How do air source heat pumps work?
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are an efficient and eco-friendly solution for heating and cooling homes and buildings. These systems harness the energy from the outside air to provide warmth during the winter. Let's delve into how they work and why they are a great choice for energy-conscious homeowners.
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump is a device that transfers heat from the outside air into a building to provide heating. Unlike traditional heating systems that generate heat by burning fuel, ASHPs move heat from one place to another, making them highly efficient.
ASHP systems that are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a grant worth up to £7,500, must use water as the medium for heat transfer and include a hot water storage cylinder heated by the ASHP.
So how does an air source heat pump work?
Step 1: Absorbing heat from the outside air
The process begins with the outdoor unit of the heat pump, which contains a fan that draws in air from the surroundings. Even in cold weather, the air contains some heat energy. The air is passed over a network of coils filled with fluid that absorbs heat energy from the air.
Step 2: Compressing the refrigerant
Once the fluid absorbs the heat, it evaporates and turns into a gas. This gas is then compressed, which increases its temperature. This step is crucial because compressing it raises its temperature to a level suitable for heating indoor spaces.
Step 3: Transferring heat indoors
At CDS Electrical, we’ll mostly be using monoblock systems. In these systems, the air source heat pumps have a plate heat exchanger contained within the unit to transfer the heat from the compressed refrigerant gas to the water. Pipework from the home heating and hot water system is directly connected to the ASHP outside, which is usually sited against an external wall of a property. Underground super-insulated distribution pipework can be utilised to facilitate the installation of a monoblock ASHP some distance away from a property if the customer desires, with almost no negative effect on the efficiency of the system performance.
—————
Air source heat pumps are an innovative and sustainable technology for heating buildings. By leveraging the natural energy present in the air, they offer a green alternative to traditional heating systems, promoting energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.