Air Source Heat Pumps

Air Source Heat Pumps – what are they and how do they work?

Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air. This heat can then be used to heat water, underfloor heating systems, or warm air convectors in and around your home. The key benefit is that they typically produce between 3 – 5 times as much heat output from the electricity needed to run them.

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside. It can get heat from the air even when the temperature is as low as -15° C. Heat pumps have some impact on the environment as they need electricity to run, but the heat they extract from the air is constantly being renewed naturally.

Solar Voltaics began offering heat pumps as part of its product portfolio due to demand from existing customers. Heat pumps compliment solar PV systems so well, because the solar PV generates electricity that can then be used to power the heat pumps.

Prime applications

Swimming pool heating

This is especially beneficial if the existing pool heating method is by oil or calor gas, as the savings in fuel costs can be significant. There are even bigger savings if the heat pump system is complimented by a solar PV system. Solar Voltaics are specialists in control systems to maximise the self-use of solar electricity generation for powering your heat pump. We can provide estimated running cost calculations to help you decide on the best options for you.

Comparative running costs for a pool requiring 40,000 kWh of heating energy per year. Based on heating a pool for 6 months of the year.

If the property has a Solar PV System then the savings will be even greater.

Warm air heating for your home

An air-to-air system produces warm air which is circulated by fans to heat your home. The system comprises a unit which is mounted externally and is connected to wall mounted units inside the property by a series of small insulated pipes.

This type of system is especially efficient for properties which have no mains gas supply, as the savings compared to oil or calor gas can be significant. It also has the added advantage that there are no fuel deliveries to worry about or the risk of running out of heating fuel.

If you are not connected to mains gas and are interested in heating your home with this method you may also be eligible for grants and funding under the governments Renewable Heat Incentive. Please get in touch if you would like to understand more about this.