With the rising cost of fossil fuels, it’s no wonder that millions of families are looking at reducing their heating and hot water bills. The technologies we have used for years also produce too much carbon dioxide which is something the UK Government want to change to help us meet our climate change targets.
Now the good news is there’s a proven technology already being used in thousands of properties throughout the UK. It’s a renewable, superefficient and affordable solution but it’s one that you may not of heard of. It’s called an Air Source Heat Pump.
Just like conventional heating systems a Nice Heat Pump works with a cylinder that distributes the hot water throughout the house. It can be controlled by wall mounted displays, hand-held remote controllers or even via an App on your Smartphone.
Just like conventional heating systems a Nice Heat Pump works with a cylinder that distributes the hot water throughout the house. It can be controlled by wall mounted displays, hand-held remote controllers or even via an App on your Smartphone.
So what makes Air Source Heat Pumps so good?
Well it’s all about energy efficiency. For every 1 kilowatt of energy it uses it can create over 4 kilowatts of heat energy making it 400 percent efficient. Compare this to Oil, LPG, Electric or Gas heating, which at best can only achieve a 90 percent efficiency and you can see just how efficient Air Source Heat Pumps really are. The Nice Air Source Heat Pump maintains a constant ambient temperature throughout the home so it’s always cozy and warm. This makes it ideal to use with any type of heating system such as underfloor heating or traditional radiators.
So how do they work?
Scientists have calculated what is known as Absolute Zero, to be -273°C. This is when there is absolutely no energy about. Heat Pumps are filled with a refrigerant called R32 which has a boiling point of -51°C. The Heat Pump draws air into the pump which then comes into contact with the refrigerant and boils it.
When you boil a liquid you get gas. This gas is then compressed by the pump which superheats it. Much like steam being compressed from boiling water. The energy created by compressing steam can push a 600 tonne steam train down a railway line.
So with a heat pump, even if it’s -35°C outside there is still plenty of free energy in the air. The air heats the refrigerant and the refrigerant heats the water for all your central heating, showers and baths. As the Gas cools it turns back into R32 liquid which is then circulated around in the pump to be boiled by the air over and over again. The waste air pumped out is clean.
Heat Pumps provide all the heating and hot water you will need for any size, age or type of property, no matter how it is constructed. You can save money on your heating bills while reducing your carbon emissions too but more than that, you’ll be future-proofing your home for generations to come.
China Antarctic Research Team Kunlun Station
If you have a new building project, send us your drawings and we will tell you the correct size heat pump and depending on your chosen heating method, be it radiators, underfloor heating or heating and cooling fan convectors, we will advise you on what you need. Contact Us
Air Source Heat Pump Benefits
Improved Efficiency
For every 4Kw of heat that an air source heat pump produces, it uses only 1Kw of energy. This measurement is an example of Co-efficient of Performance, or “COP”. While the average COP for air source central heating is 3:1, traditional boilers only have efficiency rates of around 75-80%. And the older the boiler gets the lower the efficiency. If a boiler is older than 15 years the efficiency may be as low as 50% meaning for every £1 you are only getting 50p of heat. This is why heating engineers recommend changing the boiler every 10 years. Regular servicing of the boiler will not increase its efficiency.
Little / No Maintenance
Air Source Heat Pumps are highly reliable and require minimal maintenance. The average air source heat pump has a lifespan of approximately 35 years, compared to a standard boiler which has a usable lifespan of 12 years. What’s more, while a traditional boiler can lose up to 2% efficiency each year, air source heat pumps maintain incredible performance across their lifetime.
There is some maintenance that the owner can do themselves. It includes keeping the outdoor unit clean and free of debris. Other than this it is important to have your system serviced once a year. New Clean Energy will provide details of this.
What are the incentives for buying an Air Source Heat Pump?
The government is very committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and the negative effects of climate changes, so it has launched many programmes to help you be more sustainable for the future.
What is an Air Source Heat Pump and how does it work?
Air Source Heat pumps are devices that move warmth in the air from one place to another to heat buildings. This process works in low temperatures even down to -35c.
The air source heat pump consists of an outdoor unit and or a new hot water cylinder. This will all be connected using the existing pipework in your home where suitable.
Do I need to remove my other heat sources?
If your air source heat pump is sized and installed correctly it will deliver all of your heating and hot water demands.
However, an air source heat pump can run in conjunction with your other heat sources such as, wood burning stoves etc.
How much does an air source heat pump cost?
Every system is designed uniquely for each home. It is impossible to give an accurate price without a full survey of your property.
Can I programme my air source heat pump to operate automatically?
Yes the system will have full controllability from the thermostat, mobile phone or other connected devices.
How do I choose the right size of Air Source Heat Pump?
It is very important to have your system sized and designed by accredited installers.
Why does steam come form the air source heat pump on cold days?
There is nothing to worry about as this means the air source heat pump is in defrost cycle. The outdoor fan stops to increase the temperature and acts as a condenser to stop ice build up.
Are air source heat pumps noisy?
No heat pumps are not noisy. In fact, heat pumps are quiter than boilers. If you stand next to the heat pump at full power you will only hear a slight shush of the fan blades turning.
Can my air source heat pump work with existing radiators?
Yes the air source heat pump can be connected to your existing radiators, however some may need to be upgraded. Air source heat pumps can be connected to underfloor heating. We will check all of the systems compatibility during our survey.
What happens to my oil tank?
This can now be removed as you no longer require any oil to heat your home.
How does the air source heat pump save me money?
Although the air source heat pump still needs electricity to drive the unit, most of the energy required to heat your home and hot water will come from environmental energy.
What other benefits come from installing an air source heat pump?
With an air source heat pump, you don’t need to worry about a flue, oil tank or gas connections. Plus you wont need to pay in advance to store fuel.