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Air Source Heat Pump Installer Guide
More Air Source Heat Pumps are being installed in new builds and retrofits than ever before.
Capture the demand and learn more about Air Source Heat Pump installation with our helpful installer guide.
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Air source heat pumps are a high-tech alternative to traditional heating systems. They enable users to generate renewable heat, which can lead to lower fuel bills and reduced carbon emissions.
Their growing popularity across all kinds of domestic and commercial projects means installers must gain the knowledge and certifications required to fit the most effective heat pump systems available.
How do Air Source Heat Pumps work?
Air source heat pumps work by transferring heat from the outside air to water. This heat can then be used to warm properties via underfloor heating systems or radiators. It can also heat water stored in a cylinder.
Heat from the air is absorbed into a fluid, which passes through a heat exchanger. This leads into the heat pump, which raises the temperature and transfers the heat to water.
Installing Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pump installation isn’t as complex and disruptive as many alternatives - such as ground source heat pumps - but installation still requires specialist knowhow to ensure the system works at its very best.
To install an air source heat pump, professionals must be fully accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), as this ensures installers are trained correctly and adhere to industry conduct compliance.
The heat pump and controls are not too dissimilar from conventional oil or gas boilers, which can make adapting to an air source heat pump much easier. They are widely considered to be one of the best renewable-compatible heating systems for new builds, renovations, and boiler replacements.
For more information regarding air source heat pump installation, take a look at the MCS-accredited courses available to installers
Find the right Air Source Heat Pump for any installation and get the right mounts and accessories included with our Air Source Heat Pump Kit Builder
How Long Does it Take to Install Air Source Heat Pumps?
Installation typically ranges between one day for smaller properties, and a week or longer for larger, older properties - depending on the other measures required around pipework, radiators, underfloor heating, etc.
Prior to installation, clients can save time by completing the adequate preparation work. This includes building a solid foundation next to the property for the outdoor unit to stand on.
Types of Air Source Heat Pump
- Monobloc - Monobloc air source heat pumps are the most common type of ASHP installed in the UK.
Unlike other air source heat pumps, a refrigeration (FGAS) engineer is not required to install a monobloc system. This is because the refrigerant components are sealed inside the unit, along with the heat exchanger.
Due to their relative simplicity, monobloc systems are ideal for heating engineers moving into the renewable space. If anti-freeze valves are not installed, the pipework must be fully insulated with glycol to prevent freezing in the event of a power failure.
- Split - Split air source heat pumps consist of an indoor and outdoor unit, connected via refrigeration pipework.
Split systems are relatively flexible, as the outdoor unit is quite small and can be situated up to 25m from the property.
The indoor unit (often referred to as a Hydrobox) contains the heat exchanger, pump, and other components, and typically resembles a standard gas boiler.
- To buy or install a split air source heat pump, FGAS certification is required.
- Hybrid - For those not quite ready to make the jump, or for when a standalone heat pump system is not viable, a hybrid air source heat pump could be the way forward.
Hybrid heat pumps work alongside a standard gas or oil boiler. They can be set up to work as true hybrids, working alongside each other to maximise efficiency and reduce running costs by utilising the cheapest resource at any given time.
Combi boilers can be used with this setup, meaning a heat pump cylinder is not a requirement to heat the water. This makes retrofitting and renovations much easier, and can be beneficial for smaller projects.
Designing the Perfect Heat Pump System
The design of any heat pump system can be the difference between an ultra-efficient renewable system, and one that struggles to keep up with demand.
MCS regulations state that any heat pump must be able to cover 100% of a property’s heat loss without requiring back-up heating for 99% of the year.
The Renewables team at City Plumbing have an unrivalled knowledge of heat pumps and other renewable technologies. Their years of experience in this relatively new sector can be a huge boon to installers looking to fit the most effective systems available.
We can identify the ideal renewable solution for any type of building, taking into account age, heat loss, emitters, and much more. Most importantly, we can recommend the right manufacturers, equipment, and accessories needed to enable a cost effective, fuss-free installation.
Get in touch with the team by emailing: energyefficiency@cityplumbing.co.uk
For a simple, all-in-one installer solution, take a look at our Air Source Heat Pump Kit Builder. It'll automatically suggest the best systems available based on your requirements, and bundle everything you need for installation into one simple cost.
Take a look at our ASHP Kit Builder here.
Our Air Source Heat Pump Suppliers
Renewables at City Plumbing leads the way when it comes to efficient, renewable heating systems. We stock a vast range of air source heat pumps from leading suppliers, to ensure you and your customers get the best solution for your needs.
The leading brands we stock include:
- Vaillant
- Bosch
- Baxi
- Ideal
- Riello
- Panasonic
- Grant
- Samsung
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Daikin
Learn More and Become MCS-accredited with City Plumbing and GTEC
We've partnered with GTEC to offer MCS-accredited training to take your renewable installations to the next level.
Learn how to install Solar, Air Source & Ground Source Heat Pumps, EV Chargers, and all other main types of renewable technology. Become certified to upskill your business and take advantage of increased demand ahead of net zero.
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