An Air Source Heat Pump Can Help You Save on Your Energy Bills and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

If you’re thinking about switching from your gas or oil-fired boiler to a more efficient heating technology, an air source heat pump is an excellent choice. It can help you save on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

An air source heat pump moves the latent heat that exists in the air around your home, and converts that into usable heat for your home. They’re a low-carbon way to heat your home, and they can help you meet NZEB regulations.

Cost

Air source heat pumps, or ASHPs as they’re known in the industry, are a renewable energy technology that can help reduce your energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. They use electricity to boost the temperature of a refrigerant-filled liquid and transfer it to your heating system, which may include radiators, underfloor heating, or a hot water cylinder.

They’re available in several forms, including ducted and ductless systems. Typically, central air source heat pumps cost about $12,000 to $20,000 to install. Ductless systems, which are more commonly called mini-splits, cost around $3,500 to $5,000 per indoor unit installed.

If you’re considering switching to a heat pump, it’s important to shop around and compare price quotes from different contractors. Ask neighbors, family members, friends, and business associates for referrals to a good contractor who’s experienced with the technology.

The cost of an air-source heat pump depends on the type you choose, whether it’s a ducted or ductless system, and the size of your home. In addition, you should consider the amount of electrical work that’s required to install your heat pump.

Generally speaking, heat pumps use less electricity than your current heating system. This means you can save money over time and potentially cut your energy bill by a significant percentage.

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Some homeowners also combine a heat pump with a central heating and boiler system to create a hybrid air-source heat pump. This means that the heat pump provides the base load for your day-to-day heating and hot water, while the boiler only turns on to provide extra heat during particularly cold days.

In addition to being energy-efficient, heat pumps are a great option for homes that already have an efficient heating system but want to reduce their carbon footprint. They’re especially useful for homes in colder climates, where natural gas is expensive and electric resistance heaters aren’t a cost-effective choice.

Energy efficiency

An air source heat pump is an extremely energy-efficient way to heat your home. They use a refrigerant that absorbs latent heat from the air outside, and transfers it to a coil inside the indoor unit. This process can be used to heat the house even in cold climates.

Depending on the type of system, they can also be used to cool your home during the summer months. Some systems are designed primarily for air conditioning, while others are specialized for heating. Professional right-sizing and installation can significantly increase your system’s efficiency and save you a lot of money on your heating bills.

Air source heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient options for homeowners looking to lower their carbon footprint. They are capable of lowering a home’s CO2 emissions by more than 40 percent.

They’re much cheaper to run than traditional gas furnaces and boilers, and they’re a great alternative for homes that rely on electric storage heaters, oil or propane (LPG), or coal. You’ll also save a substantial amount of money on your electricity bill.

When choosing an air source heat pump, look for a unit with high seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) and heating seasonal performance factors (HSPF). This will give you an idea of how well the system will perform in your area.

Another important factor is a home’s insulation. If the insulated walls and ceiling are in poor condition, the heat pump will have to work harder to keep your house warm.

You can improve your system’s COP and reduce its life cycle by installing a newer heat pump with a better compressor and an evaporator that can handle a higher temperature range. Additionally, you can pair your heat pump with solar to further lower your energy bills.

Air source heat pumps are an excellent choice for homes in colder climates, though they can lose efficiency when temperatures drop below -20 degC. In addition, they can’t be operated during grid outages due to their need for electricity.

Installation

Air source heat pumps work by absorbing the heat from the air and pumping it to your home. They are a more efficient way of heating your house as they use electricity to boost the temperature of the refrigerant and transfer it to your system rather than burning fuel to generate energy.

They are a relatively simple installation as they use similar control and pipework to traditional boilers, but you should always choose a qualified and experienced installer to carry out the work. You should also make sure that your home is insulated correctly, as this will help to retain the heat and reduce any heating bills you might have to pay.

Your installer will first inspect the property for air source heat pump suitability. They will then calculate how much heat the property loses and suggest an appropriate size of heat pump. This will then be followed up by an efficiency installation report to ensure you get the best performance from your new air source heat pump.

The installer will usually offer a handover and explain the system and how to use it. They should also give you a maintenance package and aftercare support.

Depending on the type of air source heat pump you have installed, you may need to install other equipment to complement it such as radiators and underfloor heating. You may also require a hot water cylinder to store your domestic hot water if you’re having an air-to-water system installed.

You should also consider how much space your home has to allow for the installation of a heat pump. Monobloc systems require more outdoor space and existing ductwork to install the unit, while split systems need a lot of indoor space for the heat pump itself, along with any other additional heating apparatus required for your home.

If you are installing a monobloc system, it is important to check that there is enough room for the unit to be placed on the ground or roof and that any snow will not affect the flow of air into the pump. It’s also a good idea to check whether your HOA has any rules about the placement of outside equipment and if your home insurance covers the cost of heating with an air source heat pump.

Maintenance

If you have an air source heat pump, you need to keep it in good condition. This can help it to function properly and reduce your energy bills in the long run.

It is also a greener alternative to gas and oil boilers, so you can save on your carbon footprint. It works by converting heat from the outdoors into usable energy.

A well-maintained heat pump can last for up to 20 years, which is longer than the average boiler lifespan. However, like other HVAC equipment, your heat pump needs regular tune ups to protect performance and efficiency.

Your technician will assess the system and identify any problems that may hinder operation so they can be fixed right away. This will help your heating pump work at its best and avoid any breakdowns or failures when you need it most.

In addition, a technician will check the refrigerant levels and make sure there are no leaks. They will also clean the coils and inspect the indoor unit for any signs of damage or corrosion.

They will also ensure that the outdoor unit is securely fastened and that any anti-vibration mounts are effective. This will prevent any unwanted vibration or noise in the unit, which could cause the compressor to overheat and stop working.

Other common maintenance tasks for an air source heat pump include the removal of leaves and other debris, as well as checking that the pressure gauge is accurate. These can all be done by a qualified professional and are typically included as part of a yearly service.

It is important that any overgrown grass or plants are removed from around the external unit, as they can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to fail. It is also a good idea to check that the thermostats and TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) are responding correctly.

You should also hose the outdoor unit down regularly to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the refrigerant can circulate effectively and allow your heat pump to work at its optimum. You should also regularly check that the pressure gauge is working accurately, as a low reading can indicate that there is something wrong in the internal unit.