Air Source Heat Pumps

Outside air is a heat container.  An air-source heat pump absorbs heat and moves ("pumps") some of this heat to provide hot water or household heating.  This can be done in either direction, to cool or heat the interior of a building.

The main components of an air-source heat pump are:

1. A heat exchanger, which extracts the heat from the outside air
2. A compressor, which acts like a refrigerator but in reverse and raises the temperature from the outside air
3. A way to transfer the heat into a hot water tank or heating system, such as aluminium radiators or underfloor heating piping

Air source heating has a coefficient of performance of 1:4, and costs a fraction of the running costs of traditional heating systems in Ireland today.  Because of the low consumption of electricity and minimal maintenance costs, there is a large energy saving in comparison to conventional heating systems.  In addition, this system heats, cools, allows dehumidification and provides hot water for homes, all in one and relies on a free sustainable energy source.

 
There are two main types of air source heat pump system:

• • An air-to-water system distributes heat via your wet central heating system. Heat pumps work much more efficiently at a lower temperature than a standard boiler system would. So they are more suitable for underfloor heating systems or aluminium radiators, which give out heat at lower temperatures time.
• • An air-to-air system produces warm air which is circulated by fans to heat your home. They are unlikely to provide you with hot water as well.

Air-to-water systems are much more popular, particularly for domestic situations.