Worried about energy bills and the environment? There’s a new heating option in town!

Air source heat pumps, called ASHPs for short, are like superheroes for heating. They use the air outside to warm your home, saving energy and being good for the Earth.

The UK government wants everyone to use ASHPs, so they’re giving out air source heat pumps to help pay for them. If you own a house, get a pension, or even rent, you can get some of this money.

What’s an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump is a heating system that extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it indoors through a refrigeration cycle. Imagine your refrigerator. It uses a special liquid called refrigerant to take heat away from the inside and release it outside (the back of the fridge). An air source heat pump works similarly, but instead of just cooling, it can also heat!

How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Work?

• The outdoor unit: It has a fan that pulls in air from outside, even when it’s cold.
• The evaporator: Inside the unit, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cold air. This turns the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas.
• The compressor: This pumps the refrigerant gas, which increases its pressure and temperature.
• The indoor unit: The hot refrigerant gas flows through coils in the indoor unit, transferring its heat to the air inside your home.
• The condenser: The refrigerant then cools down and condenses back into a liquid, releasing the heat it absorbed earlier.

In the summer, the process reverses for cooling:

• The indoor unit absorbs heat from the warm air in your home.
• The refrigerant absorbs this heat and evaporates.
• The compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant gas.
• The outdoor unit releases the heat from the refrigerant gas to the outside air.
• The refrigerant cools down and condenses back into a liquid, ready to start the cycle again.

Benefits of Air Source Heat Pump

• Energy-efficient: They can produce up to 4 times more heat than the electricity they consume.
• Eco-friendly: They use renewable energy from the air, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Cost-effective: They can save you money on your heating and cooling bills.
• Versatile: They can provide both heating and cooling year-round.

Overall, air source heat pumps are a great option for homeowners who are looking for an energy-efficient and eco-friendly way to heat and cool their homes.

Types of Heat Pumps

Think of heat pumps like magic machines that transfer heat from the outside air to your home. They come in two main flavors:

1. Air-to-Air: These work like air conditioners in reverse, using fans to blow warm or cool air. They’re budget-friendly and perfect for existing homes with ductwork, but they might not be the best for super cold winters and can’t directly heat water.

2. Air-to-Water: These are the ultimate all-in-one solution, heating both air and water. They ditch the separate water heater, recycle heat for extra efficiency, and save you money in the long run. But be prepared for a higher upfront investment and some extra space for the indoor and outdoor units.

Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps

Save Money on Heating: These heat pumps use much less energy than regular gas boilers or electric heaters. That means lower utility bills every month!

Help the Planet: Unlike gas boilers, these pumps are eco-friendly and don’t release harmful greenhouse gasses. This helps fight climate change and keep the air cleaner.

Get it for Free: The government offers free installation of these pumps to help people save money and be more energy efficient. We can even handle the whole process for you!

Bonus Savings: Some programs even cover extra things like insulating your walls to make your home even more efficient and save even more money.

Air Source Heat Pumps in Older Homes

Determining Heating Load: Firstly, figure out how much heating your home needs. You can calculate it manually or by tracking your existing system’s runtime. Then, seek advice from an HVAC expert to select the right size and type of heat pump.

Critical Installation Steps: Before installing the heat pump, it’s crucial to enhance your home’s thermal envelope. Seal air leaks and add insulation to walls, ceilings, and attics for improved energy efficiency. This prepares your home for the heat pump installation. Choose a qualified HVAC contractor for a correct and efficient installation.

Efficiency and Savings for Older Homes: For homeowners seeking energy and cost efficiency, air-source heat pumps emerge as a superior option. They efficiently transfer heat into homes, significantly reducing energy consumption and bringing substantial savings on energy bills. Moreover, these pumps are eco-friendly, emitting fewer greenhouse gases than traditional systems. This choice is sustainable, allowing homeowners to minimize their carbon footprint. Lastly, heat pumps also offer cooling in the summer, ensuring year-round comfort.

Air Source Heat Pumps in New Builds: Embracing green technology in new build projects reduces heating costs and CO2 emissions by an average of 30%. Air source heat pumps are particularly popular in new constructions, aligning seamlessly with stringent regulations. They integrate flawlessly with underfloor heating, providing a comfortable and efficient heating system.

What’s the Best Air Source Heat Pump?

 Check out this brief comparison to assist you in making a choice:

Table

Air-to-Water Heat Pumps: Best for Mild Weather

Certainly, among air source heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps stand out as the top choice, especially in mild climates. They work well in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 20°C, reaching peak efficiency at around 7°C. However, in extremely cold winters, ground source heat pumps become a better option.

Gaining popularity in the UK due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective heating solutions, air-to-water heat pumps harness the power of ambient air. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who prioritize environmental consciousness. Moreover, with the ambitious UK government goal of installing 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028, the future of air-to-water heating is undeniably bright.

Air Source Heat Pump Grants

Worried about skyrocketing energy bills? Gas got you feeling blue? Overburdened by the cost of staying warm? Is winter turning your budget into a snowman?

The UK government just doubled down on eco-friendly heating, pumping up the grant from £5,000 to a whopping £7,500. This game-changer makes it easier than ever to slash your energy bills and green up your home, especially if you don’t have access to gas.

Think cozy winters and lower bills: that’s what these grants bring to the table. They’re your ticket to a more comfortable and sustainable future, especially in the face of rising energy costs and environmental concerns. So, if you’ve been on the fence about an air-to-water heat pump, now’s the time to jump in! So, if you’re interested in these grants, click here to proceed with.

Conclusion

To sum up, air source heat pumps are a great choice for cost-effective and eco-friendly heating. Moreover, government grants, now at £7,500, make them even more appealing. With options like air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps, the choice is yours based on your home size and energy needs. Take the leap now for lower bills, a cozy home, and a greener future. Interested in these grants? Click here to proceed and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.