How Air Source Heat Pumps Generate Heat
Throughout The Home.
ASHP work using similar technology as the ground source heat pumps (GSHP) but using the outside air as its energy source.
In the UK and Ireland, the outside air temperature rarely goes below -3°C. The heat, or energy, moves from hot to cold (2nd law of thermodynamics) and the refrigerant in the heat pump boils at very low temperatures of -30°C so the difference between the outside air and refrigerant create the energy that flows into the heat pump.
Advantages of Air Source Heat Pumps
for Domestic Homes
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) offer several advantages for residential homes, particularly in terms of energy efficiency,
cost savings, and environmental impact. Here are the key benefits of using air source heat pumps:
High Energy Efficiency
Efficient Heating and Cooling: ASHPs can both heat and cool a home, using significantly less energy than traditional electric or fossil fuel-based systems. For every unit of electricity used, they can produce 2-4 units of heating or cooling, making them highly efficient.
Reduced Energy Consumption: By drawing heat from the outside air, ASHPs use a renewable source of energy, leading to lower overall energy consumption compared to conventional heating systems.
Lower Operating Costs
Reduced Heating Bills: Due to their high efficiency, ASHPs can significantly lower heating costs, especially when replacing electric, oil, or propane heating systems.
Eligibility for Incentives: Many governments offer rebates, grants, or tax incentives for installing ASHPs, making them more affordable and improving return on investment.
Seasonal Savings: ASHPs provide both heating in winter and cooling in summer, eliminating the need for separate systems and potentially reducing maintenance and operational costs.
Environmentally Friendly
Reduced Carbon Emissions: ASHPs produce fewer carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil-fuel-based heating systems, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
Renewable Energy Source: By extracting heat from the air (a renewable source), ASHPs contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, supporting sustainability goals and helping to combat climate change.
Year-Round Comfort
Heating and Cooling in One System: ASHPs can provide heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, offering year-round comfort with a single unit. This dual function can be especially valuable in regions with varying seasonal temperatures.
Consistent Indoor Temperature: ASHPs provide steady, even heating, which can lead to a more comfortable indoor environment without the fluctuations often experienced with traditional heating systems.
Maintenance Requirements
The maintenance requirements for an ASHP systems is minimal. The filters can be removed and cleaned and after this is done at commissioning stage it should not have to be done on a repeated basis.
Other external factors such as ensuring the pressure in the heating and/ or brine circuits is regularly checked and the quality of the water will have an impact on the performance and longevity of these systems but this is no different to a conventional heating system.
We recommend that a service is undertaken of the heat pump between
every 3 and 5 years.
Design Considerations with ASHP’s
The Air Source Heat Pump unit is more efficient when positioned at the rear of the property backing directly onto the house, and it has to sit at least 300mm out from the wall. Daly renewables advise all our clients to work closely with their us and their architect in order that they specify low U-values and come up with an air tightness brief to make the house a low energy dwelling from the outset.
In our experience, our systems work really well in houses that are well insulated and air tight but they can also perform as well in older houses
as long as the air tightness measures are applied.
Technologies We Trust
We have hand picked the suppliers we work with. Having established long-term relationships has mutual benefit as we
provide feed back that contributes to their product development and innovation.
The training we have undertaken with all the manufacturers we work with means
we know their products inside out.
Our Main Suppliers
Cut Costs & Save Energy
Our advanced systems maximise natural energy use, significantly reducing heating, cooling, electricity, and hot water costs, making your home more sustainable and cost-effective.
We coordinate closely with homeowners, builders, and electricians to ensure seamless installation.
Our extensive experience includes retrofitting renewable technologies in existing properties, allowing homeowners to save up to 70% on heating costs. Whether for new builds or retrofits , we provide comprehensive solutions to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in your home.
Find out more about Daly Renewables and how we can help you with your bespoke new build or retrofit.
