Why Choose Air Source Heat Pumps?
Air source heat pump technology has been available for quite some time, but it has recently emerged as one of the top choices for renewable home heating. These systems function by extracting heat from the outdoor air, which can then be utilized to warm up radiators, underfloor heating systems, or hot water cylinders. To grasp the concept, think of refrigerators; instead of cooling air, heat pumps reverse the process to generate warmth.
How Air Source Heat Pumps Operate
While an air source heat pump serves as a substitute for a boiler in heating homes, its operational mechanism differs significantly. Unlike boilers, air source heat pumps don’t generate heat; they simply transfer it from one location to another using the vapor compression cycle (or refrigeration process), making it more usable. Heat is absorbed from the air into a fluid, which is subsequently compressed to elevate its temperature. This elevated temperature is then conveyed into the heating system.
Electricity powers the pump. Its efficiency, quantified as the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP), measures the heat energy output per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity consumed. For instance, a SCOP of 3.2 implies that 1 kWh of electricity yields 3.2 kWh of heat energy.
As air source heat pumps derive energy from the ambient air, their efficiency diminishes as air temperature decreases. The greater the variance between outdoor air temperature and the desired indoor temperature (or hot water temperature), the lower the efficiency. Hence, comprehending the property’s heat load and the heat pump’s performance characteristics is crucial.
For space heating, underfloor heating systems are ideal, though radiators are also compatible.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
An updated Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) was introduced on October 23rd as part of the Government’s Heat & Buildings Strategy, providing a £7500 grant to eligible properties. Previously known as the ‘Clean Heat Grant,’ BUS supplanted the domestic RHI and aims to replace fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives, including air source heat pumps.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. ASHPs are a low-carbon alternative to traditional boilers and can fully replace them for space and water heating. They’re especially efficient when paired with underfloor heating or well-sized radiators.
es, but efficiency may decrease in very low temperatures. However, modern ASHPs are designed to perform well even in UK winters, especially when systems are properly sized to match the property’s heating needs.
