Air source heat pump: for the environment conscious
Concern about the increase of carbon dioxide and green house gases in the atmosphere has resulted in the development of an air source heat pump that is a renewable energy technology, if we compare it to the non-efficient and costly heating systems that depend on oil, gas or electricity. It is ideal for domestic space and water heating and offers the advantage of air conditioning when it is hot.
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a special system that can heat your house or your apartment using the heat absorbed from the air outside. An air source heat pump system is made of excellent quality materials and gives more power for heating, at the same time consuming less energy. This system provides an overall temperature management, which means that it anticipates the heating needs and when the weather conditions change, it provides only as much heat as needed. All this has a great influence on one’s electricity bill, reducing it by far, and also on the emissions of CO2, reducing them as well.
How does an air source heat pump work?
A basic heat pump includes a compressor and two copper coils (one outside and one indoors). When a heating mode is turned on, a special liquid refrigerant in the coil outside starts extracting heat from the surrounding air and turns into gas. After that the refrigerant comes into the coil inside, where the heat is extracted from it, so that it returns into its liquid state. When a cooling mode is turned on, the coil inside evaporates the refrigerant and it extracts heat from the indoor air, then the refrigerant goes into the coil outside and condenses, therefore, giving off heat into the air outside.
Nowadays a standard air source heat pump system consists of a hydro module unit and an outdoor unit, which can be placed practically anywhere and are very easy to install. The system is then combined with other domestic heating devices like mid temperature radiators, fan coil units and floor heating units and starts distributing heat. There is a remote controller, which gives an opportunity to set the timer or certain functions and operating modes for water and space heating. The outdoor unit of the air source heat pump system relies on the DC twin rotary compressor, and the hydro unit of the air source heat pump system operates with a safe refrigerant. The system can work within the temperatures of -20C and +43C.
Different types of air source heat pump systems
The first type is an air-to-water heat pump system, which distributes heat through your domestic water supply system. As opposed to standard boilers, the air-to-water heat pumps operate more effectively at lower temperatures, which means that they are better suited for larger radiators or underfloor units.
The second type is an air-to-air heat pump system, which distributes warm air with the help of fans, and it usually doesn`t provide hot water.
The pros of an air source heat pump
- space heating and hot water
- reduced electricity bills
- lower carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere
- no more fuel deliveries
- special technology “fit and forget” that requires little maintenance of the system installed
- heat delivered at lower temperatures, but over longer time periods
How much will it cost?
The installation costs depending on the type of the system – an air-to-water heat pump or an air-to-air heat pump – vary from 6 to 10 thousand dollars. The running costs will also depend on the size of your house or apartment, on its insulation and on the required temperature.
How much will you save?
You actual savings after the installation of a new air source heat pump system will be influenced by various factors. The first factor is, of course, the heat distribution system that you use in your house. Remember that by using large radiators and underfloor units you will achieve more efficient heating and, as a result, save a pretty penny. You will still have to pay your electricity bills, of course, but you will save on other types of fuel.
Another important thing is to learn how to control your new system, so that you use it effectively and in line with the weather conditions outside. And don’t forget that if you want your heating to be effective, your home should be well-insulated and draught free.
