Air Source Heat Pumps

How it works?

Air source heat pumps operate on the principles of thermodynamics. This is the science behind how heat, temperature and energy transfer from one place to another.

They consist of an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve that work in a continuous loop.

  1. Air is drawn in by the fan from outside, passing over the refrigerant fluid.
  2. The refrigerant captures heat from the air and becomes warm vapour.
  3. The vapour then passes through a compressor, producing hot refrigerant and usable heat.
  4. Heat in the hot refrigerant is then transferred to the heating and hot water cylinder through a heat exchanger.
  5. Once the heat has been transferred to the house, the refrigerant passes through an expansion valve which reduces its temperature, making it cold again and enabling it to capture heat from the air, continuing the cycle.

Advantages

Some key advantages of Air Source Heat Pumps are as follows:

Energy Efficiency

ASHPs are highly efficient and provide significantly more heat output than the electricity they consume. Some models offer up to 3-4 units of heat for every unit of electricity (300-400% efficiency). This is much higher than fossil fuel heating systems like conventional boilers, which can offer anything from 0.7-0.9 units of heat per unit of fuel (70-90% efficiency).

Sustainable Heating

They harness heat from the air, a renewable resource, and can be powered by electricity generated from renewable sources.

Lower Carbon Emissions

ASHPs contribute to reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional, fossil-fuel-powered heating systems.

Space Requirements

Compared to ground-source heat pumps and water-source heat pumps, ASHPs require much less space.

SCOP for air source heat pumps?

Air source heat pumps are generally 300 – 400% efficient. The efficiency of a heat pump is commonly termed as Coefficient of Performance (COP). This means that for every 1kW of electrical energy input, they provide between 3kW and 4kW of heat energy output. SCOP is the Seasonal Co-efficiency of Performance. This is an annual efficiency value that takes into consideration all year-round ambient conditions and load on the heat pump. These statistics are taken from a correctly sized heating system and heat pump.

Quotes from our customers