Are air source heat pumps efficient heating systems?

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are an excellent alternative sustainable energy solution to traditional heating options like gas boilers. While they have a costly upfront cost, they can save you significant money in the long run on your energy bills, as they use the air outside instead of fossil fuels.

How does an air source heat pump work? 

Air source heat pumps extract the heat from the outside air and transfer it into a building to heat rooms and or water. ASHP contains three main units, an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and a refrigerant. 

• The outdoor unit has a fan that draws in air from its surroundings.

• The air then passes over an evaporator coil that contains a refrigerant that absorbs the heat from the air, which evaporates into gas. 

• The evaporated refrigerant is then compressed, which increases its temperature. 

• The hot gas then passes through a heat exchanger where it transfers its heat to water that circulates through the building within pipes and ductwork. This then heats the building.

• Cooled gas passes through another heat exchanger, absorbing heat from the indoor ductwork and then returning it to the evaporator coil where the cycle repeats itself.  

How efficient is an air source heat pump? 

Air source heat pumps are more efficient than traditional heating systems. In fact they’re 400% more efficient compared to traditional gas boilers that are 90% efficient. This means that for every 1kWh taken in by the heat pump, 4kWh are produced. 

Air source heat pumps are measured by their Coefficient of Performance (COP). This is the ratio of heat output and electrical input. A higher COP means they are more efficient. 

Depending on the conditions ASHPs are in they can achieve a COP of 2 or 4 meaning they use 2 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used. They have a higher efficiency as they use free renewable energy sources. 

How important is efficiency?

All heating systems use energy, produce carbon emissions and cost money to install and run. This makes it critical that you choose the right option with high efficiency. 

Heating efficiency is important for several reasons, including:

• They save energy - When your heating system is at full efficiency it will waste less energy and heat your home effectively.

• Reduced carbon emissions - When your heating option is operating efficiently it produces less wasted energy, helping you lower your carbon emissions.

• They have a longer lifespan - Efficient heating systems are often built with better quality components, helping them last longer as they’re under less stress. This helps you save money on your energy bills and costly fixes and replacements in the future. 

• Reduced energy bills - Efficient systems use less energy, helping you save money on your energy bills. 

The benefits of heat pump efficiency

• They don’t waste energy -  Heat pumps use less energy than traditional heating systems, especially when they’re at full efficiency. This results in lower energy bills. 

• They lower your carbon emissions - Heat pumps are low carbon heating technology, meaning they contribute toward lower carbon emissions. By using energy from the air rather than fossil fuels they help combat climate change.

• They’re a long-term investment - ASHPs last longer than traditional gas boilers making them a more reliable heating solution. When you keep your heat pump well maintained it’s likely to last longer and help you lower both your heating bills and carbon emissions in the long term. 

What can affect the efficiency of an air source heat pump?

There are a range of factors that can affect the efficiency of an air source heat pump, such as:

• Ambient temperature and climate conditions - The ambient air temperature can affect the efficiency of an ASHP. When the temperature drops the ability to extract heat from the air lowers, in turn reducing its efficiency. However, modern heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in colder climates. 

• Sizing and installation considerations - Getting the sizing, specifications and installation right is crucial for maximising the efficiency of an ASHP. Undersized or poorly specified heat pumps may not heat larger buildings as efficiently. 

• The insulation and weatherproofing of a building - When heat pumps are installed in poorly insulated homes that aren’t properly weatherised the heat will be lost through walls, ceilings and windows. 

• Proper maintenance and regular servicing - When ASHPs are well maintained and regularly serviced optimum efficiency can be achieved. 

Installing a heat pump with Enula

At Enula we install a range of branded heat pumps including Samsung, Swegan, Panasonic, Hair and Aerfor. We want to ensure that there’s a future for the planet and everyone on it, which is why we help homes and businesses alike easily install air source heat pumps.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.