Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps do not 'create' heat, as would a gas flame or electric fire element. Instead, by simply compressing a refridgerant gas which has extracted heat energy already present in the surroundings, heat pumps are ultra-efficient. They 'produce' far more heat energy than they take from the electricity grid. They can produce 3-4kW out for an input of 1kW.

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside. It can extract heat from the air even when the outside temperature is as low as minus 15° C.

There are two main types:

• An air-to-water system uses the heat to warm water. Heat pumps heat water to a lower temperature than a standard boiler system would, so they are more suitable for underfloor heating systems than radiator systems.

• An air-to-air system produces warm air which is circulated by fans to heat your home.

The benefits of air source heat pumps:

• Reduce your fuel bills: air source heat pumps run on electricity, so there's no need to pay for gas, oil or solid fuels to heat your home.

• Cut down on wasted electricity: heating your home with an air source heat pump is much more efficient than using electric radiators.

• Save space: an air source heat pump system is compact, and requires no storage space for fuel.