How do heat pumps work
Air source heat pumps are growing in popularity as an environmental and cost-effective alternative to traditional home heating systems. The first air source heat pump was built in 1856, and there are currently around 27,000 air source heat pumps installed in the UK each year.
As energy prices rise and government guidelines on carbon reduction are continually updated, installations of heat pump technology are expected to rise to meet the home’s energy efficiency demand.
How do air source heat pumps work?
Firstly, the outside air is pumped through a heat exchanger. Although it’s much cooler than the temperature inside your home, it’s still warm enough to cause a refrigerant liquid to evaporate and turn into gas.
Then, the gas pressure is increased using a compressor, which causes the temperature of the gas to rise – and the heat created by compressing this gas is transferred into your central heating and hot water system.
The refrigerant gas then cools and returns to liquid form, and the cycle starts again.
Will my heat pump work in the winter?
Air source heat pumps work at temperatures as low as -25 degrees celsius. Unlike water, which becomes a gaseous state – i.e. steam – at 100 degrees Celsius, refrigerant liquids can turn to gas at a temperature of lower than 0 degrees Celsius.
It is the heat created by compressing this gas which heats your home – so as long as the refrigerant liquid can be turned to gas by the air pumped into your heat pump, the heat pump will operate as normal.
Average temperatures in winter throughout the UK generally range between 0 – 7 degrees celsius, meaning your heat pump should remain fully operational, even in winter.
Is an air source heat pump noisy?
Noise levels from an air source heat pump normally register between 40-60 decibels – the same as a modern condensing combi boiler, the hum of a standard refrigerator, the sound produced by an air conditioning unit, or the low-level noise of a quiet library.
Where can I get an air source heat pump?
Heat Pump Life is one of the UK’s leading air source heat pump experts. Our comprehensive service covers everything you’ll need, from advising if an air source heat pump is right for your home, supplying and installing your air source heat pump, applying for your Green Home Government Grant and providing a range of finance options; followed by warranty-covered aftercare.
Our number one goal is to help you make the right air source heat pump choice and always be around to support you; our remote monitoring service means we’re on-hand 24/7 to check on your system, and our network of engineers are on standby should you need active support in your home.
We supply and install air source heat pumps from the most reliable and energy-efficient manufacturers, and our experts guide you through every step of your journey toward low carbon, energy-efficient home heating.
We’re here to help you manage all up-front costs by financing your heat pump system over 3, 5 or 7 years with regular monthly payments that wrap in your Government grants and cover all equipment and installation costs.
How do I control my heat pump?
Our heat pump installations come with the latest control systems, so you can manage your system from wherever you are.
Most smart thermostats are compatible with heat pump installations, and we also supply smart systems from leading manufacturers.