Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air temperature using an air handling system.

Heat is absorbed at low temperature into a fluid which is passed through a compressor that increases in temperature. This heat can then be used to warm water for underfloor heating or radiators, or the air in your home.

There are a number of air source heat pumps available:

Air-to-Water Heat Pumps

Air-to-water heat pumps use the air to heat to a wet central heating system.

An air-to-water heat pump usually includes an external unit collecting heat from the outside air temperature. This heat is then transferred to the internal unit which uses the refrigerant cycle to transfer the heat into a wet central heating and hot water system.

Air-to-water heat pumps are an excellent application for new builds with good insulation and because of their potential for achieving higher output temperatures they can also be considered for houses with normal radiators.

Air-to-Air Heat Pumps

Air-to-air heat pumps produce warm air which is circulated by fans to heat your home. They are unlikely to provide you with hot water as well.

An air-to-air heat pump collects heat from the air temperature using internal or external units and transfers the heat via an air distribution system. External units can be used to heat apartments or open plan rooms such as church halls, offices etc. and also work alongside or integrated with air conditioning systems.

Heat Recovery

This does either of the above functions but does so by collecting warm air from an indoor space with too much heat (loft, kitchen) instead of outside. Heat recovery can be used in kitchens, lofts, conservatories or areas with large solar gain that can be used for heating hot water or heating systems.

The Cost of Air Source Heat Pump

Air to water heat pumps can costs between £6,000 and £8,000 and includes the internal and external units. Sizes range from 4.5-14kW on single phase electrical supply for domestic use.

Air to air heat pumps (not heat recovery systems) can cost from £2,000 - £5,000 installed for a 6kw unit.

More complex air to air systems which can heat and cool are sized and priced on a case by case basis.