Air Source | Eryri Renewables Ltd

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

What are Air Source Heat Pumps?

An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is a system which absorbs heat from the outside air.
This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, or warm air convectors and provide domestic hot water in your home.
ASHPs can get heat from the air even when the temperature is as low as -25°C.

How do ASHPs work?

In the outdoor unit there is an evaporator (grill with fins), a fan draws air across it, latent heat in the air crossing the evaporator is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant within the evaporator, the refrigerant is now a gas.
Once it has absorbed the latent heat this gas is then passed through a compressor which in turn compresses (squeezes) the gas, this compression cycle of the refrigerant increases the temperature to between 25°C – 75°C.
Now the higher temperature gas is passed through a plate heat exchanger this is where the high temperature from the gas is absorbed by the primary water within the heat pump system, this primary water, just like your boiler, is used to heat the house or produce domestic hot water.

What are the two main types of ASHP?

An air to water system distributes heat via your wet central heating system. Heat pumps work much more efficiently at a lower temperature than a standard boiler system would. This makes them more suitable for underfloor heating systems or larger radiators, which give out heat at lower temperatures over longer periods of time.
An air-to-air system produces warm air which is circulated by fans to heat your home.

Where can I fit an ASHP?

ASHPs are installed outside your home.
The unit can be fitted to a wall or placed on the ground and will need plenty of space around it to get a good flow of air.

What are the benefits of installing an ASHP?

Reduce your heating bills (although an ASHP will use electricity, one kWh of electricity will produce several kWh of heat).
Cut your carbon footprint.
Heat your home as well as your water.

How do I maintain an ASHP?

An ASHP requires regular scheduled maintenance but you can expect them to operate for 20 years.
You are likely to be advised to carry out a yearly check that the air inlet grill and evaporator are free of leaves or other debris.
Any plants that have started to grow near the ASHP will also need to be removed.
To prevent freezing in a power cut Monobloc heat pumps require anti-freeze to be used.