Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are fast becoming the go-to solution for low-carbon, energy-efficient home heating. They absorb heat from the air outside, even when it’s freezing, and use it to warm your home and supply hot water. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they can also offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional gas boilers. At Airkool, we specialise in installing and maintaining air source heat pumps that are expertly tailored to meet the different needs of every setting, keeping your home or business comfortable while also reducing your carbon footprint.
What Are Air Source Heat Pumps?
Air source heat pumps are a great type of low-carbon heating that absorbs heat from the air outside – even when temperatures are below freezing – and uses it to supply your home’s heating and hot water.
Air source heat pumps are just as convenient and cost-effective as gas boilers, with the exception that they run on electricity, not gas, meaning they’re a lower-carbon way of heating your home. For homeowners and businesses looking to make their property more environmentally friendly, this shift can significantly cut carbon emissions while still providing the comfort of a modern heating system.
How Air Source Heat Pumps Work
Air source heat pumps work similarly to an air conditioner – but in reverse. Where an air conditioner uses a refrigerant to cool your home, a heat pump has a reversing valve to provide heat.
There are two main types of air source heat pumps: air-to-air and air-to-water.
- Air-to-air heat pumps: Take air from outside and feed it into your home using fans. This type of system is a good solution for heating your home, but not for creating hot water.
- Air-to-water heat pumps: Take heat from the outside air and feed it into a wet central heating system, similar to gas central heating. This system both heats your home through radiators, underfloor heating and provides hot water to use in taps and showers. For a more detailed look into the different types of air conditioners, check out our guide on Types of Commercial Air Conditioning Systems
The Different Types of Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are generally divided into monobloc and split systems. Monobloc systems contain all components in a single outdoor unit, making installation straightforward and less invasive for smaller spaces.
Split systems, meanwhile, have separate indoor and outdoor units, which can improve efficiency in larger properties or where outdoor space is limited.
The right choice depends on the size of your property, your heating requirements, and your budget. Our team of experts at Airkool can guide you through this process, ensuring you select a system that delivers optimal performance while remaining cost-effective and environmentally responsible.
Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps offer a range of benefits. They are environmentally friendly, helping to reduce your carbon footprint by using renewable energy from the air. Maintenance is straightforward compared to traditional gas systems. With annual servicing, regular filter cleaning, and routine checks of the outdoor unit, an air source heat pump can last 15-20 years, and provide consistent performance for potentially decades. Many modern systems also offer the added benefit of cooling during warmer months, making them a versatile choice year-round.
Many systems also provide the added benefit of cooling your home in the summer, depending on the model. As well as this, air source heat pumps can be cost-effective, as they may qualify for government incentives such as the UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme. For tips on keeping your system running efficiently, see our guide on 7 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Maintenance.
Consideration
Before installing an ASHP, it is important to consider a few different factors. Proper insulation will create the most efficiency, while correctly sizing the system is essential for optimal performance and energy savings. Outdoor space is also important, as units need clear airflow to operate effectively. For more information on this, see our guide on The Importance of Ventilation in Commercial Buildings.
Finally, although modern units are relatively quiet, careful placement is essential to avoid potential noise issues that could affect your comfort or that of the other homes and businesses around you.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance is so important to keep your air source heat pump operating at top efficiency. Annual servicing by a qualified engineer ensures that your system continues to perform well and prolongs its lifespan. Regular filter cleaning and ensuring the outdoor unit is free from debris are simple steps that can make a big difference to the output of your system. For a comparison with other systems, see our guide on How Often Should a Commercial Boiler be Serviced?
At Airkool, we also offer comprehensive maintenance services to keep your system in top condition, giving you peace of mind that your system will continue to provide reliable heating year after year.
Why Choose Airkool
At Airkool, we pride ourselves on providing expert advice, high-quality installations, and reliable maintenance for air source heat pumps. We make the transition to low-carbon heating simple and hassle-free.
From professional installation and bespoke system design to ongoing support and access to the latest ASHP technology, we ensure your home or business enjoys efficient, sustainable heating. Serving Hull and Yorkshire, Airkool is one of the region’s leading air conditioning and low-carbon heating providers. Contact us today, request a free quote, or call our 24-hour helpline on 01482 371888.
