Air Source Heat Pumps - How Do They Actually Work?

Any form of air that has a temperature above zero will contain energy in the form of heat. What this means is that heat pumps can use this energy to heat a refrigerant, which is a liquid that has a very low boiling point, that is located in an evaporator. This refrigerant then absorbs the heat from the air and then evaporates, which means that it turns into a gas. This is then passed through a compressor that increases the pressure and temperature. From the compressore, the gaseous refrigerant will then pass through a condenser. In the condenser, the refrigerant is condensed from gas and back to a liquid and this then gives off heat. In a system that is air to water, the heat will then be transferred to the water which can then be used to heat radiators or underfloor heating among other things.

With the energy released and placed back into a liquid state, the refrigerant is then passed through an expansion valve and that lowers the pressure further which in turn lowers the temperature. The refrigerant is then returned to the evaporator where it can then absorb the heat from the outside again. Both the evaporator and the condenser are heat exchangers. The evaporator makes contact with the air outside and then absorbs heat from it and the condenser, which is in contact with water, will then transfer heat to it.

If you choose to use an air source heat pump to heat your home and your hot water then you will need to have a unit that is located outside your property. What you will notice about this is that it has a large, quiet fan system that draws in air and blows  back the cooler air with some of the heat being removed from the air and transferred to the refrigerant. There is then a double pipe that links the air source heat pump to the house. One pipe is used to carry the heated refrigerant and the other is cool as it returns the refrigerant to the pump while there is also an electricity supply fitted to the pump.

If your air source heat pump is correctly installed then it will deliver heat to your home all year round as well as hot water. This will enable you to make significant savings on your heating and energy bills while you will also be helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

The right system will be designed to fit your specific home and that can see systems starting at a price of around £4,000 although the savings you will make on your energy consumption and your bills will make this an attractive option.

Furthermore, you will also be able to take advantage of the Renewable Heat Incentive and that enables you to receive payments from the government for the energy that you produce using your system. However, should you consider this kind of system, it is advised that you use an installation expert that comes under the scheme and is qualified to undertake all aspects of work.