When it is time to look for a new way to heat your home, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are a very good choice. There are many good things about switching to an air source heat pump, like feeling comfortable all year and paying less for energy bills.
Let’s briefly look at what an air source heat pump is, as well as its benefits and how to get started.
What Is An ASHP (Air Source Heat Pump)?
Air source heat pumps operate in a way similar to regular air conditioners, but rather than moving warm air outside, they bring it inside your home. By taking heat from the outdoor air (even when it’s cold), these devices do not need to produce new heat like boilers.
Here is a look at how an ASHP works:
- When the heat pump takes in the low-temperature air into its external unit, this air combines with a refrigerant liquid.
- This goes through a heat exchanger, which turns into gas as it warms up.
- The gas is then compressed, which increases the collision of the gas molecules and produces heat.
- The warmth goes around your home, either by a system of air ducts or through hot water pipes.
When a heat pump gives out the heat from refrigerant gas, it can go to your central heating system like radiators or underfloor heating to make the house warm. If it heats water, then that hot water can be kept in a cylinder and is ready for use in showers or taps.
Most ASHPs can work backwards in the warm season by taking heat from inside your house and pushing it outside, making your home cooler during summer.
How Can It Benefit Your Home?
Air source heat pumps have many good things to offer. They help save money because they use energy very well, need little upkeep, and are kinder to the environment. Let’s look at these benefits and understand them more carefully:
Energy efficient
Different from usual boilers which burn fuel to produce heat, air-source heat pumps take warmth from the outside air to make your house warm. This moving of heat has a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) ranging between 2 and 4. This means they make 2-4 kWh of heat energy for each 1 kWh of electricity they use.
A traditional boiler that has 90% energy efficiency loses about 10% of its heat. On the other hand, a heat pump system can provide 2 to 4 times more heat compared to the energy it uses.
Reduced costs
Because they are energy efficient, heat pumps use less energy to provide warmth. This means the operational costs of a heat pump can be cheaper than those of a boiler. So, you will need less energy which might lead to smaller energy bills.
It is also interesting to know that air-source heat pumps might last 20 years, which can be longer than gas boilers which usually have a lifespan of 15 years.
Environmentally friendly
Heat pumps do create carbon emissions, so it not increase your carbon footprint. Heat pumps don’t need to burn fossil fuels to make heat, which makes them friendly for environmental choice.
Minimal maintenance
Low maintenance is one of the major highlights of an air source heat pump:
- You must get your heat pumps checked by a professional at least one time every year.
- They should also be cleaned off a few times annually.
- Keep the external unit free from debris and foliage.
- Ensure it has adequate ventilation.
Save Money and The Planet!
Air source heat pumps are very good for making your home warm, and they also give a way to heat that is kind to the environment.
Not only do they save you money on your monthly energy bills, but also can be used with renewable energy. Plus, as a part of the renewable heat incentive scheme, the UK Government gives some financial help to homes and businesses that switch to renewable heating systems like heat pumps.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, in England and Wales provides grants to reduce the expense of installing a new heat pump system. By using renewable heating technologies, you contribute to protecting the Earth while also cutting costs.
Where To Start
If you want to move towards environment-friendly heating or learn more about how heat pumps work, reach out to skilled heat pump installers like Smartly Energy for help.
Final Thoughts
Installing an air source heat pump in your home is a really good idea. It keeps you comfortable, can work with your floor heating system, gives hot water, and lowers the impact on the environment. Now is the time to remove your old gas boiler and change it for a more eco-friendly option.
