Air Source Heat Pumps

air source heat pumps
An increasingly popular heating option for many properties are Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP’s). They are simple to install and can reduce heating bills significantly. Buyers looking to install one can also apply and receive money back from the government supported RHI scheme.

How Do They Work?

They extract heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts it from inside. Heat from the air is absorbed into the unit as a fluid. This is then pumped through a heat exchanger within the pump.

Low grade heat is then extracted by the refrigeration system and passed through the compressor. It is then concentrated into a higher temperature to make useful heat.

The heat generated is capable of heating water sufficiently to fulfill the requirements of the heating and hot water circuits of a house.

Product Videos

Mitsubishi Ecodan ASHP – Introduction

Daikin Altherma ASHP – Introduction

Air Source Heat Pump Installation Benefits

  • Lower fuel bills, especially if you are replacing conventional electric heating, oil or LPG heating
  • Potential income through the UK government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
  • The potential for lower home carbon emissions, depending on which fuel you are replacing
  • No fuel deliveries needed
  • You can heat your home as well as your water
  • Minimal maintenance required
  • Installation generally easier than a ground source heat pump

Key Selection Questions

When assessing the suitability of an air source heat pump installation you will need to answer the following questions;

Where will the pump be sited outside of the property?

For planning permission under permitted development rules it must be at least 1 metre from the property boundary.

Where will the hot water cylinder and / or hydrobox be located inside the property?

The space requirements for the equipment should be checked to ensure there is sufficient room.

Which type of emitter system will be used – radiators or underfloor heating?

If the new emitters are to be supplied then they can be sized to suit. They are selected to provide both maximum efficiency and the lowest running costs. If existing, then the correct heat pump needs to be selected to deliver the correct level of heating performance.

What form of control of the heating and hot water would be required?

It is possible to set up heating zones to different parts of a property. These can be based on both time and temperature control. Management can be either centrally or remotely by smartphone.

Powernaturally are MCS accredited designers and air source heat pump installers. From our base in Bournemouth, Dorset, we are able to carry out installations across the South West, focusing specifically on Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Devon. We will undertake full heat load calculations so as to correctly identify the size and appropriate heat pump. We can supply and install both the external unit and internal hydrobox (if required). We can also make all final connections to any existing pipework.

Product Options

Monobloc
  • ASHP must be sited within 10m of the hot water cylinder
  • Can be directly connect to hot water cylinder

Split System
  • Can be sited up to 35m from the hot water cylinder
  • Uses refrigerant to minimise heat loss between pump and cylinder
  • Requires installation of hydrobox for heat transfer prior to cylinder connection

Daikin Monobloc
Daikin Monobloc
Domestic from 5KW to 16kW

ecodan monobloc
Ecodan Monobloc
Domestic from 5KW to 14kW

Daikin Low Temperature Split System
Daikin Low Temperature Split System

Key Features

  • Cooling function available
  • High Temperature unit can produce hot water up to 70C
  • Cascade function possible for higher loads
  • Single and Three phase options
  • Online monitoring available
  • A lifespan of 25 years MCS approved installers

Key System Components

air source pump
Air Source Pump

split system
Hydrobox (Split System Only)

Heat Pump Cylinder
Heat Pump Cylinder