Air Source Heat Pumps – All You Need to Know

As we race towards net zero and look to ways we can improve our own carbon footprint at home, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are just one of the ways UK households can optimise their energy usage. 

Moving heat between outdoors and indoors, an ASHP system is capable of heating and cooling, turning a breath of fresh air into free energy; reducing your bills and your carbon footprint. 

And, with the new Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants available now, the installation of an ASHP has never been more affordable, the time is now to lower your energy bills and save significant costs over time.

 

So, how does an air source heat pump work? 

A free-standing unit that sits outside your home or building (paired with an indoor unit that looks a lot like a traditional boiler), an ASHP unit can easily be screened off or camouflaged. Different models are available depending on your surroundings, and in different sizes too, to suit a range of budgets and ensure maximum efficiency. 

 

Breaking down quite a complex bit of technology, in its simplicity, an ASHP works like this: 

Heat is absorbed from the air: When in its heating mode, the ASHP extracts heat from the air outside, using a refrigerant fluid that circulates through the outdoor unit, called an evaporator.

The refrigeration cycle: The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air, converting a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid to a low-pressure, low-temperature gas.

Compressed air: This newly formed gas then enters a compressor, still in the outdoor unit, which increases its temperature and pressure.

Condensation and heat release: Now a hot, high-pressure gas, this is sent through a coil in the indoor unit, where it condenses back into liquid, releasing the absorbed heat into your home or building.

Distribution: Once inside, the heat can then be distributed using a fan or underfloor heating system.

During warmer months, an ASHP can also operate in reverse and cool your space, absorbing heat from indoors and releasing it outside. 

 

Discover the Government grant that can support your spend

In an effort to support more households in upgrading their heating systems in favour of more environmentally friendly options, you can now apply for the UK Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme. 

One grant can be accessed per property, with grants available for: 

• £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
• £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump (including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops)
• £5,000 towards a biomass boiler

 

As you might expect, there are certain criteria to be filled. 

• You cannot get a grant for a hybrid heat pump system (for example a combination of gas boiler and air source heat pump).
• The system you install must meet certain standards, such as minimum efficiency levels (your installer can advise you on these).
• The system’s maximum capacity must be less than 45kWth – anything over is not eligible.
• You cannot get a grant to replace a low-carbon heating system.

 

For a free no obligation quote get in touch with our team today or call us on 01302 966169.