Air Source Heat Pumps

We offer unvented Air source heat pumps installations  in Sonning Common, Henley on Thames, Wargrave, Caversham and the surrounding areas of Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.

Air source heat pumps are a way to heat your home that could give you a greener alternative to boiler heating systems. They’re low maintenance – and can reduce your heating costs.

Air source heat pumps use air as their main source of energy. They take energy from the air outside (even when it’s super cold) and convert it into heat for your home. Basically, they work in the same way that fridges and air-conditioning units do, just in reverse.

How air source heat pumps work

We will try to review the process in simplified steps:

• The unit absorbs heat from the air into a liquid refrigerant 
• This fluid is turned into gas in the process
• Using electricity, the pump compresses this gas, heating it up 
• This heat is transferred into your home’s heating system – your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water
• Lastly, as the heat transfers, the gas condenses back into a liquid and the cycle begins again

Benefits and disadvantages of air source heat pumps 

They’re low maintenance and are generally more environmentally friendly than the systems they replace. The main component used to create heat is air – a natural, renewable resource. But they’re not suitable for all types of homes, and it’s good to be aware of the pros and cons:

Pros of air source heat pumps

• They could lower the costs of heating your home – if you’re switching from an electric, oil, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or a coal-fuelled system
• They produce fewer carbon emissions than most boiler systems 
• Using air, a renewable resource, means they’ll help lower your carbon footprint – by how much depends on the fuel source they replace
• They’re very efficient – they run well without wasting much energy
• They typically last longer than a boiler – about 20 years

Cons of air source heat pumps

• The pump works best for lower heating temperatures – so they’re ideal for large radiators or underfloor heating
• They provide a lower temperature than traditional systems (so insulation and draught proofing helps with heating efficiency, to keep your home warm)
• Only homes with outside space can get one of these systems – but they could free up space inside where your boiler would be
• Some (usually older) models can have rather noisy outdoor fans. Although manufacturers are working on new ways to keep noise low – some are even quiet.