Air source heat pumps extract the latent heat from external air and transfer it into water at temperatures of up to 75°C. This water can then be used for space heating or delivering hot water. These projects can range from small units designed for individual dwellings through to larger, roof-mounted units which can meet the needs of large-scale buildings.
The technology is being supported by the government, as part of the electrification of the UK’s heating infrastructure and we have seen a range of air source heat pump grants and funding announced for both domestic and large-scale projects.
As complete systems can weigh tens of tonnes, installing air source heat pumps is a specialist area which encompasses specialisms as diverse as structural engineering, electrical installation, plumbing and operation and maintenance.
An air source heat pump is a type of heat pump that can absorb heat from outside a structure and release it inside using the same vapor-compression refrigeration process.
Air source heat pumps are by far the cheapest and easiest type of heat pump to install, but also have lower efficiency levels and are more dependent on fluctuations in the external air temperature. This means that they are often suitable for smaller premises and projects with lower capital budgets.
Whilst these systems are more self-contained than air and ground source heat pumps they are still substantial installations. Some of the units we have installed on NHS roofs can weigh tens of tons, so it is essential to take structural engineering into account when planning your project.
Air source heat pump cost can vary dramatically as they range from smaller, domestic units to larger, industrial units weighing tens of tons, but solutions exist for most types of project.
