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Air Source Heat Pumps Homeowner Guide
Air Source Heat Pump Guide for Homeowners
Air source heat pumps are a high-tech alternative to traditional heating systems. They are powered by electricity and use a refrigeration process to absorb heat from the air, which can ultimately lead to much lower fuel bills and reduced household emissions.
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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 pumps utilise the same refrigeration process that happens in your kitchen fridge. They absorb heat from the air, even at freezing temperatures, and then transfer the heat to water through a heat exchanger. This can then be sent to the home in order to heat it effectively.
Do Heat Pumps Save Money?
The amount of money an air source heat pump will save you depends on the system you have installed. Most heat pump systems are between 2-4 times more efficient than traditional boilers and furnaces and can be 300% to 450% efficient - providing the home is well insulated and has relatively low heat loss.
In order to enjoy energy savings over traditional heating systems, homes with heat pump systems require loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.
The Department of Energy states that households can save around £100 every year when switching to a heat pump*. The main factors that affect potential savings include house size, the heating system they are replacing, local climate, house heat loss, and the efficiency of existing radiators and underfloor heating systems. As energy prices and tariff rates change, so will estimated costs and savings, and as renewables generation and access to heat pump-friendly tariffs increase, savings could improve. Switching from more expensive heating systems such as oil, LPG (liquid petroleum gas), or direct electric heating systems to a heat pump is likely to have a bigger impact on your energy usage and heating bills.
*Source (January 2025): Energy Saving Trust
Can I Install an Air Source Heat Pump?
Air source heat pumps can be retrofitted into most properties although changes to the existing pipework and radiators may be required depending on the project.
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 older properties and renovation projects.
Before jumping right in, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. How much space is required for an air source heat pump
Air Source Heat Pumps require a unit to be fitted to the wall, or placed on the ground, outside your home. There must be enough space around the unit to allow good, unobstructed air flow.
Two types of air source heat pumps are available - split systems and monobloc systems.
- Monobloc systems are compact and contain all the refrigeration components within a single unit that sits outside your home. From it, pipes carry water to the central heating system or a hot water cylinder inside your property.
They are the most commonly installed type of air source heat pump system, thanks to their cost effectiveness and compact design.
- Split systems consist of two smaller units - one for indoors, and one for outdoors. The indoor unit typically resembles a standard gas boiler. The heat transfer takes place inside the building, where it is warmer - meaning slightly less heat loss.
Split units can be a good option where the outdoor unit is situated further from the property, however a qualified FGAS installer will be required to install this.
Our experienced team can identify the most effective heating solution for your household. Click here to get in touch.
2. How do you heat your home?
Radiators and underfloor heating solutions are commonly used to warm homes during the colder months. If you don’t have them installed already, it’s worth taking the time to decide which option will work best alongside your heat pump.
For most properties, underfloor heating provides an excellent opportunity to maximise heating effectiveness. By designing a start-to-finish renewable heating system from the ground up, you’re able to maximise efficiency and enjoy the benefits of lower running costs.
3. How do you heat your water?
Unlike a standard combi boiler, heat pumps don’t provide hot water on demand. This means you’ll need a way of storing your hot water for showers, baths, etc.
If you live in a small household, a small, space-saving water cylinder (around 80 x 80cm) will be required. Larger households will require enough space for a large cylinder to be fitted.
Don’t have room for a water cylinder? Don’t worry - you still have some options available. Talk to our team to discuss suitable options for your home.
Designing the Perfect Heat Pump System
The design and implementation of any heat pump system can make all the difference.
The Energy Efficiency team at City Plumbing have an unrivaled knowledge of heat pumps and other renewable technologies. Their combined years of experience in this relatively new sector can help homeowners make the most of their household’s potential, whilst substantially reducing monthly running costs and cutting carbon emissions.
Get in touch with the team by emailing: eeinfo@cityplumbing.co.uk
The Energy Efficiency team can identify the ideal renewable solution for any type of property, taking into account age, heat loss, emitters, and much more.
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
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