Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps serve as a great alternative to conventional heating systems, as they enable you to generate your own heat and could help you to reduce both your energy bills and your carbon footprint. But what exactly are they and why should you choose one? Scroll down to read more and shop for Viessmann’s air source heat pumps.  

What is an air source heat pump system?

An air source heat pump can be a low-carbon form of central heating that moves heat from a natural outdoor element, such as the air, into your home when used in conjunction with renewable energy sources. They can take heat from outside in temperatures as little as -15 degrees and convert it into usable heat, with the help of electricity, to provide you with underfloor heating or hot radiators.

These appliances work by generating heat from the environment using a similar principle to a refrigerator, only in reverse. A fridge works by extracting warmth from the contents of the appliance, therefore reducing the temperature. An air source heat pump instead uses the heat from outside and brings it into your home.

For this process to occur, a fan is used to draw air across a heat exchanger (or evaporator). The heat in this air is transferred to a refrigerant circulating through the evaporator causing it to change from liquid to vapour. A compressor, using electricity, then compresses this vapour causing it to rise in temperature. At this high temperature, the heat is then suitable for transferring to the heating and hot water systems in your home.

Air source heat pumps have an outdoor unit that  is installed outside your home, the size you require will depend on the size of your home, the number of people living there and your heating and hot water demands.

You can find out more about these appliances in our guide to  understanding air source heat pumps.  

Why choose an air source heat pump?

So, why is an air source heat pump right for you?

Thanks to the highly efficient design and the system’s efficiency, these solutions can generate heat even when the temperature outside is as low as -15°C. This dispels the myth that heat pumps are only effective in warmer climates and they can continue to gather warmth even when temperatures drop at night.

As well as providing heat during the colder months, air source heat pumps can serve as cooling systems during the summer, too. With an air source heat pump cooling system, you’ll benefit from a versatile solution that can help you to enjoy comfort at home throughout the year, and not just in winter.

In addition, air source heat pumps can be easier to install than ground source heat pumps, particularly for retrofit, so if you’re concerned about messy installation work, you needn’t be. They also eliminate the need for fuel deliveries and storage, require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan. 

Can you get a grant for an air source heat pump  

The 'Boiler Upgrade Scheme' is a £450 million government grant aimed at helping to decarbonise UK homes. This will provide real a financial incentive to homeowners seeking to install the latest in renewable technologies covered by scheme.  

Design & Technology

In the monobloc version, all components important for heat recovery are located inside the heat pump. The connecting lines between the indoor and outdoor units are only filled with water, meaning such devices can be brought into operation quickly and easily.  

The specialist carrying out the work does not have to have a cooling certificate or a Gas Safe registration. Because most devices operate very quietly, installation close to the living area is possible.

Depending on the application, air source heat pumps can be used in a variety of ways. The Vitocal 150-A and Vitocal 151-A air source heat pumps are particularly suitable for modernisation projects, whereas the Vitocal 200-A air-water heat pump is more suitable for new builds. Compared to a brine-water heat pump, the investment in an air-water system is lower. This is because the installation of a geothermal collector or the drilling work required for the geothermal probe is completely eliminated.

The heat pumps are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, with outdoor installation being a particularly space-saving option. Only the control system and the hydraulic components are mounted on the wall in the house.