Air Source Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps are accredited under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme as an MCS approved technology. This means as an MCS Accredited installer you are able to install MCS Accredited Air Source Heat Pumps and offer consumers The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Renewable Heat Premium Payments (RHPP). Air source heat pumps are also eligible under the Green Deal.
Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air This is usually used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, or warm air convectors and provider hot water in the home.
Air source heat pumps (ASHP) absorb heat from the outside to heat buildings. It is even possible for air source heat pumps to efficiently extract useful heat from air at temperatures as low as minus 20°C.
For every unit of electricity used to power the pump, 3-4 units of heat are produced, making it an efficient way of heating a building.
How much are you estimated to save?
|
Fuel Displaced |
£ Saving per year |
CO2 saving per year |
|
Gas |
£300 |
830 kg |
|
Electricity |
£870 |
6 tonnes |
|
Oil |
£580 |
1.3 tonnes |
|
Solid |
£280 |
5 tonnes |
How does it work?
In the same way that a fridge uses refrigerant to extract heat from the inside, keeping your food cool, an air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air, and uses it to heat your home and hot water. An air-source heat pump has three main parts:
- The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the outside air;
- The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the heat pump and compresses the gaseous refrigerant to the temperature needed for the heat distribution circuit;
- The heat exchanger transfers the heat from the refrigerant to air or water.
In an air to water system the heat produced is used to heat water, which can be used to pre-heat water in a storage tank or circulate through underfloor heating or radiators.
How much does it cost?
A typical 5kW domestic system, suitable for a well insulated detached property, costs in the range of £6,000 to £8,000 installed (ex VAT).
Is it suitable for my home?
What to keep in mind when considering an air source heat pump.
- You will need space on an external wall outside your house to fit the evaporator coil.
- An air source heat pump should cover the heating requirements of a well insulated property. Due to the lower temperature compared with traditional boilers, it is essential that your home is insulated and draught proofed. These measures will lower your heat demand and make the system more effective.
- Consider what fuel is being replaced: if it's electricity, oil, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) or coal, the payback will be more favourable than gas. Heat pumps are a good option where gas is unavailable.
- The type of heat distribution system. Air source heat pumps can be used to heat water that is circulated through radiators but under floor heating is more effective due to a higher efficiency the lower temperature of the air/water produced.
- Is the system for a new building development? Combining the installation with other building works can reduce costs.
- If you want to further reduce your home's CO2 emissions you can purchase a green electricity tariff or install Solar PV or some other form of renewable electricity generating system to power the compressor and pump.
The estimated costs can often be quickly covered by the Renewable Heat Incentive and Renewable Heat Premium Payments which can be offered by Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS Accredited) Installers who offer MCS Accredited Air Source Heat Pump Equipment. Air source heat pumps are also eligible under the Green Deal.
Book on to a Heat Pump training course today at The Easy MCS Academy or call 0800 882 4308 to start your MCS for Air Source Heat Pumps.
