Benefits of an Air Source Heat Pump

  • Added:
    Oct 21, 2013
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Electricity pylons at sunset
Electricity pylons at sunset
Photo by nayukim

When the winter months are approaching, people start thinking about heat and staying warm. There are many ways things you can do to make your home warmer. Everything from adding insulation to weather-stripping the windows and doors are excellent projects for the homeowner, and you can find all the necessary supplies at your local DIY store. It's also important to have a quality heat source to sustain you in the cold months. An air heat pump can keep your home cozy warm all winter, and cool it on hot summer days.

How The Air Source Heat Pump Works


Air source heat pumps perform one of two actions at any given time. The heat pump is either extracting heat from air or rejecting inside heat to the outside air. The heat pump works all seasons of the year even in temperatures as low as -15ºC. Heat pump units are most commonly placed outside of the home and then connected to the heating and cooling system for distribution. The pump can be placed inside the home if that is preferred and will work just as well. If you are interested in converting to a green-friendly alternative from traditional fossil fuels, heat pumps are great for the environment and cost effective. Installing the unit is fast and easy. Heat pumps are an efficient heating and cooling appliance for both home and office use.

The Primary Benefits Of An Air Source Heat Pump

1. A heat pump system provides significant energy cost savings when compared to gas or oil boilers, electrical heating systems, and other renewable energy heating methods, such as biomass boilers.

2. Fossil fuels have no part in the operation of a heat pump. The units are eco-friendly, and are a great alternative to heating with oil, gas, or LPG.

3. There is no necessity to store fuel. Fossil fuels require tanks and the fuel itself is combustible. Biomass boilers also require a considerable amount of storage space for logs or wood pellets.

4. No flues are required for heat pumps, as they do not create harmful emissions.

5. Heat pumps are very low maintenance. There are very few moving parts and the pump is similar in operation to a refrigerator. The expected lifespan of the unit is between 15 and 20 years. The compressor is the most critical part on the heat pump and the most expensive. Most companies offer an extended warranty for a reasonable cost.

How They Work
The air source heat pump works similar to the way a refrigerator works. Heat is moved from a cold place to a warm place. The heat pump uses several components, including a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator to convert the refrigerant from a liquid to a hot gas and also from a gas to a cold liquid.

Understanding The Basic Heat Pump Process

1. First, a low temperature liquid refrigerant passes through the air coils.

2. Air is forced into the unit by an external fan. The heat from the air is transferred to the liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant boils and dissipates into a vapour.

3. The compressor draws in the vapour, which causes the pressure and the temperature of the gas to increase.

4. The created vapour enters into the condenser or load side heat exchanger where it is transferred to water. The water is used to heat the home or building. The vapour releases a significant amount of latent heat to the water that passes through the heat exchanger.

5. The cycle repeats itself as the refrigerant, which becomes cold again at a still high pressure, is passed through an expansion valve to reduce the pressure allowing the cold liquid to once again enter the evaporator.

The cost of running a heat pump system is generally lower than the expense of running an electric or oil heating system. Much of the cost revolves around the area where you live and the energy prices charged by local suppliers. Of course your oil and gas usage will drop using a heat pump, but you will use more electricity. If you live in an area where electricity is expensive, the payback period will be longer and can range between five and seven years.

It's important to do all the research to determine what the best energy solution is for the area where you live. If electricity is affordable, the air source heat pump is the best choice for your heating and cooling needs.

Author's Profile

Sam Jones recommends that the air source heat pump has great potential for reducing the impact of rising energy bills


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