Air source heat pumps
How do they work? Using various pieces of technical wizardry - namely an evaporator coil full of refrigerant fluid, a type of pump called a compressor and a heat exchanger - heat pumps absorb the warmth in the air outside and release this heat into air or water, which is then distributed around the home. Where do air source heat pumps work best? keeping heat in. Heating systems powered by heat pumps operate at a lower temperature than 'normal' systems, so they need a distribution system that delivers heat over a larger surface area. Radiators connected to heat-pump systems tend to be big, but not very hot. Underfloor heating systems work particularly well with a heat pump. But in all cases, improving the energy efficiency of your home first will help you reduce your heating needs and in turn enable you to run a smaller and cheaper heat pump. Integration with other renewable energy sources Although an air source heat pump can meet the heating and hot water needs of an average household, you may also consider a back-up supplementary system, for example a solar thermal hot water system; and a wood pellet, chip or log stove could be integrated well. Solar water heating may provide all your domestic hot water needs during summer removing the need to run the heat pump at all, and so saving yourself the cost of the electricity. Cost The cost of air source heat pump unit can range from £5,000 to £10,000 and will depend on the size of the property it needs to heat. On top of this is the cost of the installation and of additional works required to upgrade the distribution system (generally speaking installing a heat pump is not especially disruptive work).