What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump, also known as an air-to-water heat pump, extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to water. This heated water can then be used to warm rooms in your home through radiators or underfloor heating. Additionally, it can heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your household’s taps, showers, and baths.
How does an air source heat pump function?
Heat from the outdoor air is absorbed by a fluid. This fluid is then circulated through a heat exchanger into the heat pump unit, where it is further heated. The heat is subsequently transferred to water, which can then be utilized for various heating purposes within the home.
The Advantages of Air Source Heating:
There are several reasons why air source heat pumps are gaining traction:
Energy Efficiency: Compared to traditional electric resistance heating or even gas boilers, air source heat pumps can significantly reduce your energy consumption. By extracting existing heat from the environment, they require less energy to produce warmth, translating into lower energy bills.
Environmental Friendliness: As air source heat pumps primarily use electricity, they boast lower carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel-based heating systems. This makes them a more sustainable choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
Dual Functionality: Many air source heat pumps are reversible, meaning they can also function as air conditioners in the summer. This eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, saving on both space and installation costs.
Is an air source heat pump suitable for my home?
Air source heat pumps are suitable for various types of homes , to determine which renewable technologies are suitable for your home, you can contact shenling and talk to our expert.
Before deciding if a heat pump is right for you, there are several factors to consider.
What type of air source heat pump should I select? There are two main types of air source heat pumps: monobloc and split systems.
In a monobloc system, all components are housed in a single outdoor unit, with pipes transporting water to the central heating system and a hot water cylinder located indoors.
A split system, on the other hand, separates the components between indoor and outdoor units.
The choice between a monobloc or split system will depend on your budget and available space.
Monobloc systems are typically more affordable and faster to install. They occupy less space indoors but may be slightly less efficient than split systems.
Split systems can offer higher efficiency because some heat transfer occurs indoors where temperatures are warmer, resulting in less heat loss.
What else should I consider when selecting an air source heat pump?
When choosing an air source heat pump, several factors require careful consideration
Installation expenses: The average cost of installing an air source heat pump is depends. and funding assistance may be available based on your location.
Since the investment costs for low-carbon heating and cooling systems such as heat pumps are still higher than for fossil fuel-based heating devices, financial support schemes are still necessary to remove the barriers to investment. These financial incentives can cover measures such as low-interest loans, grant programs, and tax rebates. They are often different for lower and higher income households. At the same time, the EU’s REPowerEU plan, which aims to get the EU clean of fossil gas, states that the Member States should refrain from incentivising fossil fuel boilers and direct these subsidies to heat pumps instead.
Subsidies for residential air source heat pump (air to water type)- details per country
| Country | Name of Subsidy & more info | Type of subsidy | grant (in euros) |
| Germany | Die bisherige Förderung des Bundesamtes für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA) |
Grants | € 15,000.00 |
| France | MaPrimeRenov and Coup De Pouce chauffage. |
Grants | Up to €9,000. |
| Italy | Fiscal bonus scheme. | Tax deductions. | Bonus Casa: 50% covered by tax breaks (A). Ecobonus: from 50% to 85% covered by tax breaks (B). Superbonus: 110% conditional to several primary renovation measures (B). |
| Netherlands | ISDE-subsidy. | Grants | €1,950–3,750. |
| UK | Boiler Upgrade Scheme. | Grants | € 5,804.29 |
Contact us to know more about the grants
Space availability: Not all properties can accommodate a standard air source heat pump and hot water cylinder. For smaller homes or those lacking outdoor space, alternative heating options should be explored.
The size of the heat pump. The size of the property. Whether it’s a new build or an existing property. Whether modifications are needed to distribute heat throughout the property.
Making an Informed Decision:
Consulting with a qualified installer is crucial before installing an air source heat pump. They can assess your home’s specific needs, recommend the most suitable system size and type, and provide an accurate estimate of installation costs. Additionally, they can advise you on any applicable government grants or incentives that can further reduce the financial investment.
By understanding how air source heat pumps work, their potential benefits, and the factors to consider, you can make an informed decision about whether this innovative heating technology is the right choice for bringing comfort and energy efficiency to your home.