Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps

Air source heat pumps (ASHP) absorb heat from the outside air to heat buildings and provide domestic hot water. ASHP's economically provide heating through radiators or an underfloor system. These systems are suited to existing buildings as well as new build construction. The benefits of air source heat pumps are similar to ground-source heat systems. Firstly, neither type of system requires the use or storage of external fuel. The systems instead run on electricity, which eliminates the need for a gas connection or storage of oil/solid fuel. This technology is generally 3-4 times more efficient than oil or gas.

Air source heat pumps present an advantage over ground source heat pumps because they require less space to install. Instead of requiring the installation of buried underground piping, air source systems can be fitted using much less space and are therefore, more suited for an urban home.

How does an air source heat pump work?

An air source heat pump has three main parts:

1.The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the outside air.

2.The compressor pumps the refrigerant (a fluid that absorbs heat from its surroundings) through the heat pump and brings it to the temperature needed for the heat system.

3.The heat exchanger transfers the heat from the refrigerant to air or water.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

In March 2011, the UK Government announced the details of their Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). 

The Renewable Heat Incentive is designed to provide financial support that encourages individuals, communities and businesses to switch from using fossil fuel for heating, to renewables such as solar thermal, ground Source, air Source and wood fuel.

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme has now been announced and you can now make an application. There is around £12m available to householders in Scotland, England and Wales who install from 1 August 2011.

Once customers have had an MCS accredited installation they can receive an initial payment of £850 from the government. Thereafter on going payments are expected to start in autumn 2012 and continue for 20 years.

Permission

Most Air Source Heat Pump systems installations do not require planning permission, but we would advise that you check this with your local planner. Exceptions apply for listed buildings, flats, buildings in conservation areas and world heritage sites - if in doubt you should check this out in advance with your local planning department (as getting planning permission after the event can be difficult and expensive).

Choosing your air source heat pump

When buying an air source heat pump system for your home, you need to consider both the size of the system and the best way to distribute the heat. The size of the system will depend on your heating requirements. It is always advisable to find ways to reduce your heating needs as much as possible before you install the heat pump - for example by insulating your loft, cavity walls, floors and installing double glazing. Reducing your heating needs will enable you to install a smaller system and reduce both system costs and running costs.

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