Air source heat pumps are an efficient and low-carbon system for heating the inside of your home. Many people in the UK are switching to using heat pumps as climate change worsens.
If you are considering installing an air source heat pump in your home, you may wonder where to start looking. This guide will take you through the different types of air source heat pumps on the market and the various considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a heat pump.
What Are The Different Types Of Air Source Heat Pumps?
You can choose from two types of air source heat pumps: air-to-air heat pumps and air-to-water heat pumps. Your choice depends on your current heating system and specific heating requirements. To find out which system is best for your home, we will look at the features of both.
Air-To-Air Heat Pumps
Air-to-air heat pumps transfer heat from the air outside and into the air inside your house through a blower unit. These systems are very similar to air conditioning units, using a ventilation system to transfer heat around your room.
In order for air-to-air systems to run, you must install one exterior unit outdoors and one indoors. You can also blow cold air through these systems for warmer days.
Air-to-air heat pumps are better suited to smaller homes, such as flats, as the warm air dissipates quickly in a large space and becomes less efficient.
Air-To-Water Heat Pumps
Air-to-water heat pumps also extract heat from the air outside; however, they transfer the heat to a water-based system inside the home to provide heat for radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water. Most houses in the UK have a water-based heating system, so installing an air-to-water heat pump would be less complicated.
Air-to-water heat pumps run efficiently and reliably even through cold winters. They are the best choice for those who want a heat pump that provides both central heating and a hot water supply.
Both air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps are environmentally friendly, using renewable energy and electricity to operate. You can significantly lower your household’s carbon emissions and save long-term costs with either of these air source systems.
Factors To Consider When Buying An Air Source Heat Pump
Air source heat pumps are incredibly efficient and popular for most households due to their lower cost. There are several factors to consider before choosing the right air source heat pump for your home.
Consider Your Hot Water Supply
Air-to-air heat pumps will not heat your water, so you must find another method of heating your water supply. You can consider several options depending on your budget, hot water needs, and house size. Electric showers are just one example.
An air-to-water system is the better choice if you want a heat pump that heats your water and central heating.
Consider Your Budget
Price is a massive consideration when searching for the right air source heat pump. Aside from the cost of the unit itself, there are various additional expenses to think about, including installation costs, the size of your home (the bigger the house, the bigger the heat pump), your home’s insulation, and the system’s efficiency ratings.
Installing a heat pump into your house is no straightforward task, and you should prepare for the high upfront costs.
Consider Where You Will Install Your Heat Pump
An air source heat pump requires a suitable space outdoors to install the unit. You can either mount the unit on a wall or on the ground; however, it needs plenty of space and ventilation to extract enough air.
Consider The Long-Term Savings
The running cost of your air source heat pump can vary depending on the type of system, the size of your house, and the insulation of your property. In a well-insulated home, your heat pump can run efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills in the long term.
It is best to talk to your installer to indicate how much your system will cost to run based on the specific needs of your home.
How To Find The Best Air Source Heat Pumps
There are many types of air source heat pumps available on the market. After narrowing your choice down to an air-to-air or air-to-water source heat pump, it is time to start thinking about the specific models and manufacturers.
Each model offers different features, outputs, and prices, so looking closely at the unit’s specifications before purchasing is essential. If you need help finding highly rated air source heat pumps, you can find a list of the best air source heat pumps at GreenMatch. Here you can view each model and assess their features to find the perfect air source heat pump for your home.
This article was written by GreenMatch.
