses back into a liquid.
- Your radiators or underfloor heaters will receive the heat. The rest can be put in your hot water cylinder for later use.
- Showers, baths, and taps can benefit your stored hot water.
- The pump is powered by electricity, but it should consume less than the heat it generates. As a result, they are a cost-effective method of heating your home.
- Even when the temperature is below zero, air source heat pumps function.
- Natural heat is also harnessed via ground source heat pumps, which raise the temperature in your home. Click here to learn about the operation of ground-source heat pumps.
Can I install one in my home?
Because heat pumps work best in homes that warm up quickly, keep the heat in, and take little energy to maintain a temperature after it’s been attained, a well-insulated house with reasonable air-tightness regulations is essential. So, if your home isn’t already energy-efficient, make sure it is before you add a heat pump.
When the temperature differential between the pump and the heat distribution network is small, heat pumps perform most efficiently. As a result, they generate heat at a lower temperature than a traditional central heating system, necessitating a larger heat distribution area – in other words, larger radiators – thus, some of your present radiators may need to be replaced or upgraded. The large, heat-pump-specific radiator can also be utilized instead of underfloor heating. Heat pumps are also more efficient when temperature demands are gradual rather than abrupt, requiring effective use of heating controls to get the most out of it.
Heat pumps are most cost-effective in houses not connected to the gas grid and rely on expensive fuels such as electricity, oil, LPG, or coal for home heating. However with rising prices of gas and electricity, as long as homes are suitably insulted then an ASHP can offer excellent performance and good value. With further price rises on the horizon when Ofgem increase the energy price caps, it is expected to further improve the value an Air Source Heat Pump can provide from its efficiency.
Also, remember that while the heat pump doesn’t take up much room, it requires a location outside with appropriate air movement. It is also worth understanding that because an air source heat pump has a fan, it produces low background noise, so keep this in mind when determining where to put it. All MCS qualified installers will be able to help you understand this and the best location for the pump at your property.
What are the main advantages?
Air source heat pumps are measured by their coefficient of performance (COP). The COP can vary depending on the outside temperature and on a mild day can be as high as 3.8-4 for an efficient pump. This means that for every 1kw of electricity used to run the pump, 3.8-4kw of heat energy will be generated. During cold winter months the COP will be lower and is usually between 1.8-2.5 depending on the temperature and model of pump.
A gas boiler generally has a COP of between 0.8 and 0.94 so is considerably less efficient to run!
As heat pumps make efficient use of the fuel used to run them, the amount of carbon released is significantly less, especially compared to conventional heating. This impact can be further reduced by installing renewable energy sources at your property such as solar panels to power your heat pump.
There are now many high quality brands and manufacturers creating long lasting products. If installed correctly by a reputable installer, as well as being kept properly maintained and serviced you can expect your heat pump to last 15 or more years.
Air source heat pumps need to be serviced once a year by professionals to ensure they are running properly and there are no faults. This is very similar to boilers needing to be serviced annually for best performance. This means you shouldn’t have to worry about your heat pump as long as you get it serviced annually!
Summary
Heat pumps have a lot of advantages to offer but you’ll need to understand how to use your heat pump to get the most out of it. Compared to a typical system, you may need to alter your current heating habits and routines, for example changing your thermostat to allow for your heater to turn on for longer. Your heat pump installer should demonstrate how to use it and be able to answer any questions about the changes you might need to make to your heating patterns. They will also explain to you how to look after your heat pump for best performance.
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