This is an extension from Friday’s blog which can be found here. Since the blog did well I thought I should continue my knowledge on Air Source Heat Pumps, simple supply and demand! Also if anyone has any more questions on Air source heat pumps then don’t be afraid to comment below and I will endeavour to get back to you with an answer, thank you my dear Sirs and Madams!
Installing an air source heat pump?
ASHPs look similar to air-conditioning units and are less disruptive to install than ground source heat pumps, as they do not require any digging in your garden so don’t fret, your Geraniums are safe!
There are two main types of Air Source Heat Pumps
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Air-to-air systems take heat from the outside air and feed it into your home through fans. This type of system cannot produce hot water.
In the summer, the ASHP can be operated in reverse, like an air-conditioning unit, to provide cool air for your home which is a helpful plus if I do say so myself.
Pros of air source heat pumps
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Air source heat pumps produce less CO2 than conventional heating systems. Saving the environment and your peace of mind
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They are cheaper than ground source heat pumps and easier to install, particularly for retrofit
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ASHPs can provide heating AND hot water.
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They require next to no maintenance.
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They can be used for air conditioning in the summer.
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You need to use electricity to power the pump which circulates the liquid in the outside loop but, for every unit of electricity used by the pump, you get between two and three units of heat – making this an efficient way to heat a building.
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Cheaper Economy 7 electricity tariffs can be used to lower the cost of electricity to power the heat pump and special heat pump tariffs may be available from some electricity suppliers – alternatively consider solar photovoltaic panels or a wind turbine (if you are in a suitable area) for a greener source of electricity.
Cons of air source heat pumps
- Their efficiency can be lower than ground source heat pumps.
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You’ll need enough space in your garden for the external condenser unit (comparable in size to an air-conditioning unit). Condenser units can be noisy and also blow out colder air to the immediate environment.
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You still need to use electricity to drive the pump, so an air source heat pump can’t be considered completely zero-carbon unless this is provided by a renewable source, such as solar power or a wind turbine.