Air Source Heat Pumps

An Air Source Heat Pump derives its heat energy from the air which is fan assisted to enable it to circulate rapidly through an external unit.
Once the heat is transferred to the heat pump via a heat exchanger, it is subsequently upgraded to a higher temperature (typically 35-50° C, or higher) and used to heat water and to provide central heating.

Air Source Heat Pump systems are designed to meet the requirements of your property and provide space heating via radiators or underfloor heating, as well as catering for your hot water needs. New high temperature Air Source Heat Pump systems are now arriving on the market, which are capable of heating traditional steel radiators up to 80°C.

Compared with traditional fossil fuels, Air Source Heat Pumps can lead to a significant reduction in utility bills, and are an ideal solution for an Urban or Suburban setting, where space constraints may rule out the installation of other renewable energy systems such as Ground Source Heat Pumps or Wood Pellet Boilers.

Mitsubishi Ecodan Air Source Heat Pump

Air Source Heat Pumps benefit from a relatively straightforward installation (no excavation is required), and can be integrated easily into existing properties (Retrofit / Renovation Projects).

This type of Heat Pump can come as one large external unit (“Mono-block” type system) or as two separate units, one external and the other internal. The External Unit (Fan) is situated in a suitable outdoor location, perhaps fitted to an external wall of the house, situated in the garden or on a terrace or balcony. The Internal Unit is connected to the external unit and the heat pump is controlled via the internal unit, which is turn is connected to the Hot Water Cylinder and Heating System (radiators or underfloor heating).

The performance of Air Source Heat Pumps has been improving significantly in recent years. Some of models available through Enerfina have a COP (Co-efficient of Performance) of greater than 4, which compares favourably with many Ground Source Heat Pumps and is one of the highest available in the market.

Air Source Heat Pumps - Benefits

(i) Easy and straightforward installation (“Plug & Play”).

(ii) Suitable for a New Build scenario. Also, very convenient to install in a Renovation or Retrofit situation. The higher temperature systems can integrate easily with existing steel radiators.

(iii) Less costly to install than Ground or Water Source Heat Pumps (typically), so payback can be achieved in a shorter timeframe.

(iv) Ideal for Urban or Suburban areas where space is limited and access to the site is restricted.

(v) Sustainable means of providing heat and hot water for your property. No fossil fuels are used as the system runs on electricity, which can be supplied (at least in part) by renewable sources such as Wind or Solar PV panels.

(vi) Very efficient means to heat your property, both from an energy and cost perspective. One kW of electricity consumed by your Air Source Heat Pump, will typically generate up to 4 kWs of heat energy.

Air Source Heat Pumps - Considerations

(i) Are you interested in installing a system with an External and Internal Units, or a “Mono-block” type system where the complete system is located outdoors?

(ii) Is there a suitable location available outdoors to install the External Unit? (fitted to an external Wall, located in the Garden or placed on a Terrace / Balcony / Roof)

(iii) Are you considering installing a sustainable source of electricity (such as a small Wind Turbine or Solar Photo Voltaic system) to help provide power for your Heat Pump?

Air Source Heat Pumps - Grants

The Renewable Heat Incentive offers an excellent financial incentive to install an Air Source Heat Pump in your home or property. Click on the link to find out more!