The rise in alternative heating methods as well the requirements for homes to reduce carbon footprint has led to a number of options becoming available on the market. One that has become very popular is the use of an air source heat pump. At Greener Homes we are heating specialists with a number of years experience within our industry. In our latest blog we take a look at Heat Pumps – Are they right for your home.
What Is An Air Source Heat Pump?
An Air Source Heat Pump is a really effective and popular way in which to heat your home. They are seen as one of the best greener alternatives to boiler heating systems. An air source heat pump uses air as their main source of energy in order to work. They take energy from the air outside even when it’s cold and convert it into heat for your home. Therefore reducing and even eliminating your homes are carbon footprint.
How Do They Work?
Understanding how an air source heat pump works will enable you to decide whether or not it is a suitable option for your home. As an alternative to a normal heating system they are very beneficial as they virtually reduce all carbon footprint from your home. As well as being able to be used in the summer and also the winter.
The heat pump is installed outside your home and takes in air from the outside. Within this system is a liquid refrigerant which is heated by the air. This is then turned into a gas. Using electricity which is connected into the pump, the gas is then compressed which heats it up. This heat is then transferred into your homes heating system to be used for your radiators, underfloor heating as well as hot water.
Once the heat is then transferred to where it is required the gas then reverts back to a liquid ready for the next cycle to occur.
What Are The Benefits?
The rise in alternative heating methods is due to the fact there is more of an emphasis on reducing individuals’ carbon footprint. As with all things, there are a number of benefits associated with the use of heat pumps. These benefits include the following:-
Last Longer Than Boilers
Most alternative heating methods last longer than conventional boilers. This is mainly due to less stress being applied to them. Most air source heat pumps are due to last around 20 years. This is double the lifespan of most boilers within your home. This will be dependent on the amount of care and attention you pay to your system.
Efficiency
The main idea alongside reduced carbon emissions is for them to be more efficient for your home. By only adding heat into your home as and when required, this system allows you to reduce wastage.
Lower Carbon Emissions
Due to the way in which they work and the fact that they do not need to burn gas in order to generate heat, an air source heat pump is one of the best ways in which to lower carbon emissions.
Lower Costs
If you are switching from electric, oil or LPG boilers then you may see a reduction in costs. This reduction in costs comes from the fact that an air source heat pump is a very efficient way to heat your home, therefore limiting how much electricity it uses.
Things You Need To Consider
Before considering an air source heat pump, you also need to look at some factors that will assist in making this a more efficient transition. An air source heat pump works very well with homes that are well insulated. Be this from loft insulation to cavity wall insulation. This will enable heat that is passed into your home, to be trapped inside to better reduce wastage.
Other things to consider is also space. An air flow unit is needed to be installed outside against a wall in a position that allows good airflow. Ensuring that you have the space to accommodate this is usually the first step in the process. Alongside this, energy savings are something to consider, and will be more apparent if you are switching from coal or electric systems.
To Conclude
When it comes to choosing an alternative heating method, it is worth noting some are going to be better suited to your home than others. What is apparent in our heat pumps- are they right for your home, is that there are many benefits attached to this heating system. Understanding if it is going to be right for your home will take some research, but also some advice from an experienced heating engineer. At Greener Homes we are specialist heating engineers with a vast amount of knowledge in industry. For more information on our services please do Contact Us.