An Ultimate Guide To Air Source Heat Pumps - Everything You Need To Know In 2023

Heat pumps are paving the way for renewable heating technology. These innovative systems are taking off in Irish homes and for a good reason! Reducing carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and minimal maintenance are just a few things you can look forward to with a sustainable heat pump.

Air source heat pumps are among the most popular, boasting affordable prices and easy installation. We recommend searching for the best air source heat pump at GreenMatch, where you can review the top contenders and compare essential features to find the right heat pump for you.

Continue reading to discover why you should consider installing an air source heat pump in your home.

What Is Renewable Heating Technology?

The growing significance of renewable heating technology is just one reason to consider investing in an eco-friendly air source heat pump. When burning fossil fuels such as gas and oil, you emit harmful carbon emissions into the atmosphere- the primary cause of climate change.

With the Earth warming faster than ever before, it is time to start thinking about our contributions to global warming and what steps we can take to reduce our environmental impact. That is where air source heat pumps come in.

Low-carbon heating systems are a stride toward powering our homes more sustainably. Rather than burning fossil fuels to generate heat, heat pumps transfer heat from the outside air to either water, which runs through your central heating, or to the air inside your home, similar to an air conditioning unit.

The Irish government is committed to achieving net zero by 2050, meaning that they plan to negate the emission of greenhouse gasses that are produced through human activity. The acceptance of low-carbon heating alternatives plays a major role in decarbonising home heating, and fossil fuel boilers will slowly be phased out.

Renewable heating technology is the future! Air source heat pumps are just one way to prepare for Ireland’s shift into sustainability.

How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?

There are two types of air source heat pumps, air-to-air and air-to-water. Each works in distinct ways and has its own factors to consider, so understanding their differences is essential.

Air-To-Air Heat Pumps

Air-to-air heat pumps are essentially air-conditioning units that can generate both warm and cold air inside your home. They work by transferring heat from the air outside into the air inside, warming the room’s temperature. Air-to-air heat pumps typically consist of two units, one installed outside your home and one installed inside.

They are relatively simple to install compared to ground source heat pumps, as they do not require any complex pipework. However, they do require a full ventilation system to run, which is fairly uncommon in Irish homes. Installing this system can add to the cost and complexity of the unit’s installation.

Air-to-air heat pumps are best suited to homes with a relatively low heating demand, such as small houses or apartments. The warm air dissipates quicker in large rooms, lowering the efficiency of your heat pump. Furthermore, air-to-air heat pumps are not a full heating solution as they cannot heat your water for taps or showers.

Consider your heating needs before investing in an air-to-air heat pump, and ensure you have an alternative way of supplying hot water to your home.

Air-To-Water Heat Pumps

Air-to-water heat pumps are a much more complete heating solution, transferring heat from outside air to your water mains supply that runs through your radiators, underfloor heating, and faucets.

The heat from the outside air is taken in by an outdoor unit and then transferred to a coolant. A compressor inside the unit increases the temperature of the coolant. Using a heat exchanger, the heat from the coolant is then transferred to a hot water reserve tank, where it can be circulated around your home.

Is Your Home Suitable For An Air Source Heat Pump?

There are several factors to consider about your home before deciding on the best air source heat pump for you. The first is the property’s level of insulation. It will be impossible for your air-to-air heat pump to run efficiently if all the precious heat in your home is flowing straight out the window, walls, or roof.

If your home is poorly insulated, you will want to make improvements before installing your heat pump. This can add additional costs that were not initially factored in, so make sure to adjust your budget accordingly.

Another essential factor to consider is the size of your home and your household’s heating demands. The size of your house can directly affect how efficiently your heat pump runs. An air-to-water heat pump would be the best choice for large houses with high heating demand. However, an air-to-air heat pump may better suit your needs if your home is relatively small and you have low heating demands.

You will also need sufficient space outdoors to install the unit so it receives plenty of unobstructed airflow. They are most commonly installed on the floor against the wall of your home but can also sit on a flat roof or attached to the wall if you are in a block of flats.

How Can You Find The Best Air Source Heat Pumps?

Now that you know which air source heat pump will better suit your heating requirements, it is time to look for the best deals! Plenty of air source unit options are available on the market, each one ranging in efficiency, size, and price.

To compare the best air source heat pumps on today’s market, make sure to visit GreenMatch, where you can browse through recommended systems and compare them to your home’s specific heating needs.