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What is an air source heat pump?

You've likely heard of an air source heat pump but what is it, and how does it work?

Written by
Camilla George
on 05 Sep 2022
and updated on
02 Feb 2023
Categorised in
Sustainability

There are lots of options for those who are interested in switching to renewable energy, but the most popular option in the UK is the air source heat pump. 

We’re going to simplify what an air source heat pump is, how it works, the advantages and disadvantages of using this as a heating system.

What is an air source heat pump?

A heating system that creates provides heating and hot water by extracting cold air from outside and converts it into heating. It extracts air from the outside which is then converted into refrigerant and circulated around the heat pump to compress it. This compression phase causes the air to heat up which is then used to heat your radiators and hot water. 

Pros and cons of an air source heat pump

Advantages

What's great about air source heat pumps?

  • Classed as renewable energy – Air source heat pumps are a great way to reduce your carbon emissions. As this system does not burn fossil fuels, it’s an efficient way to keep your home warm without emitting large amounts of CO2 into the environment.
  • Reduced heating bills – Heat pumps are cheap to run, they’re three times more efficient than a standard boiler therefore, you can save plenty on your energy bills if switching over from heating oil or electric heating.
  • Financial support is available – The Renewable Heat Incentive is available to any air source heat pump installed by an MSC installer. With this scheme, you’ll get payments for seven years. You can find out more here.
  • Efficient –  Heat pumps are very efficient; in fact, they can be up to 400% efficient, as they only need electricity for the heat pump and compressor, so they generate more energy than they use to run!
  • Provides hot water and heating – Air source heat pumps can extract heat from the air as low as -15 degrees; therefore, they can provide heating and hot water all year round.
  • Long life span – An air source heat pump that has been looked after with regular maintenance can last up to 20 years
Disadvantages

What's not so great about air source heat pumps?

  • Heat Pumps can be noisy – the noise from a heat pump is the equivalent to the volume of light rain.
  • Heat pumps supply less heat than gas or oil boilers  – If you have small radiators, you may struggle to provide the appropriate heat needed to keep the radiators warm. You may need to consider buying larger radiators or invest in underfloor heating.
  • The efficiency of heat pumps can drop in low temperatures – Even though heat pumps are efficient, their efficiency decreases when temperatures are below -0 celsius.
  • Limits on savings – If your home has access to the gas mains, you won’t see a large saving in your energy bills.

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