Air Source Heat Pumps

Air Source Heat Pumps do not require any civil ground works and laying of underground pipes and so provide a significant advantage over Ground Source versions. The cost of civil ground works on Ground Source pumps can be significant and in many cases impractical.

Air Source Heat Pumps provide an alternative low cost solution for space heating and hot water. A typical return on investment against Oil and LPG heating systems the return can take as little as 5 years. For new build properties, it can often replace the need to connect the property to the Gas Distribution Network and its associated connection costs. Air Source Heat Pumps are also suitable for hot water and comfort cooling applications which provide a comprehensive solution for both domestic and commercial applications.

How does it work?

In the same way that a fridge uses refrigerant to extract heat from the inside, keeping your food cool, an air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air, and uses it to heat your home and hot water. An air-source heat pump has three main parts:

• The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the outside air;

• The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the heat pump and compresses the gaseous refrigerant to the temperature needed for the heat distribution circuit;

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

In an air-to-water system the heat produced is used to heat water, which can be used to pre-heat water in a storage tank or circulate through underfloor heating or radiators. Heat pumps produce hot water that is a lower temperature (typically upto 55°C) than standard boiler systems, which makes underfloor heating the most effective option. In an air-to-air system this heat is used to produce warm air, which is circulated by fans to heat a building.

Computer design of a home using an Air Source Heat Pump located outside

 

What options are available?

There are two types of air-source heating systems. Air-to-air systems provide warm air, which is circulated to heat the building. Air-to-water systems heat water to provide heating to a building through radiators or an underfloor system.

How much does it cost?

A typical 5kW domestic system, suitable for a well insulated detached property, costs in the range of £5,000 to £8,000 installed (ex VAT) depending on the works required and the heat pump model and features.

For larger properties such as large homes, and commercial premises, we use either larger heat pumps (i.e 10-15kw) or multiple heat pumps connecting to one system. Prices for such systems, as a rough guide, will be in the region of £1,200 to £2,000 per kw.

Access Renewables provide systems from leading manufacturers using only tested, certified products. We install systems according to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and in some cases we can access grants and interest-free loans.

For more information on the grants available, visit an area from the list above which most describes you. Alternatively, for help or assistance with planning a heat pump installation or to arrange a free quotation, simply complete our Quotation and Assistance form.

Some information from The Low Carbon Buildings Programme website (www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk)